Author: John Guilfoil

John Guilfoil is the Principal Owner of JGPR. Tweet @johnguilfoil or email him.

Update #11 (6 p.m.) Town of Winthrop Provides Updates Related to COVID-19

John Guilfoil Emergency Management

WINTHROP — Town Manager Austin Faison, Public Health Director Meredith Hurley and Police Chief/Emergency Management Director Terence Delehanty wish to provide updates to the community on the latest information and efforts regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of Thursday, Winthrop has 130 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Six residents have died, 51 residents have recovered from the disease and a 73 additional residents are in isolation with suspected cases.

A total of 11 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at Winthrop Pace EBNH, a long-term care facility in town. Two additional cases are confirmed in a congregate care facility in Winthrop. All of the people with COVID-19 in long-term care and congregate care are currently in isolation. No deaths have been reported in these facilities. Winthrop town officials have been in constant communication with administrators at these facilities to discuss plans for isolation and containment of the disease.

Public Health Director Hurley believes that many of the additional cases confirmed in Winthrop this month are due to people previously testing positive infecting members of their immediate family/household.

A television news out erroneously reported yesterday that Winthrop’s infection rate was the second highest in Massachusetts with 12,877.64 per 100,000. This incorrect, and a correction has been requested. Winthrop’s infection rate is approximately 742.98 per 100,000, placing it below the middle mark in the Commonwealth.

Face Coverings Required in Public

The Winthrop Town Council and Board of Health recently passed an emergency order requiring that residents wear a face mask or similar covering when entering any store, public common areas, public buildings or other establishments in town.

Click here for more information on the order.

Violation of or failure to comply with this Order is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111, Section 122.

Social Distancing Continues

The Town of Winthrop encourages residents to continue to practice social distancing — remaining at least six feet away from others, and Gov. Baker has temporarily banned gatherings of more than 10 people.

Social distancing has been shown to significantly help to minimize exposure, especially given that COVID-19 is highly contagious and people may be contagious prior to exhibiting symptoms.

Additional Guidelines

As always, if anyone displays symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should not come to work or school and they are advised to contact their primary care physician.

On Friday, April 3, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that all individuals going out in public wear cloth face masks as precaution in situations where social distancing is hard to maintain, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing is the practice of keeping at least six feet between people while in public.

Information about how to properly remove and make your own face mask can be found on the CDC’s website here.

COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, has been declared a Global Pandemic by the World Health Organization and has moved Governor Baker to declare a State of Emergency and President Donald Trump to declare a National Emergency. Governor Baker on Thursday also made a formal request to the federal government for a Major Disaster Declaration.

Stay Informed

The Town encourages everyone to stay informed regarding COVID-19. The following resources are recommended for the most updated information:

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Town of Winthrop Mourns Commonwealth’s First COVID-19 Death

John Guilfoil Emergency Management, Fire, Police

WINTHROP — Town Manager Austin Faison, Public Health Director Meredith Hurley Police Chief Terence Delehanty and Fire Chief Paul Flanagan issue the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened to announce that a Winthrop resident has died as a result of his contracting COVID-19, the illness associated with the novel coronavirus.

“You will hear from the media and from the state and federal government that the victim was an 87-year-old man with underlying health conditions. The latter is as irrelevant to us as community leaders as it is to the family of our departed resident. The fact is that this terrible virus has taken a life in our community, and that loss of life gives each of us pause and fills us with sorrow.

“We are aware that our resident is the first patient to die from COVID-19 in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We have one other resident who was diagnosed last week and continues to recover at home.

“We have been in contact with the family, and we relay from the family that they are deeply saddened and have requested privacy, and we ask that everyone respect their wishes during this difficult time.”

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Update #3 (7 p.m.) Town of Winthrop Provides Latest Update on Coronavirus Situation

John Guilfoil Emergency Management

WINTHROP — Town Manager Austin Faison and Director of Public Health & Clinical Services Meredith Hurley would like to inform residents that due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health concerns, Winthrop municipal buildings will be closed to the public to promote social distancing.

There is currently one confirmed positive case and a second presumed positive of COVID-19 in Winthrop

The Town of Winthrop activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 8 a.m. Monday, March 16, streamlining the COVID-19 response effort and ensuring the continued delivery of services to residents. Once open, the EOC will remain operational until further notice. The Town’s Emergency Operations Center can be reached at 617-539-5848 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., or by emailing COVID19info@town.winthrop.ma.us.

Federal officials advised on Monday, March 16 that the public should avoid gatherings of involving more than 10 people at one time, in one place. 

Governor Charles Baker also announced on Sunday, March 15 that all public and private schools in Massachusetts will be closed until at least April 7, and all bars and restaurants will only be able to serve takeout customers.

“We are asking all residents, business owners and community members to abide by these new guidelines that federal and state officials are putting forth,” Town Manager Faison said. “Everyone has a part to play in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and following these new guidelines will help in that effort.”

Local Winthrop Updates

  • The police department and fire departments are temporarily suspending all non-emergency walk-in services, and encouraging residents to contact the Winthrop Police Department’s business line at 617-846-1212 or the Winthrop Fire Department’s business line at 617-539-5813 with inquiries and non-emergency reports. Residents are also encouraged to utilize the Winthrop Police and Fire Department’s respective pages on the Town Website for non-emergency services such as submitting a smoke detector inspection request.
    • Residents are reminded to always call 911 in an emergency, and police, fire and EMS personnel will respond as they normally would.
  • The DPW will add cleaning playground equipment to its daily work list. Residents should follow social distancing guidelines and restrictions on groups of 10 or more people in the same place.
  • Residents are reminded that they can pay excise taxes, as well as many other transactions, on the Town’s website by clicking here. 
  • Senior center van transportation is no longer in operation 
  • The Senior Center has suspended its in-house meal program. 
  • Meals on Wheels for seniors will continue to operate, and residents who are in need and are not currently on the list to receive meals through the program can email Kdixon@town.winthrop.ma.us or call (617) 539-5848, with their name, phone number and address to be included in the program. 
  • Massachusetts General Hospital has confirmed their shuttle is still operating as scheduled. Please check the with MGH prior to heading to the shuttle.  
  • The MBTA has made reductions to its schedule. To view the changes, click here. 

Online Services for Winthrop Residents  

Municipal offices remain closed to the public, however administrative staff are still conducting business and providing online support to Winthrop Residents.  Many municipal transactions and requests can be completed online. 

 
Visit our Town website at www.town.winthrop.ma.us/where to:

  • Pay Current and Delinquent Motor Vehicle Excise Tax
  • Pay Parking Tickets
  • Pay Personal Property Tax
  • Pay Real Estate Tax
  • Pay Water / Sewer Bills
  • Order Resident Parking Stickers
  • Request a birth certificate, death certificate or marriage license
  • License your dog

Residents can report DPW safety issues online here.

Trash collection will continue its normal schedule.

The Superintendent of Winthrop Public Schools, in cooperation with its Food Services staff, will be preparing Grab and Go Meals to be picked up starting Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 27.  These meals will be prepared by our food service staff and available for any WPS student in need. Pick up location will be at the rear parking lot next to baseball field and at the loading dock area of Winthrop High School.  Pick up hours will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is no cost for any student. Food service staff will be available and on-site during distribution time to support the nutritional needs of our families.

Latest Health Guidance

As always, if anyone displays symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should not go to work or school and are advised to contact their primary care physician.

For residents that may be self-quarantined and require outside assistance or meal delivery, please email the EOC at COVID19info@town.winthrop.ma.us.

The Town is also advising residents to practice social distancing by keeping 6 feet between people. Residents are also encouraged to avoid large group activities and events.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.
  • Keep your hands away from your face.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.
  • Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.

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Town of Winthrop Provides Latest Update on Coronavirus Situation

John Guilfoil Emergency Management

WINTHROP — Town Manager Austin Faison and Director of Public Health & Clinical Services Meredith Hurley would like to inform residents that due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health concerns, Winthrop municipal buildings will be closed to the public to promote social distancing.

There are currently no confirmed on presumptive COVID-19 cases in Winthrop.

“The health and safety of our community is our highest priority,” Town Manager Faison said. “With technology and other adjustments, we can still provide our residents with essential services.”

The Town of Winthrop will be activating its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 8 a.m. Monday, March 16, streamlining the COVID-19 response effort and ensuring the continued delivery of services to residents. Once open, the EOC will remain operational until further notice. The Town’s Emergency Operations Center can be reached at 617-539-5848 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., or by emailing COVID19info@town.winthrop.ma.us.

This evening, Gov. Charlie Baker announced new guidelines for all Massachusetts residents to promote social distancing and help to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • No gatherings of any kind of more than 25 people at one time, in one place
  • All public and private schools in Massachusetts will close on Tuesday, March 17 until at least April 7.
  • All bars and restaurants will only be able to serve takeout customers.

“We are asking all residents, business owners and community members to abide by these new guidelines that the governor has put forth,” Town Manager Faison said. “Everyone has a part to play in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and following these new guidelines will help in that effort.”

Latest In Winthrop

Residents can conduct many transactions online.  Visit our Town website at

www.town.winthrop.ma.us/where to:

  • Pay Current and Delinquent Motor Vehicle Excise Tax
  • Pay Parking Tickets
  • Pay Personal Property Tax
  • Pay Real Estate Tax
  • Pay Water / Sewer Bills
  • Order Resident Parking Stickers
  • Request a birth certificate, death certificate or marriage license
  • License your dog

Residents can report public works safety issues online at www.town.winthrop.ma.us/department-public-works/pages/dpw-report-request

Trash collection will continue its normal schedule.

The Council on Aging will be making arrangements to deliver lunches to its members.  Meals on Wheels deliveries will continue its normal distribution schedule.

The Superintendent of Winthrop Public Schools, in cooperation with its Food Services staff, will be preparing Grab and Go Meals to be picked up starting Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 27.

These meals will be prepared by our food service staff and available for any WPS student in need. Pick up location will be at the rear parking lot next to baseball field and at the loading dock area of Winthrop High School.

Pick up hours will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is no cost for any student. Food service staff will be available and on-site during distribution time to support the nutritional needs of our families.

Latest Health Guidance

As always, if anyone displays symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should not go to work or school and are advised to contact their primary care physician.

For residents that may be self-quarantined and require outside assistance or meal delivery, please email the EOC at COVID19info@town.winthrop.ma.us.

The Town is also advising residents to practice social distancing by keeping 6 feet between people to prevent the spread of infection which includes handshaking and hugging. Residents are also encouraged to avoid group activities and events.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.
  • Keep your hands away from your face.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.
  • Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.

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Winthrop Police and Fire Departments Responding to Storm-Related Incidents

John Guilfoil Fire, Police

WINTHROP — Police Chief Terence Delehanty and Fire Chief Paul E. Flanagan report that emergency crews in Winthrop are actively engaged in clean-up and restoration efforts, despite the challenges of the ongoing gusty winds and rain from a coastal storm that arrived last evening.

More than 40 trees have fallen in Winthrop and more trees and branches continue to come down throughout the day. Some trees and limbs have come down on power lines. Cleanup efforts are being slowed by the continued high winds in town. Winthrop has seen wind gusts approaching 80 mph.

Currently, 17% of Winthrop residents and businesses are without power. Those without power are National Grid customers. The Town of Winthrop is in constant communication with the utility, but no estimated restoration timetable has been provided.

As of 10 a.m., more than 200,000 Massachusetts residents are without power. A Wind Advisory remains in effect for the entire state until 5 p.m.

From the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

A strong, damaging wind event impacted the Commonwealth overnight, with the greatest impacts in southeastern Massachusetts, and the Cape and Islands. The high winds associated with this event resulted in sporadic road closures and widespread electric customer outages (leaving several hundred thousand residents without power) due to downed tree limbs and wires. The most significant power outages are being experienced by National Grid and Eversource customers. The threat of high sustained winds will continue throughout the day which is expected to result in additional power outages.

Currently, local communities and state agencies are coordinating response efforts to manage the impacts from this event, and any additional impacts that may result from today’s high winds.

Important Safety Information from National Grid:

Always use extreme caution near wires and power lines—for your own safety, assume they are live and deadly.

If you see a downed line, keep everyone away and dial 911. You can also report it to National Grid at 800-465-1212. Repairing downed power lines can be dangerous work, so please drive carefully when you spot our repair crews on the road.

If you see a downed power line:

  • NEVER touch downed power lines or anything coming in contact with fallen lines
  • NEVER walk beneath overhead equipment, lines, or wires near a downed line
  • NEVER touch someone who is being electrically shocked
  • NEVER handle or cut utility poles

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Winthrop Offers Winter Storm Advisory Information for Residents

John Guilfoil Emergency Management
Winthrop Offers Winter Storm Advisory Information for Residents

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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Winthrop Offers Weather Safety Tips for Residents

John Guilfoil Emergency Management
Winthrop Offers Weather Safety Tips for Residents

WINTHROP — With temperatures expected to be significantly below freezing in the forecast for this week and the chance of snow squalls Wednesday afternoon and evening, Winthrop Fire Chief Paul E. Flanagan, who serve as the town’s emergency management director, is reminding residents to review and follow several key safety tips.

Town officials are continuously monitoring the weather and receive regularly updates from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. Further information will be released to the public as it becomes available.

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

While the rain/snow largely ended in time for the morning rush hour, untreated roads will be snow covered and slippery across interior southern New England. In addition, temperatures falling below freezing along the Boston to Providence corridor may result in some black ice. Otherwise, the main focus will be for high impact snow squalls late this afternoon and early this evening followed by bitterly cold wind chills. Will highlight the main concerns in the email and also attach a few images.

High Impact Snow Squalls Between 3 and 7 p.m. this Evening Along With Brief Strong To Perhaps Damaging Wind Gusts:

  • Scattered to numerous snow squalls cross eastern Massachusetts between 5 and 7 p.m. this evening.
  • Brief very heavy snow, near white-out conditions and strong to perhaps damaging wind gusts anticipated. Very hazardous travel for parts of the evening rush hour.
  • Snow Squalls last less than 30 minutes in most locations but drop a quick coating to 1.5 inches of snow. Very localized 2-3″ amounts can not be ruled out in the heaviest squalls.
  • Brief 40 to 60 mph wind gusts possible with the heaviest snow squalls. Localized tree damage/isolated power outages possible.
  • Wind Advisories posted for most other locations in southern New England.

Bitterly Cold Wind Chills Later Tonight into Thursday Morning:

  • Wind Chill Advisories posted along and northwest of the Boston to Providence corridor

“We are sending this advisory to all residents across all of our communications channels because we want to stress the urgency of the situation. Snow squalls can create very dangerous driving conditions with little warning, and extreme wind chills can cause frost bite to unprotected skin in a matter of minutes,” Chief Flanagan said. “Please remember to dress appropriately for the weather and watch for changing road conditions.”

The Winthrop Fire Department asks that residents follow these tips from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

  • Minimize outdoor activities for the whole family, including pets.
  • If outside, dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs during the coldest portions of the day
  • Be a good neighbor. Check with elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors to ensure their safety.

    Additionally, because of the extreme cold, other areas of your home and vehicles may be affected:

Driving Safety

Avoid driving during the worst part of a storm and use extreme caution during a sudden snow squall.

  • 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
  • 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.
  • Many 4×4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles. This means it takes longer to stop than passenger vehicles. Don’t get overconfident in your 4×4 vehicle. Be wary of your 4×4 vehicle’s traction.
  • 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.

Other Safety Tips

Increased fire risk due to unsafe/improper use of alternative heating sources or people trying to thaw frozen pipes with blowtorches or similar devices.

  • If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the area of the water pipe that might be frozen. Likely places include pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
  • Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame devices. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.

Possible increase in incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning from unsafe/improper use of alternative heating sources.

  • Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel, as well as alternate emergency heating equipment in case you lose electricity.
  • When utilizing alternate heating sources, including a fireplace, wood stove or space heater, make sure chimneys have been properly cleaned and devices are properly ventilated
  • Always operate generators outside and away from your home.

To view more tips from MEMA on extreme cold safety, click here.
More information on winter storm safety can be found here.
Learn additional tips on how to protect your pets here.

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Active Duty Winthrop Police Detective Dies Suddenly

John Guilfoil Police
Active Duty Winthrop Police Detective Dies Suddenly
Active duty Winthrop Police Detective Michael "Mike" Delehanty died suddenly on Thursday. He is pictured, above, riding in a recent Memorial Day Parade. (Courtesy Photo)
Active duty Winthrop Police Detective Michael “Mike” Delehanty died suddenly on Thursday. He is pictured, above, riding in a recent Memorial Day Parade. (Courtesy Photo)

WINTHROP — It was a deep sadness that the Winthrop Police Department announces that active duty Police Detective Michael “Mike” Delehanty died suddenly on Thursday after suffering a cardiac incident.

Detective Delehanty was 58 and had served as a police officer for 25 years and as a union electrical worker for more than 36 years.

Detective Delehanty was known as a strong yet gentle street cop with a fierce loyalty to the citizens of Winthrop. He earned a reputation for always extending a helping hand to anyone in need.

In recent years, Detective Delehanty served as the Winthrop Police Prosecutor at East Boston District Court. He was also a dedicated volunteer who was recently given a community service award for his more than 20 years of service to Winthrop Advocacy, Resources, Community (WINARC) and for organizing the annual Driscoll-Mahegan Track and Field event in town. He was a natural organizer and was the department’s go-to person for event planning and community events.

Detective Delehanty was the long-term president of the Winthrop Police Association, a member of the Winthrop Yacht Club, the Winthrop Patrolman’s Union and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #103.

He also earned a reputation as a “worker” in the department, often working long hours to ensure he could provide a good life for his six children and one grandson.

The Delehanty family has a long history of public service in Massachusetts. Four of the seven Delehanty children currently work in law enforcement, including Winthrop Police Chief Terence M. Delehanty, Winthrop Police Officer Sean Delehanty and Natick Police Detective Kevin Delehanty.

Visiting hours have been set for Monday, Jan. 28 from 4-8 p.m. at the Ernest P. Caggiano & Son Funeral Home, 147 Winthrop St. in Winthrop. A funeral mass will be said at St. John the Evangelist Church, 320 Winthrop St., on Tuesday at 9 a.m. with burial to follow at the Winthrop Cemetery on Cross Street.

There will be a police officers’ walk-through at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday prior to the funeral, followed by a law enforcement marching procession to the church and a second marching procession to the cemetery.

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Advisory: High Heat Coming Today through Thursday

John Guilfoil Police
Advisory: High Heat Coming Today through Thursday

A heat wave is coming to New England, and residents are urged to take all precautions necessary to stay safe and healthy.

Temperatures will be in the 80s today, but Saturday-Thursday will experience five straight days of temperatures over 90 degrees, with Sunday-Tuesday featuring temperatures that will approach 100 degrees.

The following information was released by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency at 7:15 Friday morning:

Beginning today and continuing through the weekend into next week

Heat and humidity will build across Southern New England, however at times there will be relief along the coast in part due to onshore sea-breezes.

Nevertheless, there is the risk with prolonged outdoor heat and exposure of heat-related illnesses, especially for people who are not wearing loose, light-weight clothing and/or are out in the sun for long periods of time.

Plenty of sunshine with a UV index of 9 or above, protection from sun damage is recommended. Highs ranging from the upper 80s to mid 90s. Heat indices as high as 105 degrees. High confidence.

For July 4

In addition to heat and humidity, there is the chance on the 4th for afternoon into evening scattered showers and thunderstorms.

As always, with cloud to ground lightning there is the threat to life. High confidence on heat and humidity, however lower with any inclement weather, associated timing and impacts.

MEMA Operations

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) at MEMA Headquarters in Framingham is currently operating at Level 1 (Steady State Monitoring).  MEMA will continue to monitor the forecast and will disseminate Situational Awareness Statements as necessary.

Preparedness and Safety Information

Stay Informed

Utilize Massachusetts Alerts to receive emergency notifications and information from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service.  Massachusetts Alerts is a free app that is available for Android and iPhones. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/massachusetts-alerts-smartphone-app.

Utilize MEMA’s real-time power outage viewer to stay informed about current power outages in your community and region, and across the state, including information from utility companies about restoration times:https://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html

Utilize MEMA’s live weather radar and forecasting tools: https://www.mass.gov/map-resources

Online Resources

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency at www.mass.gov/mema
MEMA’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA
MEMA Twitter: @MassEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.fema.gov
National Weather Service/Taunton at www.weather.gov/boston
National Weather Service/Albany, NY at www.weather.gov/albany
National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center: https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov
National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center:  https://www.spc.noaa.gov/
Mass211 at www.mass211.org