UPDATE: Snow Expected This Weekend, Power Outages Possible

UPDATED SATURDAY AT 2:35 P.M.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm watch for Middlesex County, including Melrose.

The storm, which may stretch from Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning, could dump three to five inches of snow on the area.

NWS predicts the storm will be a mix of rain and snow. Leaves on the trees coupled with heavy wet snow may cause branches to break with power outages possible. Rain this afternoon is expected to gradually change to heavy, wet snow as colder air hits up against warmer coastal air.

"Anticipate precipitation to change to all snow around midnight continuing into Sunday morning," the NWS said in an advisory statement on Saturday afternoon. "There is a possibility for 1 to 2 inch per hour snowfall rates at times. Snow should taper off into Sunday morning."

NWS is also predicting strong northeast winds that could knock down trees and power lines. A high wind warning is in effect from Saturday at 8 p.m. through Sunday at 8 a.m., with sustained winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour, with gusts up to 55 miles per hour. The strongest of the winds are expected around Sunday morning.

“The potential for heavy impact with this early season winter storm is possible. Heavy wet snow could cause hazardous driving conditions as well as widespread power outages,” reported the NWS.

Important Numbers:

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

•  (normal working hours & snow): 781-665-0142 
•  (Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.): 781-979-4170
• Police/ Fire Emergencies: 911
• Non-Emergency : 781-665-1212
• Non-Emergency : 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