BLIZZARD 2015, Part 2: Dangerous Wind Chills, Power Outages Expected

By Les Masterson (Patch Staff)

Photo caption: The latest National Weather Service predictions. Photo credit: NWS.

The second Blizzard of 2015 will wind down during Sunday morning after dropping more than a foot of snow on most of Eastern Massachusetts.

Snow is expected to end by noon Sunday, but that doesn’t mean driving conditions will improve.

A Blizzard Warning is in effect until 7 a.m. Monday because of high winds that could blow snow around and create white-out conditions.

Once the snow ends at noontime, the temperatures will actually drop further. Wind chills will be below zero for Sunday all the way into Tuesday, according to The Weather Channel.

Governor: Stay off the roads

Gov. Charlie Baker asked during a Sunday morning news conference that people stay off the roads all day -- even after the snow ends. Blowing and drifting snow can cause life-threatening road conditions and trap drivers in their cars.

He asked people to stay home so the plows can clear the roads. There are more than 3,000 pieces of MassDOT equipment on the roads. They are devoting all of their time to plowing until the snow stops when they will also begin to remove snow drifts and widen roads.

The National Guard is on duty. Between 500 and 600 people are helping along the coastlines and with the State Police. They are there to respond to 911 calls pertaining to flood waters, stranded motorists or any other issue.

The MBTA is closed for Sunday and Logan Airport has no flights going out until at least Sunday afternoon. Similar to the first Blizzard of 2015, the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant in Plymouth has been shut down as a precaution.

Clear blocked vents

Baker asked Bay Staters to clear out vents and said public safety departments have seen an increase in carbon monoxide problems because of snow blocking vents.

“The most important things people need to do today is stay safe and take care of themselves,” said Baker.

Power outages

Power outages have not been a problem as of Sunday morning, but could become more prevalent as the winds pick up on Sunday afternoon. Power outages could also take time to restore because high winds may make it dangerous for utility works to climb poles.