Biggest storm yet hits twin state valley

In Springfield, Chief Doug Johnston said that as of early that afternoon, the Springfield Police Department had only responded to “little fender benders” and no serious weather-related incidents.


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2017-02-10 / Front Page Print article Print 2017-02-10 / Front Page Print article Print Biggest storm yet hits twin state valley By TORY JONES toryb@eagletimes.com A Claremont Department of Public Works plow truck heads down Broad Street in Claremont. — TORY JONES A Claremont Department of Public Works plow truck heads down Broad Street in Claremont. — TORY JONES CLAREMONT — With an anticipated 10-12 inches of snowfall — and already more than six inches in some areas by noon on Thursday — local police departments and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu are asking drivers to take extra precautions on the roads. In Claremont, police had responded to two reportable accidents with no serious injuries since the snowstorm started early Thursday morning, Claremont Police Chief Mark Chase said at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9. “We encourage everyone to stay home if they can, and only travel if they really need to,” Chase said If residents must go out, he asked that they take precautions and be prepared. “We’re only halfway through it,” he said. In Springfield, Chief Doug Johnston said that as of early that afternoon, the Springfield Police Department had only responded to “little fender benders” and no serious weather-related incidents. In a statement issued on Thursday, the governor also urged all residents to proceed with caution when traveling throughout New Hampshire. “The Department of Transportation, Homeland Security, and Emergency Management officials are working monitoring the situation and providing assistance to towns and communities throughout the state as needed,” he said. A winter storm warning has been extended through 10 p.m. to all counties except Coos, according to the governor’s statement. For those who need to drive in Thursday’s snowstorm, the greatest concern is for white out conditions caused by light fluffy snow, combined with wind gusts and high rates of snowfall, according to the governor. The Vermont State Police also cautioned travelers to slow down on Thursday morning, due to conditions. VSP had no accident reports yet as of about 1 p.m., but did respond to three motor vehicle crashes on Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Fairlee, Thetford and Norwich, all attributed to slush, wet roads and ice. The New Hampshire Department of Transportation recommended that New HAmpshire residents avoid driving when possible. If travel is necessary, and also for safety at home during this and future snowstorms, NHDOT suggested taking the following precautions: — Leave early, drive slowly, leave extra room between the vehicle and other vehicles on the road, expect reduced speeds, give road crews and plows plenty of space, and let someone know when you are leaving and where you are going. — Have an emergency kit in your vehicle, including at least some water, food, blankets, and a flashlight. — When using generators, follow manufacturer’s instructions. — At home, keep exhaust vents and house exits clear of snow and ice. — Clear snow from around hydrants. — Be good neighbors and check on friends, family and anyone close by who may have medical or other needs. The weather system, which the National Weather Service is calling a “powerful storm,” is expected to last until 7 p.m. Thursday with blowing snow and limited visibility leading to dangerous travel conditions, according to a NWS Winter Storm Warning issued Thursday morning for the Sullivan County area. For additional information on the available emergency preparedness resources, visit www.readynh.gov. By TORY JONES toryb@eagletimes.com A Claremont Department of Public Works plow truck heads down Broad Street in Claremont. — TORY JONES A Claremont Department of Public Works plow truck heads down Broad Street in Claremont. — TORY JONES CLAREMONT — With an anticipated 10-12 inches of snowfall — and already more than six inches in some areas by noon on Thursday — local police departments and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu are asking drivers to take extra precautions on the roads. In Claremont, police had responded to two reportable accidents with no serious injuries since the snowstorm started early Thursday morning, Claremont Police Chief Mark Chase said at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9. “We encourage everyone to stay home if they can, and only travel if they really need to,” Chase said If residents must go out, he asked that they take precautions and be prepared. “We’re only halfway through it,” he said. In Springfield, Chief Doug Johnston said that as of early that afternoon, the Springfield Police Department had only responded to “little fender benders” and no serious weather-related incidents. In a statement issued on Thursday, the governor also urged all residents to proceed with caution when traveling throughout New Hampshire. “The Department of Transportation, Homeland Security, and Emergency Management officials are working monitoring the situation and providing assistance to towns and communities throughout the state as needed,” he said. A winter storm warning has been extended through 10 p.m. to all counties except Coos, according to the governor’s statement. For those who need to drive in Thursday’s snowstorm, the greatest concern is for white out conditions caused by light fluffy snow, combined with wind gusts and high rates of snowfall, according to the governor. The Vermont State Police also cautioned travelers to slow down on Thursday morning, due to conditions. VSP had no accident reports yet as of about 1 p.m., but did respond to three motor vehicle crashes on Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Fairlee, Thetford and Norwich, all attributed to slush, wet roads and ice. The New Hampshire Department of Transportation recommended that New HAmpshire residents avoid driving when possible. If travel is necessary, and also for safety at home during this and future snowstorms, NHDOT suggested taking the following precautions: — Leave early, drive slowly, leave extra room between the vehicle and other vehicles on the road, expect reduced speeds, give road crews and plows plenty of space, and let someone know when you are leaving and where you are going. — Have an emergency kit in your vehicle, including at least some water, food, blankets, and a flashlight. — When using generators, follow manufacturer’s instructions. — At home, keep exhaust vents and house exits clear of snow and ice. — Clear snow from around hydrants. — Be good neighbors and check on friends, family and anyone close by who may have medical or other needs. The weather system, which the National Weather Service is calling a “powerful storm,” is expected to last until 7 p.m. Thursday with blowing snow and limited visibility leading to dangerous travel conditions, according to a NWS Winter Storm Warning issued Thursday morning for the Sullivan County area. For additional information on the available emergency preparedness resources, visit www.readynh.gov.