WINTHROP — Fire Chief Paul E. Flanagan, who serve as the town’s emergency management director, and Police Chief Terence Delehanty are seeking to make residents aware of the potential impact of a snowstorm that is expected to affect tomorrow’s evening commute.
Precipitation is expected to begin in Winthrop sometime after noontime, according to the National Weather Service. The town can expect to receive 4-6 inches of snow, changing to sleet and then freezing rain. There is a significant chance for slippery road conditions, especially during the early evening. Precipitation is expected to end at approximately 7 a.m. Wednesday.
Residents are asked to remove their vehicles from public roadways before the end of the Tuesday morning commute. The town is expected to declare an snow emergency.
The National Weather Service has provided the following forecast information concerning snow squalls and strong winds that may impact this afternoon’s commute, and extreme cold tonight into tomorrow.
From the National Weather Service
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Winthrop.
A quick bout of snow with potential 1 inch per hour snowfall rates, mixing with and changing over to sleet yielding storm-total snow / sleet accumulations of 1 to 4 inches before changing over to freezing rain, later over to rain. Most of the snow / sleet accumulations occurring at the height of the Tuesday rush hour.
What / Where / When …
Onset snow transitioning to a wintry mix of mostly sleet to freezing rain across interior Southern New England, while along the coast, transitioning to sleet before mixing with and changing over to rain.
Beginning around noon Tuesday, ending early- to mid-morning Wednesday.
Biggest concern are the impacts for the Tuesday afternoon into evening commute.
Hazardous travel conditions with slick roadways, especially if left untreated. Reductions in visibility with any snow and / or sleet.
Potential for snowfall rates of around 1″ per hour for a brief period before mixing with sleet.
Driving Safety
- Avoid driving during the worst part of a storm
- Always clear snow and ice from windows, lights, the hood and the roof before driving.
- Leave plenty of room for stopping.
- Don’t try to out drive the conditions. Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.
- Know the current road conditions. Call 511 from your cell phone or 617-986-5511 from either your cell phone or landline phone for updates on road conditions.
- Brake early and correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
- Don’t use “cruise control” driving in wintry conditions. Even roads that look clear can have sudden slippery spots. Using your brake on these spots will deactivate cruise control, possibly causing you to lose control of your vehicle.
- Look further ahead in traffic than normal.
- Trucks are heavier than cars, making their brake time slower. Avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
- Don’t crowd the plow. Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows. Stay back at least 200 feet and don’t pass on the right.
- Remember to slow down and always wear your seat belt.
- Let others know your destination, route and expected travel times.
- Allow for extra travel time.
- Drive with your headlights on at all times to see and be seen.
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