City of Worcester, MA

Residents Advised to Take Precautions as Crews Respond to Storm

For Immediate Release: 12/23/2022 12:38 pm

WORCESTER, Mass. – City officials continue to monitor the ongoing winter storm, and the Department of Public Works & Parks (DPW&P) is prepared to respond appropriately based on changing conditions. High winds and heavy rain are expected to give way to freezing temperatures and icy conditions this evening, with the cold lasting through the weekend.

DPW&P deployed storm crews overnight Thursday and into Friday, and they will begin treating roads as soon as the rain ceases to prevent them from freezing and creating hazardous conditions. The rain is currently forecasted to conclude at 4 p.m., so DPW&P trucks will likely be on the road during the afternoon commute. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and patience to allow crews to work.

With the forecast for high winds throughout the day on Friday, residents are advised to take necessary precautions, avoiding any downed power lines, looking out for fallen tree branches and other debris in sidewalks and roadways, and bringing recycling bins, trash barrels, and other loose items indoors as soon as they are able. Recycling and trash receptacles can blow into the street due to high winds, and the eventual frigid temperatures can cause them to become brittle and crack.

The following safety tips are recommended as freezing temperatures arrive tonight and make for a bitterly cold Christmas weekend:

• Dress in layers and stay dry
• Avoid outdoor exposure for extended periods and cover exposed skin
• Watch for frostbite, which can develop in under a minute in extreme cold
• Keep pets indoors and check paws for signs of injury/damage
• Take steps to prevent pipes from freezing, which can be found at worcesterma.gov/water-sewer
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for heating your house with a space heater. Keep 3 feet of space around the space heater, and use a dedicated outlet.
• Check on neighbors and elders
• Keep an emergency supply kit in your car

Worcester’s Homeless Outreach Team and Quality of Life Team have been connecting with members of the homeless community regarding shelter and other services. Unhoused individuals in need of a warm space this weekend can go to the SMOC shelter at 25 Queen St. and the temporary shelter at Blessed Sacrament Church’s Phelan Center at 551 Pleasant St.

Storm-related updates will be posted on Worcester 311’s social media channels (twitter.com/worcester311 and facebook.com/worcester311). Residents can also sign up for emergency notifications through ALERTWorcester at public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BFC691572170.

For any questions or service requests, residents should contact Worcester 311 by dialing 3-1-1, emailing 311@worcesterma.gov, or visiting worcesterma.gov/311. Downed power lines and outages should be reported to National Grid at 800-465-1212. In an emergency, residents are advised to call 911.

More winter weather safety/preparation tips are available at ready.gov/winter-weather.