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Mayor Jon Mitchell released the following statement addressing the City’s efforts to recover from the 2013 Blizzard for February 10th, 2013.
The City’s Emergency Response
A State of Emergency in the City of New Bedford remains in effect. The after-effects of the winter storm continue to threaten the health and safety of City residents. The New Bedford Fire and Police Departments continue to receive calls for assistance with a variety of storm-related emergencies. Police and Fire units have also begun recovery efforts, including traffic management and hydrant clearing. The Police Department continues to enforce the city-wide parking ban which will remain in effect until noon on Tuesday, February 12. Residents are asked to comply with the ban so that plowing can be completed as soon as possible.
Roadways
Residents are urged to reduce travel as much as possible. Snow removal and traffic signal repairs at major intersections will continue for several days so motorists should use caution and expect delays.
City plow crews are working hard to address side-streets throughout the City as well as sidewalk areas in the downtown and Acushnet Avenue business districts. Private construction companies are still being used to assist City crews. Heavy equipment from ABC Disposal Service and the Greater New Bedford Refuse District has also been deployed.
SRTA Services Will Remain Suspended
Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) Services will remain suspended until further notice in light of on-going recovery efforts throughout the region. SRTA passengers should monitor the City website, WBSM, and www.SouthCoastToday.com for announcements regarding the resumption of service. Passengers can also call 508-999-5211 for information about the status of SRTA services.
Power Outages
NStar has made progress over the past twenty-four hours in restoring power. The number of New Bedford customers without power has fallen from a peak of roughly 23% (10,700) to 14% (6,600) as of noon today. This figure compares with neighboring communities of Dartmouth and Fairhaven where roughly 50% of customers are still without power. Many SouthCoast communities further east are still experiencing near total power loss.
NStar is prioritizing power restoration for locations on its critical facilities list, including housing developments and medical facilities—though backup generators are operating in most cases. The New Bedford Police Headquarters, wastewater treatment plant, and water treatment plant all remain on generator power, and the Cable Access television station remains off the air until power can be restored. Fire Stations #5 and #9 have had power restored and are no longer relying on backup generators.
Closures of City Offices, Facilities, and Schools
The City of New Bedford is announcing the following closings:
- New Bedford Public Schools will be closed on Monday, February 11.
- City Offices will be closed on Monday, February 11, including all Senior Centers and Libraries. Only essential personnel should report for work.
- The Buttonwood Park Zoo will be closed on Monday, February 11. The Zoo will re-open on Tuesday, February 12.
- The New Bedford Municipal Airport is expected to re-open this afternoon. Passengers should check with their airline regarding the status of flights.
Residents are encouraged to monitor the City website, WBSM, and www.SouthCoastToday.com for further announcements.
Trash Collection Delayed Two Days
Trash collection in New Bedford will be delayed by two (2) days. Trash normally collected on Monday will be collected on Wednesday.
Storm Drains and Sidewalks
Residents are asked to help the recovery effort by shoveling nearby storm drains and clearing sidewalks. With rain forecast, clearing drains will help reduce the threat of flooding. Clearing sidewalks will help keep students safe when walking to school.
Shelters Open
The Keith Middle School is open as a warming center/shelter and will remain open overnight and for as long as necessary thereafter. The Pilgrim United Church (634 Purchase Street) will also remain open overnight for unsheltered residents. Pilgrim may close for several hours this afternoon to relieve staff, but the Salvation Army facility nearby is open to temporarily accept the unsheltered. Both the Keith Middle School and Pilgrim Church are equipped with staff, food, and cots.
Important Tips for Residents and Business Owners
Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the City’s Guide to Snow Storms and the series of Winter Weather Tips available on the City homepage (www.newbedford-ma.gov), including special tips on power outages, roof collapses, and storm drains.
Important Emergency Contact Numbers
To report a downed power line, medical, fire or other emergencies please dial 911.
NSTAR is prepared to address and damage and outages resulting from the storm and encourages customers whose electric service is affected to call 1-800-592-2000. NSTAR strongly urges people to stay away from all down wires and to report them immediately.
To report snow removal issues on city streets:
- Residents North of Interstate 195 may contact the Department of Public Infrastructure at (508) 991-6150
- Residents South of Interstate 195 may contact the Department of Public Facilities at (508) 991-6133.
New Bedford Police Department can also be reached on its Non-emergency line at (508) 991-6350
Please visit the City’s website at www.newbedford-ma.gov for more information and updates from the City of New Bedford regarding the snowstorm.
this is a load of crap. been out today and have not seen 1 city truck doing anything about the snow removal , main and side streets look like crap. they have not sanded or salted anything. pleasant street in new bedford could have been done a lot better.