Beverly Schools Canceled, Snow Emergency, Parking Ban Thursday

BEVERLY, MA — There will be no school Thursday in Beverly on account of the snow, officials announced this evening. Beverly has also declared a snow emergency, Michael Collins of Beverly's public services announced at 3:35 p.m. The first snow emergency of 2018 comes as the National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for the predicted foot and a half of snow expected to dump some white stuff on the area Thursday morning amid some windy conditions and possible coastal flooding.

The Snow Emergency Parking Ban will begin Thursday, January 4 at 10 a.m. and could last up to 24 hours, according to Collins. Any cars out on the street during the ban are subject to a fine and to towing. If you don't have a driveway, municipal lots are available, but meter fees must be paid during normal meter hours.

The MBTA garage located on Rantoul Street is available to residents at a discounted rate, please pay at the kiosk. NOTE: Access to the MBTA garage, at a discounted rate, will be after 6 a.m. Thursday until 12 p.m. (noon) Friday. Short term parking downtown will be allowed during business hours, overnight parking will not be allowed.

Trash and recycling pickup on Thursday will be cancelled because of the snow. If you have a Christmas tree waiting by the curb officials are asking you keep it where it won't be buried in a snow bank, and remind residents that tree collection will be during the week of Jan 8.

Speaking of the plows that create those mountains of snow, the public services commissioner is asking folks to remove any basketball hoops or other items from the street that might inhibit snow plowing.

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Trash/recycling collection schedule:

WEDNESDAY – collection will be on FRIDAY

THURSDAY – collection will be on FRIDAY but may continue to SATURDAY

FRIDAY – collection will be on SATURDAY

DPW is a asking that trash be free from snow and placed in an accessible curbside spot by 7 a.m. as JRM will not return to collect trash or recycling that is stuck in the snow.

DPW is asking residents keep snow clear from fire hydrants and catch basins. Fun fact: it is illegal to dump snow into the street.

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Municipal Lots available during a snow emergency parking ban. Click Here For Map

• Franklin Place and Washington Street (between the two streets)
• Pond Street
• Pond Street (at American Legion/Spear Post)
• Briscoe St/Hale St (across from Central Fire Station)
• Congress Street and Summit Avenue (public lot)
• Chapman Street and Federal Street (behind Family Dollar)
• MBTA Garage on Rantoul Street (discounted rate)

No word yet on school, although some schools have already been called (Like Boston).

Also on Patch:

MA Blizzard Forecast: A Winter Hurricane Headed Our Way

Massachusetts School Closings For Jan. 4 Blizzard

Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch