Blizzard of 2013 Recap: The Latest on the Storm in Stoughton

Click here for the most recent storm updates

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Top takeaways from this weekend's blizzard:

Stoughton Got a TON of Snow

The Stoughton DPW estimates the town received approximately 32 inches of snow. Meanwhile, WBZ reported on its broadcast that Stoughton had 31.5 inches of snow. It was the second highest snow accumulation total WBZ collected, only surpassed by West Boylston, which WBZ said received 34.5 inches.  

The town, for the most part, was effectively shut down Saturday as DPW crews and residents began the cleanup process. A lot of work remains to be done. A handful of restaurants did open Saturday evening after Governor Deval Patrick lifted the statewide driving ban.  

Minimal Power Loss

Stoughton may have received a lot of snow, but was spared in the power outage department. As of Sunday at 6 a.m., 175 customers in town (1.4 percent of customers) are without power. Most of these outages are in a pocket in the Bay Road/Highland Street area near the Easton line. 

National Grid Estimates power restoration by noon on Feb. 11. In a press release, National Grid said "given the extensive damage to the electric system in Norfolk and Plymouth counties in Massachusetts and across Rhode Island, it will be at least a few days before all customers will have their power back in those areas."

The Stoughton Police Station community room is open as a warming and charging center for those in need and the Stoughton YMCA will be open Sunday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. and anyone in the community who would like to come in to charge phones and use electricity is welcome, Associate Executive Director Ellen Greene wrote in an email. 

One Significant Power Outage

The Goddard Hospital at 909 Sumner St. in Stoughton lost power and the backup generator failed Friday evening when the storm started to intensify. Scanner reports indicated some patients were being manually ventilated.

Brockton had a pocket of outages near the Stoughton line, which spilled into Stoughton in the Sumner St. area.

Fire Chief Mark Dolloff wrote the following in an email: "There was an outage from a feed from Brockton. Their generator failed and the entire building was in darkness, we started to make plans to transport vent dependant patients. The EOC had direct contact with National Grid and was able to prioritize the repair. Everything was restored within aprox. 90 minutes with all positive results."

As a result the plan to transfer patients was ultimately canceled. 

During the storm, the Stoughton Fire Department reports "we were very busy, however nothing that was life threatening."

Adopt a Fire Hydrant

When digging out from the storm, the Stoughton Fire Department asks that residents help clear the area around fire hydrants, by giving at least four feet of space on each side. In the event of a fire, this will expedite the process of ensuring that the SFD can get water on that fire.

Storm Cleanup Tips

The Stoughton Fire Department passes along the following message via Facebook: "when cleaning your cars, be 100% sure that the exhaust pipes are clear of snow prior to starting your vehicle. Also, the exhaust from your furnace or gas water heater must be clear as well. Carbon Monoxide has no odor, and is a fatal gas."

Click here for more storm cleanup tips from the Stoughton Fire Department

Driving Ban

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick issued an Executive Order banning travel on the roadways from 4 p.m. Friday until 4 p.m. Saturday during the storm in an effort to clear the roads. 

What's your take on the driving ban? Sound-off here: What Do You Think About Gov. Patrick’s Travel Ban?

Will There be School on Monday?

The Stoughton Public Schools will be closed Monday for storm cleanup. Click here for more details.