Politics & Government

City Of Nashua Declares Snow Emergency, Schools Closed Monday

There will be no on-street or municipal surface lot parking through Monday morning. Plus, other information from city hall.

The emergency has been declared due to a winter storm warning with expected heavy snow coming to the city. As much as a foot of snow is expected, according to reports.
The emergency has been declared due to a winter storm warning with expected heavy snow coming to the city. As much as a foot of snow is expected, according to reports. (Jenna Fisher/Patch)

NASHUA, NH — The city of Nashua has declared a snow emergency beginning tonight at 10 p.m. through 6 a.m. on Monday. The emergency has been declared due to a winter storm warning with expected heavy snow coming to the city. As much as a foot of snow is expected, according to reports.

Schools in the city will also be closed on Monday.

"Plan on difficult travel conditions, including during the morning commute on Monday," said Lauren Byers, a public relations administrator for the city of Nashua. "Be prepared for significant reductions in visibility at times."

Find out what's happening in Nashuafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

During the snow emergency, there will be no on-street parking or municipal surface parking allowed. Free parking is available in the Elm and High street garages. No parking will be allowed in leased spaces between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., according to Byers.

The city will be towing vehicles that remain on the street and in municipal surface lot. Anyone who has a vehicle that is towed will have to pay a $315 fine and can retrieve them at the Solid Waste Department (landfill). After the snow emergency has been lifted, cars may be picked up between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Find out what's happening in Nashuafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

More Information

PUBLIC WORKS

It is very challenging to keep streets clear with heavy snow conditions. Forecasts are calling for deteriorating conditions Sunday afternoon into the overnight. This storm is likely to contain heavy bands of snow which will impact travel in the area. If you don’t need to be out on the roads, please stay off them for your safety and to make room for equipment working to keep roads open. We are recommending residents limit travel if possible. Give yourself extra time if you need to be on the road. Residents should only expect primary routes to be cleared initially during this storm. Residential side streets will not be plowed immediately. Regularly plowed sidewalks will not be plowed until crews have a chance to clear primary and residential streets.

Depending on the duration of the storm and snowfall amounts, crews may need extensive time once the storm ends to clean all street and regularly plowed sidewalk routes. Call the Public Works snow line at 603-589-4795 for up to date information.

SOLID WASTE

As of now, trash and recycling collections will continue on a normal schedule this week. The Four Hills Landfill / Nashua Recycling Center will be open. Check social media and the City website frequently as that may change as the storm progresses. Visit www.nashuanh.gov or call 603-589-3410 for more information about the solid waste schedule.

Due to the storm, Monday’s trash and recycling carts should not be put out until Monday morning, no later than 6:45 a.m. Do not place them out overnight. Visit www.nashuanh.gov or call 603-589-3410 for more information about the solid waste schedule.

CITY HALL

City hall and other city offices will be open normal hours starting at 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 2. Check www.nashuanh.gov or the city information line (603-589-3000) for any changes in schedule.

SCHOOLS

Nashua Public Schools will be closed on Monday due to the storm. Stay tuned to the Nashua School District website at www.nashua.edu for more information and changes to this schedule.

TRANSIT

Due to tomorrow’s inclement weather, please expect delays and possible service changes. Call 603-880-0100, see ridebigblue.com, or Facebook for updates.

LIBRARY

Stay tuned to www.nashualibrary.org for more information and changes in schedule.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

City officials are urging citizens to prepare for the storm now. The city of Nashua will keep all informed via www.nashuanh.gov and the Nashua Emergency Info Line at 603-589-3456.

The city of Nashua has tips on what citizens can do to be prepared for this storm.

Recommendations:

● Only use 911 for emergencies! If you are calling about the storm but do NOT have an emergency, contact the Nashua Emergency Info Line at 603-589-3456.

● Stay off the road - plow crews and emergency vehicles will be working to clear the roads and respond to emergencies.

● If driving is necessary, stay safe - Leave extra time to get to destinations, allow safe driving distances between vehicles, anticipate reduced speeds, and keep vehicle fuel tanks at least half full.

● Stay informed- Information will be regularly posted on the city’s website at www.nashuanh.gov/emergency and on the city social media accounts: on Twitter @nashuaoem and www.facebook.com/nashuaoem.

● Sign up for the Nashua CodeRED notification system for immediate updates on the storm on your landline phone, cell phone, and/or email. You can sign up at www.nashuanh.gov/codered.

● Have an emergency kit - that includes flashlights and spare batteries, a battery powered radio and extra supplies of food and water. Be sure to keep a kit in your vehicle as well.

● Check on your neighbors and family - make a plan prior to the storm to check-in on elderly or disabled neighbors or family

● Report ALL power outages - in the event power is lost or a power line falls contact Eversource at 1-800-662-7764. Each household must report their own power outage!

● Clear the streets - Remove basketball hoops, trash cans, and any other snow removal obstructions from city streets.

● Clear your nearby fire hydrant - during a fire, every second counts. Clear your nearby fire hydrant of snow to ensure the Fire Department can access it during an emergency

● Clear your emergency access gates - If you have an emergency access gate that provides access to your facility or neighborhood, please be sure that snow is not piled in front of it. This ensures emergency vehicles can still access your neighborhood.

● Clear storm drains - While plowing or shoveling snow, please be sure remove snow over storm drains. This will help prevent significant street flooding as the snow melts.

● Remove snow from roofs - Snow loads due to the heavy wet snow expected can cause significant loading of roofs leading to potential roof collapse.

● Clear snow from emergency exits - Do you still have 2 ways out of your home or business if there were a fire? Don’t pile snow in front of your doors.

● Ensure that your Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors - Make sure they are working correctly and have fresh batteries

● Check your outside fuel exhaust vents - Make sure they are not obstructed by snow or ice.

● Never operate a portable generator indoors - The only recommended method to connect a generator to house wiring is by having a qualified electrician install a power transfer switch.

Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. Take the time now to ensure that you and your family will be safe during this winter storm.

What the City of Nashua Is Doing

The city of Nashua Emergency Management Team has been coordinating with the National Weather Service Office and monitoring the track of the storm and potential impacts. In addition, departments within the city have been reviewing their emergency plans, testing generators, and readying snow removal equipment. As the storm approaches, the city will provide citizens with additional information as necessary. Information will be posted on the city’s website at www.nashuanh.gov.

Got a news tip? Send it to Tony Schinella at tony.schinella@patch.com.

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