(Audio) North Shore Communities Bracing for Snow

PARKING BAN

Due to the snowstorm forecast for the region, an emergency parking ban has been declared tonight, Wednesday, December 16 beginning at 6 PM through 6 PM on Thursday, December 17. The winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow, gusty winds and minor coastal flooding late Wednesday into Thursday afternoon.

Parking is available at all municipal and school parking lots but it is at your own risk. Due to the possibility of minor coastal flooding parking WILL NOT be available in the lower lot at Gloucester High School.  All vehicles will need to be removed from off street parking areas by 6 PM Thursday, December 17, 2020.

All residents and businesses are reminded that they are responsible for clearing snow from sidewalks adjacent to their property. Please make every effort to shovel out hydrants at, or, near your homes, and please check on your elderly and disabled. Your cooperation during this parking ban is necessary for efficient and safe snow removal efforts.

Updates will be shared on the City of Gloucester website and social media pages, so please visit: www.gloucester-ma.gov.

GLOUCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND CITY OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17

Due to the expected inclement weather and hazardous road conditions all Gloucester public schools, school administration and city offices will be closed on Thursday, December 17.  All schools and city offices will reopen at normal business hours on Friday, December 18.

TRASH COLLECTION CANCELLED ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17

Trash will not be collected on Thursday, December 17 and will resume on a holiday schedule/one-day delay on Friday, December 18.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

If you are in danger, call 911 for immediate assistance. Emergency teams are prepared to assist anyone in need so call 911 right away.  We remind all to take caution while traveling and to make safety your top priority.  Thank you for your assistance and please use 911 for any emergency needs. Stay safe!

POWER OUTAGES

National Grid has been preparing for power outages in different areas across the North Shore, including Gloucester. If any outages do occur in your area, it is imperative that they be reported via the National Grid Customer Service or Outage Reporting phone lines as listed below. Every outage phone call that we receive is logged into our outage tracking system and better enables us to pinpoint the location of the issue. The sooner National Grid can identify the location of the issue, the quicker a response can be sent.

• The Customer Service Line is: 1-800-322-3223
• The Outage Reporting Line is: 1-800-465-1212

REMINDERS/ SAFETY INFORMATION

• Flood safety tips: http://www.mass.gov/index.php/service-details/flood-safety-tips
• Storm preparedness and safety information: http://www.mass.gov/index.php/service-details/winter-storm-safety-tips
• Power outage preparedness and safety information: http://www.mass.gov/index.php/service-details/power-outage-safety-tips
• Safety and preparedness tips for extreme cold: http://www.mass.gov/index.php/service-details/extreme-cold-safety-tips
• Winter safety tips for pets: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/winter-pet-safety-tips

Trash/Recycling Will Not Be Collected on Thursday, December 17, 2020