The first snowstorm of the year hit early Friday morning, surpassing all expectations, dropping more than double the amount of snow that was forecasted for the North Shore, which tested the preparedness of local public-works departments.
It was a test that most seemed to pass, with Department of Public Works (DPW) directors throughout the area saying that the storm did not present many challenges for their crews. While many residents woke up to a foot of snow — when they were expecting three to six inches — roads were largely cleared by mid-afternoon.
“Today’s event was sudden and quite interesting,” said Arthur Francis, a meteorologist and climate consultant for Salem State University.
The first significant snow of the event swept into the area at 3:30 a.m. Friday, Francis said, and was associated with a fast-moving storm that had intensified rapidly. The storm was not the usual nor’easter, since there was little wind, the Salem resident said.
Bands of snow quickly moved across the area with some exceptionally strong bands going over Salem, said Francis. By late Friday afternoon he measured 12 inches of snow. Fortunately, Francis said, the snow had a low water content and was light and fluffy, making it easy to remove from walkways.
Saturday will be partly cloudy, with much colder temperatures in the teens, said Francis.
LYNN
In Lynn, the first major snowstorm of the year brought no major accidents or power outages to the city.
Lisa Nerich, DPW associate commissioner, said the city received up to 11 inches of snow.
“The parking ban went into effect on Thursday at 3 p.m. and was lifted at 4 p.m. on Friday,” said Nerich. “The sanding-salting operation started on Thursday at 11 p.m. and coincided with a plowing operation throughout the night.”
No issues of icy roads had been reported as of Friday evening, she said.
Snow plows deployed to their assigned 28 locations and four main arterial plow routes throughout the city.
Multiple cars were towed for not following the parking ban that was in effect throughout the storm, but Nerich said that the operation was a success.
“With aging fleet equipment, the DPW crew and snow-plow contractors were able to get the job done,” said Nerich. “We all need to work together as a community.”
LYNNFIELD
Lynnfield had about 40 pieces of equipment working on the town streets, said Director of Public Works John Tomasz.
Lynnfield DPW employees started work at 2 a.m. Friday morning, and about 20 contractors plowed snow starting at 5 a.m.
“It’s gone really well for the first storm,” Tomasz said.
MARBLEHEAD
Only a couple of minor car accidents happened in Marblehead on Friday, said Fire Capt. Greg McLaughlin.
NAHANT
Nahant Town Administrator Antonio Barletta said Friday afternoon that the town’s snow-plow drivers were doing a phenomenal job and that there were not any serious issues stemming from the storm.
“Obviously the forecast changed this morning around 5 a.m and increased the totals to eight to 12 inches on the forecast, so we shut down Town Hall and activated our EOC — our emergency operating center — and our non-emergency hotline,” said Barletta.
Barletta added that DPW drivers were keeping the roads clear and were keeping up with the storm very well.
PEABODY
Peabody Fire Chief Joe Daly said Friday evening that there had been no reported accidents in the city during the storm. No power outages had been reported by the Police Department and there had been no issues of icing or de-icing problems in the streets and roads.
Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. urged patience as the snow plows continued to do their jobs.
“Removing snow and ice from Peabody’s 170 miles of public roads is a formidable task,” said Bettencourt. “It involves coordination of private and city-owned plows, mechanics, dispatchers, and route supervisors. The hours can be very long, with operations conducted during the most severe weather and driving conditions. We realize that an operation of such size and complexity is bound to generate complaints and requests for additional service.”
Plowing is expected to continue on Saturday.
REVERE
In Revere, the DPW released a statement, which stated that 62 snow-removal operators were out working to clean up the snow. Forty were contracted workers and 22 were workers from the city.
The plows began pre-treating the roads at midnight and were deployed at 3 a.m on Friday.
There was no increase in contracts or workforce this year compared to last year. No major accidents were reported.
As of Friday evening, there were no reported issues in regards to de-icing the roads and streets of the city. The city’s parking ban was lifted at 2 p.m. on Friday.
SAUGUS
In Saugus, salting began at 1 a.m., with snow beginning to fall at an increased rate at 4:30 a.m.
The plows returned from the roads at 6 a.m., but went back out later for another two to four hours, according to Town Manager Scott Crabtree.
Crabtree said the DPW was expecting very cold temperatures on Friday night and Saturday.
“Roads seem to be in reasonable condition currently to allow drivers to get where they need to go,” he said. “However, use caution.”
SWAMPSCOTT
The Swampscott DPW had a good jump on things, said Gino Cresta, director of the department.
His crew went out at 4 a.m. Friday, first salting the roadways. At around 5.30 a.m., DPW workers started to plow the snow full force, and were joined by contractors at 6 a.m.
“We are in decent shape right now,” said Cresta early Friday afternoon.
Cresta reported no breakdowns or major accidents, except a couple of trucks getting stuck in the snow banks.
“It was a good one, because it was nice and light, fluffy snow,” said Cresta. “It was a good practice round for us to start the year.”
No car accidents occurred in Swampscott during the snowstorm, said Fire Chief Graham Archer.
