Melrose Storm Center

Here is the Melrose Storm Center where we will be posting updates related to the blizzard of 2013:

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Forecast

• Blizzard Conditions Expected to Last Through Saturday Morning

Sunday, Feb. 10

4 p.m.: 

• The city's emergency parking ban, in effect since 5 p.m. Friday, was supposed to end at noon on Sunday, but it has been extended, according to Mayor Rob Dolan's blog. "The parking ban will remain in effect in residential neighborhoods and school zones, as we continue to clear the streets. Business parking is allowed in municipal lots. Please use common sense in business districts," Dolan said in a blog post.

3 p.m.:

The city just issued a press statement from the Melrose Department of Public Works. Here's how it reads:

"DPW has deployed (10) pieces of equipment into the neighborhood routes. This covers roughly (one-third) of our routes. The plan will be to rotate the working group throughout the city for the remainder of the (Sunday) and (Sunday) evening.

• DPW has three two-man crews constituting of a plow and machine handling emergency calls throughout the city. Examples of these include dead ends streets with blocked driveways, hills issues, restricted entries and high snow banks causing visibility issues.

• DPW has three employees in tractors continuing to work on clearing sidewalks in our sidewalk program routes.

• DPW has crews working at widening routes for public safety. The team has just completed work on Franklin Street and is transitioning to West Foster Street.

• A smaller crew is also continuing their work in the schools. DPW custodians are cleaning walkways and also assessing roofs for ventilation purposes and in anticipation of rain (Monday).

• DPW crews are in the cemetery preparing for two funerals (Monday).

• A crew of eight are working on major intersections.

• There is a four person crew working to prepare the Library and Memorial Hall for opening tomorrow morning.

• Crews are continuing working in municipal parking lots.

• The water crew has completed a temporary repair on the two water breaks on Upham (and) Rowe (Streets). This crew has now re-joined snow operations. The crew will complete a more permanent repair later this week.

• In total DPW has a staff of 70-75 employees working throughout the city on all of these various tasks. Our office is open and residents are encouraged to call 781-665-0142 with issues."

2 p.m.:

Readers appear to be disappointed with the roads in Melrose, according to feedback gathered on Melrose Patch as well as on our Facebook page. Here's a look at what readers had to say about the road conditions of some of the streets in the city as well as the job the DPW is doing:

Problematic Road Conditions in Melrose

Main Street

• "(Main Street) in front of Montvale Tire was too," wrote Allison R. Bergami on Facebook," wrote Allison R. Bergami on Facebook. 

Clarendon Street

• "Clarendon Street is a mess," wrote Michael Dargen on our Facebook page. "The police got stuck (there Saturday) night."

Downtown Area

• "Parking downtown behind Shaw's/CVS is a nightmare...I got parked in," wrote Erin Roy on our Facebook page. "Do people forget the outline of the parking lot just because it snowed?"

West Foster Street

• "(West) Foster (Street)is terrible. I'm surprised with the Police Station being right there, to see that it's not better off," wrote reader Josh Chace on Melrose Patch. "Franklin (Street) is looking great so far. But they really need to get that huge pile of snow off the road in front of Gray's."

West Emerson Street

• "West Emerson was horrible this morning," wrote Allison R. Bergami on our Facebook.
• "Main (Street), towards Wakefield, no fire hydrants shoveled out. Horrible job by the DPW," said Joe Harrington on our Facebook page.

West Highland Avenue

• "(West) Highland (Avenue), (the DPW) only plowed one side it seems, about 7-9 cars stuck (Saturday) night," said Joe Harrington on our Facebook page. "Bad enough having to shovel your driveway, but when you have to shovel half the street just to get out, that's shoddy service by the city."
  

Chester Street

• "Chester Street could use a plow run or two; it's low priority but several law enforcement and medical people live on it and have had to go in and out frequently," wrote Tyler Henderson on our Facebook page. "We've basically had to plow it ourselves."
  

Briggs Street & Boardman Avenue

• "Briggs (Street and) Boardman (Avenue) are disasters. Everyone spins (and) fishtails in and out," wrote Jamie Michele Gertrude-Belle on our Facebook page. 

Larrabee Street Area

• "...The Faulkner and Larrabee municipal parking lot is partially plowed," wrote Kostas Romneos on our Facebook page.

Cottage Park

• "Cottage (Park)...No plow, no sand, (but) neighbors plow helped," wrote Kinda Masters on our Facebook page.
  

Myrtle Street

• "Myrtle (Street) is only wide enough for one way and very bumpy," wrote Karin Sullivan on our Facebook page.
  

Park Street

• Park (Street) needs attention too," wrote Michael Dargen on our Faceboo page.

Poor Job by DPW

• "...They haven't...touched...my neighborhood since Saturday morning. It was such a strong response up to that point. But since then, nothing," wrote reader Shane Egan on Melrose Patch. "Other area towns are doing much better than Melrose with their snow removal. Something went wrong. And now they've canceled school for Monday. I guess 36 hours after the end of the snow was not enough to clean up (seven) schools. Wow! We'll see if other area towns call off school (Monday) before deciding if Melrose's response was a #Fail or #EpicFail."
• Christine White wrote on Melrose Patch: "I am extremely disappointed in the condition of Melrose streets. Most of the streets are not wide enough for (two) cars to pass. I have been out and around (Sunday), and have not seen any plows in my area. I thought the 'big' cleanup was supposed to start at 6 (Sunday) morning. I would like to know where it started. Once outside of Melrose (it is) like you are in a different state, one with better streets."
• Andrew Di Natale wrote on our Facebook page, "I'm pretty disappointed in the streets in general. They did a lousy (job) plowing. (Where's) my tax money going?"
• "(I am) disappointed by the public works (department) plow jobs as well...very poorly done," wrote reader Rob Hassett on our Facebook page. "(I) see no sand or salt on my street...epic fail by (Melrose DPW)."

While there were complaints about roads in the city, our readers also complimented the DPW for their efforts:

Good Work By DPW

• "South (Avenue), Rockland (Street) and Walton Park are some of the best streets in town. Awesome job!," wrote reader Lisa Erickson Ouellette on our Facebook page. "Bare pavement on some big hills!"
• Susanne Guirakhoo wrote on our Facebook page: "Can't complain on Chestnut Street/Chestnut Park. They did an outstanding job, plows and sanding trucks came through more than once (Saturday)."
• While reader Ryan had some issue with the DPW, he did say on Melrose Patch, "The DPW worked for 30 hours straight and needed some time to sleep too. Not to mention the water main break that (Melrose Patch) reported on (Saturday) night. I'm sure those guys are all beat to crap right now and I still appreciate the work that they've done to this point. Would love to see the salt trucks out though to clear out that layer on the side streets."

1:30 p.m.:

• We've received a report from a reader that the water is back on at Hillside Avenue near the site of the water main break that happened on Saturday.

12:50 p.m.: 

• Melrose Public Schools will be closed Monday, according to a city press statement. Find out why school was canceled here.

11:45 a.m.:

• We've received a report of the water being shut off on Hillside Avenue near the water main break site in Melrose. Melrose Patch has left messages with DPW and we'll update the Storm Center with any details we receive.

7:40 a.m.:

• As of 7:40 a.m. Sunday, all National Grid customers in Melrose had power, according to a power outage map.

Saturday, Feb. 9

8 p.m.:

• The DPW is tackling some problems that have cropped up during the post-blizzard cleanup, including a major water main break at near Upham and Rowe Streets on Saturday, according to a city press statement. Some DPW staff were diverted to the water main break, the statement adds. We'll provide more details once we receive them from the DPW.

5 p.m.:

• Trinity Episcopal Parish will be open for religious services Sunday, according to their Facebook page.
• UPDATE: Greenwood Wine and Spirits is staying open until 9 p.m. Saturday, according to their Facebook page.
• Whole Foods Market have postponed their Healthy Eating presentation Sunday at Fit Lifestyle Studios in Melrose to a yet to be determined date, according to the Whole Foods Market Melrose Facebook page.

2:50 p.m.:

• Cappa's Trackside Kitchen is closed Saturday, but will be open at 6 a.m. Sunday, according to their Facebook page.
• Just a reminder: On Friday we posted this story with some weekend openins and closings in Melrose.
• Bobby C's Ristorante: Closed Saturday, but expected to open 11 a.m. Sunday, according to their Facebook page.
• Crossfit Route 1: Closed Satuday, but expected to open Sunday, according to their Facebook page.
• First United Methodist Church in Melrose recently posted this Facebook update about Sunday services: "Pastor Chuck has just made the call to cancel all activities at the church Sunday. This includes both services, UMYF, and the Great Decisions discussion group."
• Greenwood Wine and Spirits is open until 6 p.m. Saturday, according to their Facebook page.
• Fit Lifestyle Studios: Closed Saturday. That said, the business offers this helpful shoveling safety tips on their Facebook page: "The snow is here! For those of us who will be shoveling long into tomorrow, here are a few tips to avoid the post-shoveling aches and pains...
  
  1. Avoid twisting! Instead, try to take steps or turn with your feet to avoid injuring your back.
  2. Switch hands or sides to prevent overuse symptoms from occurring.
  3. Keep the work load as light as you can!
  4. Bend with your knees to lift heavy loads...your back will thank you.
  5. Take small rest breaks to stand up tall and stretch those overworking muscles! And most importantly...Keep warm and stay safe!"

2:30 p.m.:

• Michelle Carson, a state licensed massage therapist and practitioner at Bodyography Inc. in Melrose, posted this update about the business: "Bodyography (18A Essex St., 781-665-4005) will be open Monday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. to soothe those sore muscles! We advise shovelers to be sure to bend their knees and avoid twisting your back...using the legs is the key to saving your back! (Or make friends with that neighbor with a snowblower!)."

1:30 p.m.:

Here's a quick look at some businesses and organizations that are open and closed on Saturday in Melrose:

• Shaw's Supermarket: Open until 6 p.m.; deli is closed.
• Starbucks: Unknown. No one answered when Melrose Patch called the store. If it's open and you've been there today, leave a comment below.
• Hunt's Photo and Video Melrose will be closed Saturday, but will be open for regular store hours on Sunday, according to the company's Facebook page.
• Turner's Seafood Grill & Market: Closed Saturday, but will open at 1 p.m. Sunday for dinner, according to the restaurant's Facebook page.
• "The (rectory) is planning on being in for Sunday morning, we will have our regular services at 8 and 10 a.m. for those who are able to attend. Please take care and stay safe," according to the Trinity Episcopal Parish Facebook page.
• Coffee Tea and Me is open, according to their Facebook page.

12:45 p.m.:

• As of 12:45 p.m. Saturday, less than five homes in Melrose were without power, according to a National Grid power outage map. 
• Statewide driving ban to be lifted at 4 p.m. Saturday, according to Gov. Deval Patrick's Twitter account. The ban is already lifted for Nantucket County and for all communities west of I-91, according to the Twitter account.
• Beacon Hill Wine opened at noon Saturday, according to their Twitter account.
• Twitter user @caitobizzle reported that Bob's Market is open Saturday.

10:20 a.m.:

Mayor Rob Dolan provided the following storm update in a press statement:

"Good morning.The official snowfall at the City of Melrose at this point is 26.5 inches. We expect an additional 2-5 inches throughout the day, with heavy bands coming through the City between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

1. The governor's driving ban is still in effect. Driving is banned in the city of Melrose at this time.

2. Last night, 75-plus pieces of equipment were out. DPW and contracted staff worked extremely hard. Almost zero visibility brought plowing to a crawl throughout the night. Please know that this is going to be a multi-day cleanup.

3. At this time, no homes are without power in the city of Melrose, according to National Grid.

4. Last night, I activated a second Melrose-run ambulance due to storm-related slowdowns in response time. Cataldo is also in the city.

5. We are now approaching a time where DPW staff has been on for over 24 hours, and we must rotate shifts to allow for proper rest and driver and citizen safety. They will regroup for another major operation over the next 48 hours. Again, this storm is a multi-day cleanup operation.

6. According to John Scenna, DPW director, the following is the cleanup strategy at this time: The goal of DPW right now is to widen and clear major roads and create one passable lane on small side streets. They will then go back later with larger trucks and widen the side streets. This is critically important due to the need to expose catch basins and fire hydrants. There is no other option.

7. When we widen these streets to get to catch basins and hydrants, it will push some snow back onto sidewalks and driveways. Our DPW understands this is frustrating for some people, but this is the only way to accomplish public safety and avoid potential flooding, since major rain is in the forecast next week. The streets also need to be cleared to allow on-street parking for the rest of the winter. Without widening side streets, on-street parking would have to be limited or banned. DPW asks for your patience and cooperation in this historic storm.

8. It is illegal to snowblow into the streets. (I'm) asking individuals with snowblowers to please help their neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled, to clear their sidewalks in case of a medical emergency. This snow is heavy, so if you have a snowblower, please help your neighbors.

9. Please know that we are fully staffed in all areas, but this storm will be a multi-day cleanup. Please be patient.

10. Please be sure your children are off the streets, as sometimes snowplow operators are blinded by snowdrifts in large amounts.

For all snow-related concerns, call emergency snow operations at 781-665-0142."

8:20 a.m.:

• Gloss will not be open on Saturday, but will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, according to the salon's Facebook page.

8 a.m.:

• MBTA services will not be restored Saturday, according to multiple reports.
• Karate Pro Dojo will be closed Saturday, according to the karate studio's Facebook page.

6:45 a.m.:

• As of 5:15 a.m. Saturday, all National Grid customers in Melrose still had their power, according to a power outage map.
• The travel ban is still in effect until further notice, according to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency's Facebook page.

Friday, Feb. 8

8 p.m.:

• As of 8 p.m. Friday, all National Grid customers in Melrose still had their power, according to a power outage map.

4:45 p.m.:

• As of 4:45 p.m., National Grid reported no power outages for their Melrose customers, according to a power outage map.
  

3:30 p.m.:

• Beacon Hill Wines will be closing at 4 p.m. Friday, according to their Twitter account.

3:10 p.m.: 

• A handful of our Facebook page readers have reported that the roads in and around Melrose are OK, but appear to be getting slicker as the snow continues to fall. Here's what folks had to say about the Friday afternoon commute:
• "Driving was fine, starting to get slippery .... But not bad...yet," wrote reader Donald Cranley.
• "Main roads were fine. Others are getting sloshy," wrote reader Barbie Rosado.
• "At Shaw's earlier everybody was polite and chatting about the impending doom they call Nemo!!! LOL," Ralph Fiore III wrote. "(In) all seriousness the roads are not too bad right now but will be soon." 
• "Lines in Market Basket (in) Chelsea down to the back of the store," wrote Terry DeLuca. "An hour ago, Rt. 1 was wet and clear (but) now it is starting to get thick, slushy, and slippery very quickly!"

3:05 p.m.:

• The Barber's Den closed at about 3 p.m. Friday, according to the business's Facebook page. The barber shop hopes to be open on Saturday.

2:15 p.m.:

• As of 2:08 p.m. Friday, no National Grid customers in Middlesex County, including Melrose, were without power, according to a power outage map.

2 p.m.:

• Here is a detailed explanation of the statewide driving ban that will go into effect at 4 p.m. Friday, according to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Facebook page: "A ban on motor vehicle travel beginning at 4:00 PM today and continuing until further notice has been issued. There are exceptions for public safety vehicles and public safety workers, including contract personnel; public works vehicles and public works workers, including contract personnel; government officials conducting official business; utility company vehicles and utility workers; healthcare workers who must travel to and from work in order to provide essential health services; news media; travel necessary to maintain and deliver critical private sector services such as energy, fuel supplies and delivery, financial systems and the delivery of critical commodities; travel to support business operations that provide critical services to the public, including gasoline stations, food stores and hardware stores."

1:45 p.m.:

• Superior Image Barbershop will close at 3 p.m. Friday, according to the business's Facebook page.
• Gloss is closing at 3 p.m. Friday, according to the spa's Facebook page.
• Cappa's Trackside Kitchen will be closed Saturday, according to the restaurant's Facebook page.

1:15 p.m.:

• CruiseOne Melrose is running an interesting deal today. According to the company's Facebook page, "Anyone who books a trip today...will receive a free gallon of milk and a loaf of bread."
• Coffee Tea and Me will be open Saturday, according to a message left on our Facebook page from the cafe.

12:30 p.m.: 

• In a Friday press conference, Governor Deval Patrick said, "I have signed an executive order banning vehicle traffic effective at 4pm today."
• Tolls will stop being collected at 2 p.m. Friday.

10:30 a.m.:

• Melrose Animal Clinic will be closing Friday at 1 p.m., and it will reopen at 8 a.m. on Monday, according to their Facebook page. If you have an emergency, contact their office at 781-662-4888 and an on-call doctor will be notified.
• According to Mayor Rob Dolan's blog, Kids Club and all Melrose Public School sports and activities have been canceled.

Thursday, Feb. 7

5 p.m.:

• Melrose Public Schools and St. Mary's School will be closed on Friday, according to a city press statement. Municipal buildings and the Melrose Public Library will close at noon on Friday, the statement adds.
• A city parking ban goes into effect at 5 p.m. Friday, according to the statement.
• All snow-related questions should be directed to the City Yard at 781-665-0142.
• Sen. Katherine Clark, who represents Melrose, has canceled her office hours at 10 a.m. Friday at Malden’s Markey Senior Center, as well as her 11:30 a.m. office hours at Stoneham’s Council on Aging, according to a press statement.
• Gov. Deval Patrick has asked all drivers to be off the roads by noon on Friday, if possible.
• All MBTA services will be suspended at 3 p.m. Friday. 

Trash and Recycling Pickup:

• There is no change to the pickup schedule on Friday, according to DPW Director John Scenna. Trash and recycling will be picked up as usual. There may be delays in pickup due to the blizzard, but your trash will be hauled away as scheduled.

Previous Coverage

• Melrose Public Schools Canceled Monday
• Are Melrose Roads Clear?
• Blizzard 2013: Readers' Photos of the Storm in Melrose
• Avoid a Roof Collapse: Clear Snow From Your Rooftop
• Melrose DPW Tackling Post-Blizzard Problems
• National Grid: Some Melrose Homes Without Power
• What Do You Think About Gov. Patrick’s Travel Ban?
• Blizzard Conditions Expected to Last Through Saturday Morning
• SHOW US: Blizzard Outside My Window
• MAP: How Much Snow Has Fallen in Melrose?
• Do You Have Power in Melrose?
• LIVE CHAT: Blizzard of 2013
• Share Your Photos: How Much Snow Do You Have?
• Emergency Parking Ban in Effect at 5 p.m. Friday
• 10 Ways to Use Melrose Patch During the Storm
• SHARE: Upload Your Melrose Storm Photos
• Blizzard Warning Issued for Melrose
• Will Your Business Be Open During Blizzard Nemo?
  
• Melrose DPW Gears Up For Blizzard on Friday
• 5 Things: Blizzard to Hit Melrose Area Friday
• UPDATE: NWS Issues a Blizzard Watch for Melrose Region

Important Numbers:

Snow issues should be directed to the Melrose Department of Public Works operations office at the City Yard (number below).

• DPW City Yard (normal working hours & snow): 781-665-0142
• DPW Office City Hall (Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.): 781-979-4170
• Police/ Fire Emergencies: 911
• Non-Emergency Police : 781-665-1212
• Non-Emergency Fire : 781-665-1313
• National Grid power outages : 800-465-1212
• National Grid gas emergencies: 800-233-5325
• Comcast : 800-266-2278
• Verizon : 800-837-4966 (VERIZON)

List of cab companies:

• Taxi Time: 781-662-0300 ‎
• Malden Taxi: 781-322-5050 and 781-324-5050
• Malden Cab Company: 781-322-5050 
• Oak Grove Cab: 781-665-5050 ‎
• Stoneham Taxi: 781-279-2828
• Tan Taxi: 781-395-6666

List of tow companies:

• Stephen's Autobody: 781-665-7828
• Andy's Service Center (Malden): 781-324-7505
• Culleton Brothers (Malden): 781-322-4665
• Kearney's Towing (Stoneham): 781-438-8484
• Stoneham Towing Inc.: 781-438-3500
• Phil Howe's Towing (Wakefield): 781-245-2468
• Advanced Auto Transport (Wakefield): 781-246-5831