Hurricane Sandy Live updates
 
Monday October 29, 2012
11:52
MassLive.com: 
Good morning and welcome to MassLive.com's live coverage of Hurricane Sandy.

We'll have updates throughout the day here from the staff of The Republican and MassLive.com. Updates will continue until about 11:30 p.m., and resume Tuesday at 4 a.m.
Monday October 29, 2012 11:52 MassLive.com
11:55
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Diane Lederman:

AMHERST –-- Town Manager John P. Musante has authorized Craig'’s Doors to open the winter homeless shelter at the First Baptist Church Monday at 5 p.m., three days earlier than the scheduled Nov. 1 opening, so homeless people have a place to weather Hurricane Sandy.

At a morning press conference, Musante said that he declared a state of emergency at 8 a.m. in anticipation of the storm that allows the procurement of whatever is needed. While Town Hall opened as usual, offices are being closed at noon.

He said they are opening its emergency operations center today at 2 p.m. in the Police station and will be update residents on the reverse 911 system. Updates will also be posted on the town Web site at http://www.amherstma.gov.

While there is no emergency shelter opened for the general public, people can go to Smith Vocational High School in Northampton. He said officials are looking at possibly opening one of the schools here as a convenience center where people could charge phones for example. They’ll make that judgment later on.

The town is in better shape than last year when the Halloween snowstorm struck.
Fire Chief W. Tim Nelson, the emergency management director, said many trees have been cleared so he is expecting sporadic outages.

In addition, Musante said there “has been close coordination with utilities that has been ramped up state-wide. A large number of additional crews are ready to be deployed.” As for the town, “I think our team is actively planning the appropriate responses,” he said.
Monday October 29, 2012 11:55 MassLive.com
11:56
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's George Graham:

HARTFORD - Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy has ordered road closures for all state highways Monday morning, CBS3 Springfield, media partner of The Republican and MassLive.com, has reported.

These closures will include Interstate 91 at the Connecticut border.

The closures will be implemented in two phases, Malloy said.

At 11 a.m., trucks will be prohibited from operating on limited access highways, and at 1 p.m., state highways will be closed to all non-emergency related vehicles.

"Residents need to take this storm very seriously. Beginning in the next several hours, wind gusts will begin to exceed 50 mph, making traveling along our roads - especially wooded areas like the Merritt Parkway - very dangerous. We're doing this in two phases, so that trucks will first be prohibited and then all non-emergency vehicles. If you're in a non-evacuation area, stay home," Malloy said.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation, meanwhile, advises all truck drivers to seek refuge at secure locations. Department of Transportation depots and area rest stops will be open for truck drivers.

State police on the Massachusetts Turnpike in Westfield report no problems other than some wind. If conditions worsen, state police may ban tandem-trailers.

“Our highways are free and clear,” said Lt. Paul D’Auteuil, commander of the Springfield barracks, adding that traffic is moderate.
Monday October 29, 2012 11:56 MassLive.com
11:57
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Elizabeth Roman:

CHICOPEE - Some Hess gas stations including the one on Memorial Drive in Chicopee and the Allen and Cooley location in Springfield were without gas early Monday morning.

Employees at both gas stations said the delivery truck has arrived and there is now gas. They did not confirm whether the shortage was due to a delivery problem or from too many customers purchasing gas before Hurricane Sandy hits Western Massachusetts.

The gas station's fuel provider is JP Noonan based in West Bridgewater, Mass. Company employees could not be reached for comment.
Monday October 29, 2012 11:57 MassLive.com
12:01
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Dan Ring:

Hurricane Sandy is forcing the shutdown of much of state government today, except for emergency employees.

Gov. Deval L. Patrick has told non-emergency employees in the executive branch not to report to their state offices today. The courts and the state Legislature made similar moves.

Patrick is planning a press conference at 3:30 today to update the public on possible effects of the hurricane. Patrick will hold the event at the Massachusetts Emgerency Management Agency in Framingham.

More: http://bit.ly/S7G4Fm
Monday October 29, 2012 12:01 MassLive.com
12:04
[Comment From Amy Lavallee Amy Lavallee : ] 
Pride in noho has gas, cvs has tons of batteries still
Monday October 29, 2012 12:04 Amy Lavallee
12:11
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Lori Stabile:

PALMER — Police Chief Robert P. Frydryk is encouraging residents to sign up for the town's emergency notification system, Connect-CTY, also known as Blackboard Connect, so they can get alerts about Hurricane Sandy.

More: http://bit.ly/TPMfDp
Monday October 29, 2012 12:11 MassLive.com
12:19
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Fred Contrada:

As televisions in Northampton's Emergency Operations Center broadcast footage of Hurricane Sandy's impact to the south, officials were still waiting at noontime for the storm to hit.

"We're hoping for the best and waiting to see what happens," said Fire Chief Brian Duggan.

Mayor David J. Narkewicz made a reverse 911 call to city residents on Sunday night announcing that the schools would be closed and the Emergency Operations Center on on Monday. City Hall closed at noon.
Monday October 29, 2012 12:19 MassLive.com
12:23
Ed Kubosiak@ed_kubosiak
Boston MBTA will discontinue all service at 2 p.m. this afternoon. b.globe.com/PgHbpb #sandy
Monday October 29, 2012 12:23 ed_kubosiak
12:28
masslivenews@masslivenews
Travel alert: Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy orders I-91, other highways closed by 1 p.m. bit.ly/UanqwA #Sandy
Monday October 29, 2012 12:28 masslivenews
12:29
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Peter Goonan:

In Springfield, emergency personnel, ranging from the police and fire departments to Western Massachusetts Electric Co. crews, are “ready to go” as Hurricane Sandy approaches the region, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said Monday.

Sarno and various department heads outlined their hurricane plans during a late morning press conference at the Raymond Sullivan Emergency Operations Center on Carew Street.

“We will do everything in our power to make sure the residents and business community are safe,” Sarno said. “We are ready to go.”

More: http://bit.ly/YeILJj
Monday October 29, 2012 12:29 MassLive.com
12:29
[Comment From Michael Michael : ] 
Reminder to everyone from the October power outage of 2011: If a traffic light is out, it is a four-way stop. Driving recklessly won't help us deal with the storm.
Monday October 29, 2012 12:29 Michael
12:30
Leeanne Griffin@FunWithCarbsLG
Working from home until the power goes out. #Sandy
Monday October 29, 2012 12:30 FunWithCarbsLG
12:35
MassLive.com: 
South Hadley's Special Town Meeting scheduled for tongith has been postponed. A new date will be announced later.
Monday October 29, 2012 12:35 MassLive.com
12:38
MassLive.com: 
President Obama will make a statement on Hurricane Sandy at 12:45 p.m. Watch live here: http://1.usa.gov/SsCM25
Monday October 29, 2012 12:38 MassLive.com
12:39
masslivenews@masslivenews
Update: #Springfield emergency personnel "ready to go" as Hurricane #Sandy approaches: bit.ly/S8EzHd #westernma
Monday October 29, 2012 12:39 masslivenews
12:41
Leeanne Griffin@FunWithCarbsLG
Raining steadily now in #Enfield. #Sandy
Monday October 29, 2012 12:41 FunWithCarbsLG
12:43
MassLive.com: 
WMECO: 1,939 customers in West Springfield have lost power, 15% of the town.
Monday October 29, 2012 12:43 MassLive.com
12:44
MassLive.com: 
More from WMECO: West Springfield outage is by far the worst in utility's coverage area. Next worst is town of Washington with 79 customers out, 24% of the town.
Monday October 29, 2012 12:44 MassLive.com
12:45
[Comment From John in EFP John in EFP : ] 
So glad to see the live flood back up and running! Cheers to Greg and the rest of the crew!
Monday October 29, 2012 12:45 John in EFP
12:46
MassLive.com: 
Thanks John in EFP. This is Joe and crew today, Greg had a scheduled day off and will be back bright and early in the morning. He is absolutely the ace of live storm coverage, and we miss him badly.
Monday October 29, 2012 12:46 MassLive.com
12:48
MassLive.com: 
WMECO: Nearly a quarter of Southwick has lost power with 987 customers affected.
Monday October 29, 2012 12:48 MassLive.com
12:49
The White House@whitehouse
Happening Now: President Obama delivers a statement on Hurricane #Sandy. Watch it live: on.wh.gov/MnYfbK
Monday October 29, 2012 12:49 whitehouse
12:52
[Comment From John in EFP John in EFP : ] 
Hey Joe. Keep up the good work! I couldn't have gotten through Snowtober without this in my life.
Monday October 29, 2012 12:52 John in EFP
12:59
MassLive.com: 
National Grid: 130 customers in Wales have no power, about 13% of town south of Brimfield.
Monday October 29, 2012 12:59 MassLive.com
1:01
MassLive.com: 
National Grid: 319 customers in New Salem, more than half of town, has lost power. New Salem is on the northwest side of the Quabbin.
Monday October 29, 2012 1:01 MassLive.com
1:02
[Comment From Eric Eric : ] 
Traffic was starting to pick up on 91N about 20 minutes ago (just got home now) in advance of people leaving work early
Monday October 29, 2012 1:02 Eric
1:03
[Comment From Jeffyag Jeffyag : ] 
Do we have any idea *where* in West Side the outage is? Trying to ascertain the risk to my place of power drop by virtue of *what* is going down.
Monday October 29, 2012 1:03 Jeffyag
1:05
MassLive.com: 
Jeffyag, WMECO does not provide cite specific locations within municipalities, but we're going to try to find out what part of town is affected.
-- Joe Deburro, The Republican
Monday October 29, 2012 1:05 MassLive.com
1:07
MassLive.com: 
WMECO update: West Side down to 1 customer without power.
Monday October 29, 2012 1:07 MassLive.com
1:08
[Comment From Jeffyag Jeffyag : ] 
Thanks Joe. Seconding the 'lifeline' comment earlier. You guys were a game-changer last year; and look to be so again this year. Many thanks!
Monday October 29, 2012 1:08 Jeffyag
1:08
[Comment From Lenore Lenore : ] 
What time are winds to hit masspike between sturbridge and westfield ma
Monday October 29, 2012 1:08 Lenore
1:10
MassLive.com: 
From a High Wind Warning issued at 12:24 p.m. by the National Weather Service:

DAMAGING WINDS AND WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES ARE ANTICIPATED
ACROSS ALL OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND. THE STRONGEST WINDS WILL OCCUR FROM 2 PM TO 8 PM...ESPECIALLY ALONG THE IMMEDIATE SOUTH COAST AND ISLANDS WHERE GUSTS TO 80 MPH ARE POSSIBLE.
Monday October 29, 2012 1:10 MassLive.com
1:11
masslivenews@masslivenews
Stay with us for live updates as Hurricane #Sandy approaches landfall in #westernma: bit.ly/S8JPug
Monday October 29, 2012 1:11 masslivenews
1:12
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Robert Rizzuto:

4th Congressional District candidate Joseph Kenendy III, a Democrat from Newton, has just cancelled all election-related activities as the state braces for Hurricane Sandy. Earlier today, Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown and Elizabeth Warren both called off campaigning until the storm subsides.

Read more about how the storm is affecting the political campaigns here: http://bit.ly/QQbYY6
Monday October 29, 2012 1:12 MassLive.com
1:12
[Comment From Jeffyag Jeffyag : ] 
Lenore: Judging by what's going on in West Springfield right now, I'd say "now" would be accurate.
Monday October 29, 2012 1:12 Jeffyag
1:18
[Comment From Scott Scott : ] 
Anyone know where in West Spfld there are outages?
Monday October 29, 2012 1:18 Scott
1:18
Greg Saulmon@GregSaulmon
RT @GeorgeGraham413: Wind is picking up out there. Blowing a steady 20 mph according to The Republican weather station. #springfield #sandy
Monday October 29, 2012 1:18 GregSaulmon
1:20
George Graham@GeorgeGraham413
Wind is picking up out there. Blowing a steady 20 mph according to The Republican weather station. #springfield #sandy
Monday October 29, 2012 1:20 GeorgeGraham413
1:21
Mandy Hofmockel@mandyhofmockel
Driving North on I-91 from #Springfield, winds pushed the car around some. #Sandy
Monday October 29, 2012 1:21 mandyhofmockel
1:21
MassLive.com: 
Scott,
Power has been restored to all of West Springfield except for 1 customer, according to WMECO's outage map.
-- Joe
Monday October 29, 2012 1:21 MassLive.com
1:24
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Ted LaBorde:

WESTFIELD – Barnes Regional Airport plans to remain open through the duration of Hurricane Sandy, barring any widespread or extended power outages, manager Brian P. Barnes said.

"We have battery backup systems and we will remain open to anyone willing to fly," Barnes said.

Mayor Daniel M. Knapik and the citys Emergency Management personnel were monitoring the storm Monday and, like last year's weather emergencies, will either meet or hold telephone conferences periodically throughout Hurricane Sandy.

City Hall was open Monday but like other communities all schools were closed. The Senior Center was closed but staff was available to assist seniors in need.

The mayor said he was prepared to arrange for emergency shelter, if necessary, at one or more city schools.
Monday October 29, 2012 1:24 MassLive.com
1:26
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Ted Laborde, driving toward Westfield:

West Springfield Police have blocked off River Street. There's a tree across the road by the railroad overpass.
Monday October 29, 2012 1:26 MassLive.com
1:26
Cynthia Simison@CynthiaSimison
Track power outages at #masslivenews, #sandy or at your utility website like this one: wmeco.com/outage/
Monday October 29, 2012 1:26 CynthiaSimison
1:26
[Comment From Steve Steve : ] 
Do any of you think that they may close our highways or the pike?
Monday October 29, 2012 1:26 Steve
1:28
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Sandy Constantine:

Some West Springfield residents on Rogers Avenue and vicinity were without power for a short period mid-morning Monday, but the outage does not appear to have been caused by Hurricane Sandy, according to Mayor Gregory C. Neffinger.

The mayor said power was lost from about a half hour to an hour starting about 10 a.m. because of a branch falling on a transformer on Rogers Avenue.

“It sounds like it was a coincidence,” Neffinger said.

Meanwhile, crews from Western Massachusetts Electric Co. have been out in the city cutting away tree branches that appear might be dangerous and liable to fall when the hurricane kicks into full gear later on.

Neffinger said he had meetings with department heads to be ready for Sandy at 8 a.m. and then again at 1 p.m. City officials have also posted information on both the city’s web site at www.west-springfield.ma.us and on its public access television channel 15.
Monday October 29, 2012 1:28 MassLive.com
1:28
[Comment From John in EFP John in EFP : ] 
Steve, there is a story posted on Masslive about the CT closings where some MA officials stated that isn't likely. Maybe a ban on tandem trailers on the pike, but that seemed to be about it.
Monday October 29, 2012 1:28 John in EFP
1:31
[Comment From Eric Eric : ] 
My question is.. does Gov. Malloy have the LEGAL authority since 91 is a FEDERAL highway (and technicially part of the Eisenhower Interstate System)
Monday October 29, 2012 1:31 Eric
1:31
[Comment From deb reynolds deb reynolds : ] 
seems there is power out in orange
Monday October 29, 2012 1:31 deb reynolds
1:34
masslivenews@masslivenews
MT @MassStatePolice: Motorists should be advised that wet leaves are making many roadways slick. Please go slow and use caution. #Sandy
Monday October 29, 2012 1:34 masslivenews
1:40
masslivenews@masslivenews
MT @massgov: If you need shelter information or other non-emergency assistance during #Sandy call 2-1-1.
Monday October 29, 2012 1:40 masslivenews
1:41
MassLive.com: 

For Eric,

According to the U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration website FAQ (http://1.usa.gov/Vzbky9):

The States own and operate the Interstate highways.

The one exception is the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge (I-95/495) over the Potomac River in the Washington area. The U.S. Bureau of Public Roads built the bridge under special legislation approved by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in August 1954. Although the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia operate the bridge, it is owned by the Federal Highway Administration. When the first span of the replacement bridge, now under construction, is opened, the old bridge will be removed. The States will own the new Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge.
Monday October 29, 2012 1:41 MassLive.com
1:43
MassLive.com: 
Chicopee Electric Light is reporting power outages in the area of Pendleton Avenue and Doverbrook Condominiums and in the Prospect and Montcalm streets neighborhood due to downed electrical lines. Crews are responding.
Monday October 29, 2012 1:43 MassLive.com
1:43
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Diane Lederman:

According to the UMass website (http://bit.ly/eVGOGR), due to expected high winds, the PVTA planned to suspend service on all routes at 1 p.m. Those include trips to all colleges amd to Sunderland and Belchertown Center. Service for Tuesday is yet to be determined. Any further information will be tweeted at @umasstransit.
Monday October 29, 2012 1:43 MassLive.com
1:43
[Comment From laura laura : ] 
Does anyone know if the power is back on in the Fairview section of Chicopee ?
Monday October 29, 2012 1:43 laura
1:45
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Buffy Spencer, at Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee:

Federal emergency personnel were well organized Monday morning at Westover Air Reserve Base, the staging area for federal help for Hurricane Sandy.

Most of their mission will be after the storm passes.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency had about 25 employees at the base, according to Bryan E. Toman, incident support base manager. Toman came in from Port Charlotte, Florida, Friday.

More: http://bit.ly/PgS1vo
Monday October 29, 2012 1:45 MassLive.com
1:45
Leeanne Griffin@FunWithCarbsLG
In Milford, Conn., a @WTNH viewer sent in this picture of a trampoline caught in power lines: on.fb.me/TQ47y5 #Sandy
Monday October 29, 2012 1:45 FunWithCarbsLG
1:50
10.29.2012 | Photo by Dave Roback, The Republican | A contractor brings in generator to at the staging area in Westover on Monday.
Monday October 29, 2012 1:50 
1:50
MassLive.com: 
From The Associated Press:

U.S. Sen. John Kerry says federal emergency management officials are on the ground in Massachusetts and ready to respond quickly to any and all impacts from Hurricane Sandy.

More: http://bitly.com/SsKARv
Monday October 29, 2012 1:50 MassLive.com
1:53
MassLive.com: 
From political reporter Shira Schoenberg:

With Suffolk University closed, the release of the Suffolk poll on the Massachusetts Senate race has been delayed.
Monday October 29, 2012 1:53 MassLive.com
1:58
MassLive.com: 
Connecticut Light & Power: 25,565 customers affected by power outages.
Monday October 29, 2012 1:58 MassLive.com
1:59
masslivenews@masslivenews
#Sandy RT @amherstac: pine tree resting on power lines, south amherst. WMECO notified.#Frankenstorm. pic.twitter.com/1qciu3rs
Monday October 29, 2012 1:59 masslivenews
2:00
masslivenews@masslivenews
FEMA prepares for Hurricane #Sandy at Westover Air Reserve Base: bit.ly/SsLTQl #westernma
Monday October 29, 2012 2:00 masslivenews
2:01
MassLive.com: 
Readers can submit their questions and comments to our live chat or tweet @masslivenews their local Hurricane Sandy photos.
Monday October 29, 2012 2:01 MassLive.com
2:03
MassLive.com: 
National Grid is reporting 89 customers without power in Hampden County.
There are 75 outages in Wales.
There are 11 outages in Holland.
There are fewer than five outages each in Monson and Wilbraham.
Monday October 29, 2012 2:03 MassLive.com
2:07
MassLive.com: 
NStar: 31,087 customers have no power in Greater Boston, South Shore, Cape Cod and Islands.
Monday October 29, 2012 2:07 MassLive.com
2:11
MassLive.com: 
National Grid is reporting 71 outages in Franklin County
There are 50 in New Salem.
Orange has 17 outages.
In Hawley there are fewer than five.
Monday October 29, 2012 2:11 MassLive.com
2:11
MassLive.com: 
NStar communities most affected:

Barnstable, 1,685 customers
Boston, 1,608 customers
Cambridge, 1,695 customers
Framingham, 1,709 customers
Harwich, 1,966 customers
Hyannis, 1,290 customers
Lexington, 1,053 customers
Mashpee, 4,019 customers
Maynard, 1,052 customers
Tisbury, 1,558 customers
Westport, 1,254 customers

Monday October 29, 2012 2:11 MassLive.com
2:11
[Comment From Jeffyag Jeffyag : ] 
No more questions at this time, but I'm watching the updates live. Again... my thanks.
Monday October 29, 2012 2:11 Jeffyag
2:12
MassLive.com: 
National Grid is reporting fewer than five outages in Hampshire County.
Monday October 29, 2012 2:12 MassLive.com
2:12
MassLive.com: 
You're welcome Jeffyag ... thanks for tuning in!
-- Joe
Monday October 29, 2012 2:12 MassLive.com
2:13
[Comment From John in EFP John in EFP : ] 
Sometimes it's good to be in the valley. Holding out hope to hold onto our power this time around!
Monday October 29, 2012 2:13 John in EFP
2:14
MassLive.com: 
From Hampden County Sherrif's office: All visitations at all facilities have been cancelled for today.
Monday October 29, 2012 2:14 MassLive.com
2:17
MassLive.com: 
From the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield: The End of Life Seminar planned at St. Theresa in South Hadley tonight is cancelled.
Monday October 29, 2012 2:17 MassLive.com
2:19
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's George Graham:

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, speaking from the state’s Emergency Operations Center at noon, warned that Connecticut is about to face the brunt of Hurricane Sandy.

“We are about to enter the most difficult and damaging part of the storm,” Malloy said. “The next 24 hours will be tough, very tough. We are prepared for the worst and expect to get through this together.”

More: http://bit.ly/PCJK6b
Monday October 29, 2012 2:19 MassLive.com
2:30
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Dan Ring, at the Statehouse:

Will Hurricane Sandy affect the election?: Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin urges printing of voter lists now

Galvin today said he didn't believe Hurricane Sandy would affect the Nov. 6 election in Massachusetts, but his office took several steps today to prepare in case the storm knocks out power for an extended period of time.

Read the story: http://bit.ly/V0Hmrf
Monday October 29, 2012 2:30 MassLive.com
2:30
MassLive.com: 
Do you know how to reach your utility in case the power goes out? Find contact information for your provider among these online resources: http://bitly.com/TPEPKz.
Monday October 29, 2012 2:30 MassLive.com
2:31
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's George Graham:

The Pioneer Valley Regional Transit Authority suspended operations at 1 p.m., according to a message left on its telephone system. The Franklin Regional Transit Authority will suspend its fixed bus routes at 3 p.m., according to its website.
Monday October 29, 2012 2:31 MassLive.com
2:33
masslivenews@masslivenews
MT @WNEUniversity: Western New England University will be closed Tuesday, October 30 due to Hurricane #Sandy. More: fb.me/1ZOyHhIqH
Monday October 29, 2012 2:33 masslivenews
2:34
NBC@nbc
Good tip. #Sandy RT @NBCNews Text, don't call, once Sandy hits, say wireless carriers nbcnews.to/V0BUo8 @NBCNewsTech
Monday October 29, 2012 2:34 nbc
2:34
MassLive.com: 
Enfield and Somers public and parochial schools and Elms College in Chicopee will be closed Tuesday.
Monday October 29, 2012 2:34 MassLive.com
2:37
MassLive.com: 
CBS 3 Springfield: Eastfield Mall in Springfield closed at 2 p.m.
Monday October 29, 2012 2:37 MassLive.com
2:41
10.29.2012 | Photo by Diane Lederman, The Republican | Jay Marek, left, and Cody Slavis packed bags of food at the Easthampton Community Center on Monday morning to get ready for those in need affected by Hurricane Sandy. Marek, an Easthampton Hig
Monday October 29, 2012 2:41 
2:49
MassLive.com: 
From The Associated Press:

Stock trading will be closed in the U.S. for a second day Tuesday as Hurricane Sandy bears down on the East Coast. Bond trading will also be closed.

The last time the New York Stock Exchange was closed for weather was in 1985 because of Hurricane Gloria, and it will be the first time since 1888 that the exchange will have been closed for two consecutive days because of weather. The cause then was a blizzard that left drifts as high as 40 feet in the streets of New York City.

More: http://bit.ly/PCUaTj
Monday October 29, 2012 2:49 MassLive.com
2:49
[Comment From Dan Dan : ] 
What are the current wind conditions and speeds around western Massachusetts? I'm chiefly concerned with Chicopee and to more importantly Easthampton, but any information will do.
Monday October 29, 2012 2:49 Dan
2:54
masslivenews@masslivenews
2,108 @wmeco customers without power, according to latest outage map: outage.wmeco.com/outage/outagem… 100% of New Ashford is out. #Sandy #WesternMA
Monday October 29, 2012 2:54 masslivenews
2:57
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's George Graham:

Rick Lee, executive director of the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, urges residents to shelter in their own homes as conditions deteriorate due to Hurricane Sandy.

“People are best advised to hunker down and shelter in-place," Lee said.

Lee said the chapter has one regional shelter open, at Smith Vocational High School in Northampton and six more that will be opened if need be. Three people have so far taken shelter in Northampton, he said.

Once the worst of Sandy blows through, emergency and American Red Cross personnel will make a determination whether the other regional shelters will be opened.

The chapter, depending on the status of the storm damage here in Western Massachusetts, may ship resources - people and money - to Connecticut and points south if needed, Lee said.

Information on the American Red Cross’s hurricane app for mobile devices can be found at www.redcross.org/cwm.
Monday October 29, 2012 2:57 MassLive.com
2:57
MassLive.com: 
From Holland Police Department on Facebook:

Road closure: Please be advised Wales Rd is currently closed from the intersection of Brimfield Rd to Bennett Ln
Monday October 29, 2012 2:57 MassLive.com
2:58
MassLive.com: 
Hi Dan,

We received this update from CBS 3 meteorologist Nick Morganelli on predicted wind speeds:

Storm Timetable:
Noon: Light rain, Wind 30-45 mph
3 PM: Light rain, Wind 40 - 55 mph.
6 PM: Steady rain, Wind 45 - 65 mph.
9 PM: Steady rain, Wind 40 - 55 mph.
Midnight: Steady rain, Wind 30 - 45 mph.
Monday October 29, 2012 2:58 MassLive.com
3:02
[Comment From Dan Dan : ] 
Perfect! Thank you very much!!
Monday October 29, 2012 3:02 Dan
3:04
MassLive.com: 
Readers can also keep tabs on weather conditions, including wind speeds for their specific areas by plugging their zip codes into the National Weather Service's website: http://www.weather.gov/
Monday October 29, 2012 3:04 MassLive.com
3:08
masslivenews@masslivenews
School systems and colleges in #WesternMA have called off classes for Tuesday bit.ly/YfjEWP #Sandy
Monday October 29, 2012 3:08 masslivenews
3:09
Ed Kubosiak@ed_kubosiak
RT @masslivenews (good tips here): How to stay connected during Hurricane Sandy bit.ly/RiXKwX #sandy
Monday October 29, 2012 3:09 ed_kubosiak
3:09
Laura Merwin@lmerwin
One of my favorite 'emergency tips' -- Brew a pot of coffee now while you have electricity and refrigerate for later. #sandy
Monday October 29, 2012 3:09 lmerwin
3:10
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Pat Cahill, updates on municipal closings Monday and Halloween plans in some Western Mass. communities:

Chicopee -- City Hall closed at 2 p.m. No word on Halloween trick-or-treating.

Granby -- Town Hall is open. Landfill will be be closed Oct. 30. No word on Halloween trick-or-treating.

Holyoke -- City Hall is closed. Tick or treating postponed until Saturday, Nov. 3. Halloween party at Fire Department is canceled.

Monson -- Town Hall closed. Trick-or treating activities have been postponed until Sunday, Nov. 4, from 3-6 p.m. Rotary Club parade starts Nov. 4 at 5 p.m.

On Sunday, the parade will start in front of 110 Main St. and proceed down to Memorial Hall at 198 Main St. Northampton -- City Hall is closed, but Command Post at Fire Department headquarters has been open since 6:30 a.m. and will stay open until danger is over. No word on Halloween trick-or-treating.

Northfield -- Town Hall closed. Halloween activities have been postponed until Sunday, November 4.

South Hadley -- Town Hall is closed. No discussion yet on Halloween trick-or-treating.

Westfield -- City Hall closed at 2 p.m. No word on Halloween trick-or-treating.

Monday October 29, 2012 3:10 MassLive.com
3:10
MassLive.com: 
The Holyoke Mall just posted on Facebook that it will be closing today at 5 p.m., but Sears will be open until 6 p.m. Target intends to stay open until 10 p.m., but call the store before heading over.

Full post: http://bitly.com/TqE0Ma
Monday October 29, 2012 3:10 MassLive.com
3:12
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Peter Goonan:

Both the Holyoke Mall and Hampshire Mall will be closing early on Monday due to the hurricane.

Holyoke Mall is scheduled to close at 5 p.m., and the Hampshire Mall will close at 4 p.m., said lisa Wray, marketing director for both malls.

The Sears store at Holyoke plans to stay open until 6 p.m.

In addition, the Target stores at both the Holyoke and Hampshire malls are hoping to stay open for regular business hours, but are asking that customers call first to verify.

Monday October 29, 2012 3:12 MassLive.com
3:12
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Sandy Constantine:
In West Springfield, trees were reported down on Elm Street and there was a half-hour power outage along Amostown Road due to Hurricane Sandy, according to Mayor Gregory C. Neffinger. “Western Massachusetts Electric Co. is responding very quickly,” the mayor said about 3 p.m. Monday. He said the outage on Amostown Road was only from about 2:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. An earlier power outage along Rogers Avenue left some residents without power for about a half-hour mid-morning, but it did not appear to be hurricane-related, Neffinger said. Neffinger said he had meetings with department heads to be ready for Sandy at 8 a.m. and then again at 1 p.m. Another meeting, mostly by telephone, he said, has beet set for 7 p.m. West Springfield city officials have also posted information on both the city’s web site at www.west-springfield.ma.us and on its public access television channel 15.
Monday October 29, 2012 3:12 MassLive.com
3:19
[Comment From Guest Guest : ] 
Power out briefly in Holyoke but back on. For now....
Monday October 29, 2012 3:19 Guest
3:21
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Sandy Constantine:

Western Massachusetts Electric Co. welcomed hundreds of utility workers from as far away as Michigan and Ohio all day Monday as part of its plans to be ready to cope with damage from Hurricane Sandy, according to a utility company spokesman.

Crews from around the country were fed from the Better Living Center at the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds starting about 6 a.m. and then sent out to utility service centers in Springfield, East Springfield, Greenfield, Pittsfield and Hadley, according to Pleasant.

Read the story: http://bit.ly/PCXCxe
Monday October 29, 2012 3:21 MassLive.com
3:25
masslivenews@masslivenews
RT @femaregion1: NEVER run a generator inside a home or enclosed structure. Carbon Monoxide kills go.usa.gov/YvhW #Sandy
Monday October 29, 2012 3:25 masslivenews
3:27
MassLive.com: 
Things are getting worse on out east and on the Cape -- NStar now lists 68,417 customers without power. Among the most affected:

Barnstable, 9,804 customers, 57%
Hyannis, 2,687 customers, 18%
Mashpee, 4,626 customers, 41%
Millis, 1755 customers, 49%
Sherborn, 905 customers, 52%
Monday October 29, 2012 3:27 MassLive.com
3:29
NASA@NASA
Watch Hurricane #Sandy prowling the East Coast up to the morning in a timelapse video of satellite images. go.nasa.gov/S965o1
Monday October 29, 2012 3:29 NASA
3:48
Leeanne Griffin@FunWithCarbsLG
Heart jumps a little every time the power flickers. #Sandy.
Monday October 29, 2012 3:48 FunWithCarbsLG
3:49
[Comment From Belchertown, MA Belchertown, MA : ] 
Power went out here at 2:30pm on Granby road in Belchertown
Monday October 29, 2012 3:49 Belchertown, MA
3:49
[Comment From Lauren MacDonald Lauren MacDonald : ] 
Hillcrest Ave in west springfield has been without power since 1pm!
Monday October 29, 2012 3:49 Lauren MacDonald
3:50
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Fred Contrada:

By 3 p.m., the number of people at the emergency shelter at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School in Northampton had increased to 18. Some there had used the oxygen supplied by nearby Cooley Dickinson Hospital for medical purposes, according to shelter workers.

It was quiet at the Emergency Operations Center at the Fire Station. Fire Chief Brian Duggan said his department had received 18 calls on Monday, lower than its usual daily volume. Officials at the center watched reports of Hurricane Sandy as it hit Cape Cod and other coastal areas.

Mayor David J. Narkewicz has declared a state of emergency. Officials here believe that declaring a state of emergency will give the community greater discretion in using certain emergency funds.
Monday October 29, 2012 3:50 MassLive.com
3:53
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's George Graham:

Springfield police have held over six officers from the first shift to answer to downed-wire calls and other storm-related calls, Sgt. John M. Delaney, aide to Commissioner William J. Fichet said.

“So far so good,” Delaney said. “We are right on the cusp now.”

Delaney said Fitchet is working a night-shift to better monitor the city’s safety as the effects of Hurricane Sandy intensify.
Monday October 29, 2012 3:53 MassLive.com
3:56
MassLive.com: 

More from The Republican's George Graham:

In the event of power outages, Big Y now has three stores with full-store generators which will remain open during normal store hours. They are in East Longmeadow, Wilbraham and Stafford Springs, Conn.

Claire M. D’Amour- Daley, spokeswoman for Big Y, said full-store generators were installed in those stores, which have perennially lost power in the past, in wake of last year’s spate of bad weather.

Other stores will remain open during regular business hours to the best of their ability, she said.

Big E’s,11 Union St., Easthampton, has also installed a generator and will maintain regular store hours throughout the storm, owner Judy LeBel said.  The store closes at 9:30 p.m.

“We are actually in pretty good shape,” LaBel said adding that the store still has supplies of water, bread,  milk and other items. “We are out of D batteries,” she said.

Adams Hometown Market, 115 Main St., in Monson, plans on staying open, power permitting, until 10 p.m.  “We will stay open until we lose power,” said Ross Williamson, store manager. “Hopefully that won’t happen.”

Monday October 29, 2012 3:56 MassLive.com
3:56
MassLive.com: 
All Monday classes have been canceled at Bay Path College in Longmeadow, and all evening classes have been canceled at Springfield College. On the college's website, it says Cheney dining hall, Campus Union, PE Complex/Wellness Center and Babson Library will close at 6 p.m. Monday. As of now, classes are scheduled to resume Tuesday morning, the site says.
Monday October 29, 2012 3:56 MassLive.com
3:59
MassLive.com: 
Press release from the YMCA of Greater Springfield:

SPRINGFIELD, MA (Oct. 29, 2012) -- As Hurricane Sandy continues to threaten the region, the YMCA of Greater Springfield is reminding residents throughout the area that the Y will respond to meet the needs of the community.

“It is urgent that we heed the advice of our national, state and local officials and take the necessary precautions to keep ourselves and our families safe from harms way,” says Kirk Smith, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Springfield. “Based on the strength of the storm and the dangerous forecast, there is a strong likelihood that some of our residents will experience power outages, as a result.

“For over 160 years, the YMCA of Greater Springfield has been working to meet the needs of the youth, teens, families and seniors who live here,” continues Smith. “During times of crisis, the Y has been a community resource and a comfort to thousands of people throughout the 14 cities and towns in our service area, by providing shower facilities, wellness/recreation opportunities, meeting space, etc… Should the need for services arise as a result of this storm, the YMCA of Greater Springfield will respond in the most appropriate way necessary to help people throughout the region get through any difficulties, once our Family Centers and Outreach Centers are deemed safe to open.”

Like many community-minded partners in the region, the Y will make every effort to remain in close communication with members of the community. Understanding that communications may be difficult for some, people are urged to visit www.springfieldy.org and the YMCA of Greater Springfield Facebook page, if possible, for updates on the Y’s schedules, as well as information on services being provided at its locations, once the Centers have reopened.

Should you need to reach the Y by phone, please call the association offices at 413.739.6951 x121.

Monday October 29, 2012 3:59 MassLive.com
4:02
MassLive.com: 
Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette on Facebook:

Chicopee Electric emergency number is 594-7581 for power outages or other issues. Please do not call 911 unless it is a serious emergency needing police, fire or an ambulance. We have outside crews from Indiana, Minnesota and North Carolina to assist with power restoration and will get service back as soon as possible (without endangering our workers in very high winds). Please be patient and we will get through tonight together....
Monday October 29, 2012 4:02 MassLive.com
4:02
[Comment From Richard Richard : ] 
Drove from Portland, ME to WMass yesterday, and saw dozens of util. trucks on the road. Looks like they're better prepared for this one.
Monday October 29, 2012 4:02 Richard
4:12
masslivenews@masslivenews
Massachusetts coastal areas evacuate; Boston transit shuts down bit.ly/RpwMqS #Sandy
Monday October 29, 2012 4:12 masslivenews
4:15
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Ted LaBorde:

In Southwick, increasing winds from Hurricane Sandy were causing sporatic power outages Monday, but Western Massachusetts Electric Co. crews were responding almost immediately, police said.

An outage at Gillette Corner, near the Granby, Conn. line around 1 p.m. was restored just after Southwick Police installed stop signs at College Highway and Vining Hill and Congamond Road, Lt. David Ricardi said.

Read the story: http://bit.ly/TQy9Sr

Monday October 29, 2012 4:15 MassLive.com
4:15
[Comment From Mary Mary : ] 
Power flickering on and off a lot now in Holyoke.
Monday October 29, 2012 4:15 Mary
4:25
Chris Stewart@CStewNews
According to the guys in @cbs3springfield WX 51 mph gust in Springfield. 41 in Westfield. #westernMA #Sandy
Monday October 29, 2012 4:25 CStewNews
4:27
[Comment From CB CB : ] 
Is there a list of open shelters for anyone who has to leave their home during the storm?
Monday October 29, 2012 4:27 CB
4:27
[Comment From Southwick Resident Southwick Resident : ] 
I was in the area of the outage and I have to say they were real quick at restoring power. Great job!
Monday October 29, 2012 4:27 Southwick Resident
4:30
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Fred Contrada in Northampton:

With the seasonal cot shelter on Center Street not scheduled to open until Nov. 1, police in Northampton worked to get the homeless people downtown to the emergency shelter at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School.

In Pulaski Park, two officers tried to convince a man with mental health problems to go to the shelter for his own good. Police Chief Russell P. Sienkiewicz said his officer know the homeless population and work to ensure their safety.

"It's part of what we do," he said. "It's why we give our people the training and skills to help people."

Meanwhile, the census at the emergency shelter was up to 21 by 4 p.m., according to workers there. The shelter will remain open on Tuesday, and there will be no school at Smith that day.
Monday October 29, 2012 4:30 MassLive.com
4:33
[Comment From Jeffyag Jeffyag : ] 
For CB... the live shelters are updated on the Google site...
Monday October 29, 2012 4:33 Jeffyag
4:34
[Comment From Jeffyag Jeffyag : ] 
Missed the link. This is for CB. The running shelters are on this interactive map: http://google.org/crisismap/sandy-2012
Monday October 29, 2012 4:34 Jeffyag
4:35
MassLive.com: 
Western Massachusetts Electric Company is reporting a number of outages in the Hilltowns.

Chesterfield has the most outages with 344 customers without power.
There are 232 customers without electricity in Huntington.
Tolland has 48 homes without power.
Sandisfield has 68 outages.
Otis has 86 outages.
Blandford has 33 outages.
Chester has 39 outages
Becket has 96 outages.
Montgomery has 6 outages.
Monday October 29, 2012 4:35 MassLive.com
4:44
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Diane Lederman:

In downtown Amherst, a handful of the usual places were open – -- Antonio’'s Pizza, Amherst Coffee and convenience stores -- Monday afternoon, but most others were closed. Just a handful of people were out.

In Hadley, Sam'’s Outdoor Outfitters along with Trader Joe’'s, Whole Foods and Barnes & Noble closed Monday afternoon while Target and other Big Box stores remained open.

Winds were slight, with some branches down but more than 2,100 were without power, according to the Western Massachusetts Electric website.

The University of Massachusetts campus looked more like it does during holiday breaks with few students out. A handful of students were out running another group got muddy playing football in the rain.

Town Meeting Coordinating Committee, meanwhile, has cancelled its Greening Amherst forum slated for Tuesday night. A new date has not been announced. The forum was to look at various sustainability issues.
Monday October 29, 2012 4:44 MassLive.com
4:47
MassLive.com: 
Western Massachusetts Electric Company is announcing a number of outages in Hampshire County.

The worst problems are in Amherst where 2151 customers are without power.
In other communities:
Pelham has 29 outages.
Hadley has 1.
Southampton has 17.
Westhampton has 2.
Monday October 29, 2012 4:47 MassLive.com
4:48
[Comment From aMHERST ma aMHERST ma : ] 
Do we expect outages to increase significantly tonight or is this 20 percent the worst of it
Monday October 29, 2012 4:48 aMHERST ma
4:51
MassLive.com: 
Amherst -- based on the forecast from CBS 3 meteorologist Nick Morganelli, high winds will continue into the evening, so there's certainly the possibility for more outages. Here's what Nick says:

Storm Timetable:
Noon: Light rain, Wind 30-45 mph
3 PM: Light rain, Wind 40 - 55 mph.
6 PM: Light rain, Wind 45 - 65 mph.
9 PM: Light rain, Wind 40 - 55 mph.
Midnight: Steady rain, Wind 30 - 45 mph.
Monday October 29, 2012 4:51 MassLive.com
4:52
[Comment From Mary Mary : ] 
To CB - looks like the only open shelters are Northampton and Amherst.
Monday October 29, 2012 4:52 Mary
5:00
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
Citing Hurricane #Sandy, Scott Brown pulls out of final #MaSen debate with Elizabeth Warren- bit.ly/YfIwOh
Monday October 29, 2012 5:00 RRizzuto413
5:07
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Ted LaBorde:

WESTFIELD - All 18 F-15 Eagle fighter jets assigned to the Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing remained at Barnes Regional Airport on alert status ready to respond to any homeland security threat during Hurricane Sandy.

Wing Executive Officer Maj. Matthew T. Mutti said the jets were undercover, in hangars, but “ready if the need arises.” Mutti also reported that at least 100 unit members were on duty at the base prepared to assist the city in any emergency clean up or disaster response.

“We have members on stand-by for chainsaw duty, to clear streets, help with disaster response and to catalog damage for any federal (financial) assistance,” Mutti said.

Statewide there are about 1,000 Massachusetts National guardsmen on stand-by duty to assist where needed, he said.

Hangar space for the 18 F-15s was created in recent years under a nearly $80 million upgrade of the Air National Guard Base at Barnes.

“Bad weather take-off is on little concern,” said Mutti. “But, if weather conditions are severe upon return, the aircraft may land at some other location,” he said.
Monday October 29, 2012 5:07 MassLive.com
5:17
MassLive.com: 
Western Massachusetts Electric Company is announcing a number of power outages in Franklin County.
Leverett has 49 homes without power.
Montague has 35 outages.
Deerfield has one.
Northfield has 229 outages.
Shelburne has 84.
Ashfield has 139.
Bernardston has 361.
Colrain has 104.
Gill has 13.
Conway has 2.
Monday October 29, 2012 5:17 MassLive.com
5:24
MassLive.com: 
Connecticut Light & Power: 164,261 customers with no electricity. Some of the most affected locations:

Barkhamsted: All 1,744 customers affected
Burlington: 3,227 customer, 87%
Colchetser: 4,934, 70%
East Lyme: 7,273, 76%
Groton: 4,263, 52%
Hebron: 3,650, 93%
Marlborough: 2,623, 99%
Montville: 6,469, 80%
New Hartford: 3,237, 100%
North Stonington: 2,039, 80%
Salem: 1,904, 100%
Sherman: 1,661, 84%
Stonington: 7,071, 88%
Waterford: 6,269, 65%



Monday October 29, 2012 5:24 MassLive.com
5:31
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Mike Plaisance:

Hoyoke Mayor Alex Morse will announce Monday night whether the effects of Hurricane Sandy will force cancellation of public schools Tuesday as it did Monday.

Read the story: http://bit.ly/RstTUD
Monday October 29, 2012 5:31 MassLive.com
5:37
masslivenews@masslivenews
Construction crane dangles 74 stories over NYC (video).. bit.ly/TQxRoD #Sandy
Monday October 29, 2012 5:37 masslivenews
5:43
MassLive.com: 
Forecast from Nick Morganelli of CBS 3 Springfield:

The "peak" of the storm for Western Massachusetts -- .heaviest rain and strongest wind -- is expected between now and 9 p.m. this evening. Read more...
Monday October 29, 2012 5:43 MassLive.com
5:43
MassLive.com: 
Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette on Facebook on possible school cancellation for Tuesday:

School decision for Tuesday will be made later tonight after we assess the wind damage and power outage. If we can safely open the schools, we will. We want to avoid adding days in June and try to save our 5 "snow days" for the winter.
Monday October 29, 2012 5:43 MassLive.com
5:47
  
Monday October 29, 2012 5:47 
5:48
MassLive.com: 
Video below of the construction crane dangling 75 stories up in NYC...
Monday October 29, 2012 5:48 MassLive.com
5:56
10.29.2012 | Photo submitted Ed Lynch | The rising tide comes up to a house on Town Cove in Eastham.
Monday October 29, 2012 5:56 
5:59
10.29.2012 | Photo submitted by Ed Lynch | The upper end of Nauset Marsh in Eastham on Cape Cod during the height of the tidal surge.
Monday October 29, 2012 5:59 
6:12
MassLive.com: 
Massachusetts 6 p.m. outage summary:

WMECO: 9,996 customers
National Grid: 151,990 customers
NStar: 155,319
Total: 317,305 customers with no power

Monday October 29, 2012 6:12 MassLive.com
6:19
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
Update: Elizabeth Warren agrees with cancelling debate for Hurricane #Sandy, says public safety & cleanup 'paramount' bit.ly/YfIwOh
Monday October 29, 2012 6:19 RRizzuto413
6:20
MassLive.com: 
Former Hoyloke resident Paul Suchocki tells The Republican and MassLive.com that winds have damaged the roof of his home in Bradford, R.I., near Westerly. http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/10/high_winds_do_damage_along_coa.html#incart_river_default
Monday October 29, 2012 6:20 MassLive.com
6:26
MassLive.com: 
Connecticut Light & Power: 229,440 customers out, 18% of all customers

National Grid-Rhode Island: 99,392 customers out, about a quarter of the state
Monday October 29, 2012 6:26 MassLive.com
6:26
[Comment From Belchertown%2C MA Belchertown%2C MA : ] 
Hope power is quickly restored tomorrow when the wind dies down after last years snow storm one day without power would be amazing haha happy anniversary of that btw :D
Monday October 29, 2012 6:26 Belchertown%2C MA
6:28
Doron Tyler Antrim@DTAntrim
High winds do damage along coastal Rhode Island #sandy masslive.com/news/index.ssf…
Monday October 29, 2012 6:28 DTAntrim
6:42
Mandy Hofmockel@mandyhofmockel
Northampton as #Sandy rolled into the region late this afternoon. More: bit.ly/XOfPZE instagr.am/p/RYiHSeKQvJ/
Monday October 29, 2012 6:42 mandyhofmockel
6:46
10.29.2012 | Photo by Dave Roback, The Republican | Western Mass. Electric workers from left, Matt McCauliff, Zach Broughal and Ed Abramowicz, get dinner served at the Better Living Center at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield durin
Monday October 29, 2012 6:46 
6:48
MassLive.com: 
The latest on Springfield from The Republican's Peter Goonan:

In Springfield, there was a tree down on Dorne Street in the Maple High-Six Corners area early Monday night, and there was a traffic light down and being repaired at St. James Avenue and Page Boulevard, Mayor Domenic Sarno said.

At one point, more than 60 customers were without power in Springfield, but the number had dropped to three customers by early evening.

Police Commissioner William Fitchet directed six one-man cruisers to remain on duty past their day shift, to respond to hurricane-related problems.

As of early evening, the city did not see a need to open any emergency shelter, but would be ready to do so immediately if needed, Sarno said.
Monday October 29, 2012 6:48 MassLive.com
6:59
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Dwight Shepard: Hurricane Sandy confronts Cape Codders with flooded roads, power failures, high winds

Read the story: http://bit.ly/Phu72K

Monday October 29, 2012 6:59 MassLive.com
7:02
[Comment From lights back lights back : ] 
My lights just came back. WWLP weather says to expect a replay of today Tuesday. I thought tuesday was just die down time. Thoughts?
Monday October 29, 2012 7:02 lights back
7:02
[Comment From Belinda Belinda : ] 
My heart goes out to everyone affected I hope you stay safe
Monday October 29, 2012 7:02 Belinda
7:04
MassLive.com: 
Two power substations in farfield county in ct to be shut down because of flooding risk. 52K customers to lose power as result. http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/10/connecticut_gov_dannel_malloy_5.html#incart_river_default
Monday October 29, 2012 7:04 MassLive.com
7:07
MassLive.com: 
The latest forecast from CBS 3 Springfield's Nick Morganelli:

Tuesday: Nor'easter conditions, breezy and rainy, winds continue dying down, high 60.

Read more: http://bit.ly/Phv7nv
Monday October 29, 2012 7:07 MassLive.com
7:09
[Comment From Jeffyag Jeffyag : ] 
@lights back:
Monday October 29, 2012 7:09 Jeffyag
7:14
MassLive.com: 
Chicopee City Hall was closed at 2 p.m. Monday and is to reopen at noon Tuesday. A decision on school openings will not be made until Tuesday morning, Mayor Michael D. Bissonnette said.

Because of the small amount of damage from the storm, children are expected to be able to trick-or-treat on Wednesday, he said.

“It looks like Wednesday night is going to be normal so Halloween will likely go forward,” Bissonnette said.
Monday October 29, 2012 7:14 MassLive.com
7:15
MassLive.com: 
Latest outage numbers from WMECO:

13,259 affected, 6% of total number of customers. The Berkshires and Hilltowns are among the worst affected. Some individual community stats:

Amherst 389 customers affected, 3% of all customers
Ashfield, 400, 40%
Blandford 333, 48%
Chester, 61, 93%
Chesterfield, 652, 95%
Easthampton, 2,394, 29%
Gill, 625, 88%
Lanesborough, 1,199, 71%
Ludlow, 875, 9%
Middlefield, 308, 95%
New Ashford, 133, 100%
Russell, 344, 94%
Southampton, 470, 18%
Washington, 328, 100%
Worthington, 698, 98%
Monday October 29, 2012 7:15 MassLive.com
7:21
[Comment From England England : ] 
the national grid power company website isn't answering
Monday October 29, 2012 7:21 England
7:21
[Comment From Jeffyag Jeffyag : ] 
@lights back -- In my experience, WWLP is the Chicken Little of local news. Right here, I trust. WWLP? Only if I want to hear that the end of the world is nigh.
Monday October 29, 2012 7:21 Jeffyag
7:21
[Comment From lights back lights back : ] 
Nor'easter conditions ..hmm will travel be fine on route 9 noho and 91 south? Would we still expect more outages
Monday October 29, 2012 7:21 lights back
7:26
[Comment From lights back lights back : ] 
@Jeffyag Thanks
Monday October 29, 2012 7:26 lights back
7:31
MassLive.com: 
Hurricane Sandy, we hardly knew ye. Sandy is now officially named Post-Tropical Cyclone SANDY by the National Weather Service: http://1.usa.gov/dwbURM
Monday October 29, 2012 7:31 MassLive.com
7:33
MassLive.com: 
Definition of a post-tropical cyclone, from the National Weather Service:

A former tropical cyclone. This generic term describes a cyclone that no longer possesses sufficient tropical characteristics to be considered a tropical cyclone. Post-tropical cyclones can continue carrying heavy rains and high winds. Note that former tropical cyclones that have become fully extratropical...as well as remnant lows...are two classes of post-tropical cyclones.
Monday October 29, 2012 7:33 MassLive.com
7:41
MassLive.com: 
Number of Connecticut Light and Power customers who've lost power has ballooned to 398,235, 32% of total customers.
Monday October 29, 2012 7:41 MassLive.com
7:47
[Comment From Mary Mary : ] 
Not much going on here in Holyoke. Grateful.
Monday October 29, 2012 7:47 Mary
7:47
MassLive.com: 
The Monson day shelter at the Senior Center closed at 5:20 p.m.
Monday October 29, 2012 7:47 MassLive.com
7:52
MassLive.com: 
According to 22News, schools will be closed Tuesday in Belchertown, Granby, Lee, Pittsfield, Smith Voke and Ware.
Monday October 29, 2012 7:52 MassLive.com
8:00
masslivenews@masslivenews
Join our #Sandy chat for live local updates on closures/outages: ow.ly/eRNf2. For mobile devices: ow.ly/eRNqR
Monday October 29, 2012 8:00 masslivenews
8:02
MassLive.com: 
From Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse following a meeting of Holyoke Operations Team:

1) All department heads are on call overnight and the Emergency Operations Center will be open throughout the night. You can call the EOC with questions/concerns at 413-534-2313 or 413-534-2162.
2) There were only 143 customers (118 residential) without power so far and all have been restored. HG&E crews will be on overnight taking calls and responding to reports.
3) Water levels are good and the river flow is not significant.
4) Trash pickup will happen tomorrow as planned.
5) Everbridge Notification System was implemented smoothly.
6) We will decide on school closure at 5:00am tomorrow morning. Plan as if school will be open unless notified otherwise. Weather is forecast to improve overnight but we do want to reassess environmental conditions in the morning for pedestrians and students to be certain.
7) City Hall will be open to the public tomorrow.

I'm proud to be part of such a great team. More updates to come in the morning, but it looks like we will survive the storm with minimal damage.

- Mayor Morse
Monday October 29, 2012 8:02 MassLive.com
8:04
10.29.2012 | Photo submitted by City of Holyoke | Monday night's meeting of the Holyoke Emergency Operations Team
Monday October 29, 2012 8:04 
8:04
[Comment From Abby Abby : ] 
Is the worst winds still supposed to be until 9pm or has that changed again?
Monday October 29, 2012 8:04 Abby
8:06
MassLive.com: 
Abby,

The National Weather Service High Wind Warning for southern New England remains in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday. Strongest winds were expected through 7 p.m., to be followed by a gradual decrease.
Monday October 29, 2012 8:06 MassLive.com
8:06
[Comment From Jason Jason : ] 
What's the word on state offices? Will they (specifically the RMV/DMV) be open tomorrow?
Monday October 29, 2012 8:06 Jason
8:18
MassLive.com: 
From the Massachusetts DOT website:

CDL road tests scheduled for Tuesday, October 30th have been canceled at the following locations:  Otis, Dartmouth, South Deerfield, Everett and Sterling.  Class D road tests scheduled for Tuesday on Martha's Vineyard are also canceled.

No other notices of Tuesday RMV closings
Monday October 29, 2012 8:18 MassLive.com
8:21
[Comment From Steve Steve : ] 
Is there any word on when Springfield will make a decision about school closures for tomorrow? Perhaps they have already decided to open?
Monday October 29, 2012 8:21 Steve
8:22
[Comment From NHampton NHampton : ] 
Any news about UMass Amherst?
Monday October 29, 2012 8:22 NHampton
8:22
MassLive.com: 
National Grid is updating it's outage report:

In Franklin County there are about 1,622 homes without power that they service

Shutesbury has 606.
Heath has 590.
Rowe has 193.
Erving has 105.
Wendell has 105.
New Salem has 57.
Charlemont has 30.
Warwick has 7.
Monroe has 5.
Orange has less than 5.
Monday October 29, 2012 8:22 MassLive.com
8:23
Boston.com News@BostonDotCom
AMAZING PHOTO: Wind from #Sandy ripped the facade off this NYC building. Paintings still hanging on the walls ow.ly/i/14xps @Reuters
Monday October 29, 2012 8:23 BostonDotCom
8:31
MassLive.com: 
Ludlow School Supt. Todd Gazda in call to parents: barring anything unforeseen, schools will be open Tuesday.
Monday October 29, 2012 8:31 MassLive.com
8:31
MassLive.com: 
National Grid is reporting 5,5251 outages for Hampden County.

Brimfield has 1,663 customers without power.
Hampden has 1,480.
Wales has 1,002.
Monson has 483.
Palmer has 294.
Wilbraham has 81.
East Longmeadow has 57.


Monday October 29, 2012 8:31 MassLive.com
8:35
[Comment From Guest Guest : ] 
Are there any state-wide school announcements yet?
Monday October 29, 2012 8:35 Guest
8:35
MassLive.com: 
National Grid is announcing that 481 customers are without power in Hampshire County.

Granby has 283.
Belchertown has 124.
Goshen has 95.
Ware has 24.
Monday October 29, 2012 8:35 MassLive.com
8:36
MassLive.com: 
Guest,

Gov. Deval Patrick was scheduled to make an announcement at 8:30.

-- Joe
Monday October 29, 2012 8:36 MassLive.com
8:40
MassLive.com: 
Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette on Facebook:

We are still assessing the likely conditions for the morning and opening the schools. While we have no major power outages at the moment, we need to be certain that schools have power and that streets/sidewalks are safe. Since we must have 180 days of school according to state law, one day can be tomorrow or it could be in late June. That also applies to any other days we may close due to the weather (snow, ice). The closed days are added to the end of the school year. Supt. Rege and I take safety very seriously and it may not be decided until after the winds have died down late tonight and we have a report on the electrical system.
Monday October 29, 2012 8:40 MassLive.com
8:41
[Comment From guest 111 guest 111 : ] 
what is going on with electricity on the Cape? How many lost power?
Monday October 29, 2012 8:41 guest 111
8:45
MassLive.com: 
guest 111,

We've heard from a friend on the Cape that Barnstable has closed school Tuesday. And here are the latest numbers of outages for some of the larger towns on the Cape:

Barnstable, 12,129 customers affected, 70% of all customers
Dennis, 2,012, 12%
Falmouth, 7,633, 29%
Hyannis (listed separately from Barnstable), 4,411, 29%
Mashpee, 4,459, 39%
Sandwich, 613, 7%
Yarmouth, 2,654, 16%
Monday October 29, 2012 8:45 MassLive.com
8:49
MassLive.com: 
A lot of readers are asking about Springfield schools -- reporter Suzanne McLaughlin has just talked to a school department spokeswoman, who said no decision has been made, and the decision might not be made until early morning.
Monday October 29, 2012 8:49 MassLive.com
8:50
[Comment From guest guest : ] 
Any word from Gov. Patrick yet? Will U-Mass be closing?
Monday October 29, 2012 8:50 guest
8:50
MassLive.com: 
Gov. Patrick ( has just tweeted this:

School closings are local discretion. State offices will have a delayed start at 10am tomorrow.
Monday October 29, 2012 8:50 MassLive.com
8:53
MassLive.com: 
In Hampden County, Western Massachusetts Electric Company is reporting 496 customers out of power.

Springfield has 253.
Ludlow has 212.
Longmeadow has 26.
Agawam has 4.
West Springfield has 1.
Chesterfield has 558. Russell has 345, which is nearly every customer. Blandford has 474. Tolland has 280. Middlefield has 244. Huntington has 81. Worthington has 62. Granville has 29.
Monday October 29, 2012 8:53 MassLive.com
8:53
[Comment From Steve Steve : ] 
Thanks for the work on tracking down a response from Springfield. Appreciate it!
Monday October 29, 2012 8:53 Steve
8:54
[Comment From Guest Guest : ] 
We got no rain (hardly), and no wind (hardly also). Nice weather according to what they said it was going to be like. My kids gotta go to school tomorrow (100% sure). We got no power outages in my town. (West Springfield)
Monday October 29, 2012 8:54 Guest
8:56
MassLive.com: 
Gov. Patrick ( tweets:

RMV branches will open at 10am, Tues Oct 30. All Class D road tests are cancelled for Tuesday.
Monday October 29, 2012 8:56 MassLive.com
8:57
[Comment From Tiera Tiera : ] 
Will the PVTA buses be running tomorrow?
Monday October 29, 2012 8:57 Tiera
8:57
MassLive.com: 
Tiera,

PVTA will be running its full schedule on Tuesday.

-- Joe
Monday October 29, 2012 8:57 MassLive.com
9:01
[Comment From Tiera Tiera : ] 
Thanks!!
Monday October 29, 2012 9:01 Tiera
9:01
[Comment From Tammy Tammy : ] 
The town of Ware has no school tomorrow (Tues). We are getting the wind and rain here, we lost a big tree in our yard this afternoon around 2:30. We haven't lost power yet, only a few flickers.
Monday October 29, 2012 9:01 Tammy
9:05
MassLive.com: 
Well over a half-million customers in Connecticut have no power.

United Illuminating, which serves a large portion of the shore and surrounding towns, lists 115,248 customers are affected.

Connecticut Light and Power, which serves the rest of the state, lists 476,793 customers affected.
Monday October 29, 2012 9:05 MassLive.com
9:09
MassLive.com: 
Western Massachusetts Electric Company has about 2,070 customers who have no power.


Southampton is the hardest hit with 1,065
Amherst has 901.
Westhampton has 75.
Hadley has 22.
Easthampton has 7.

Monday October 29, 2012 9:09 MassLive.com
9:12
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Jeanette DeForge:

Before the winds started picking up and the rain started from Hurricane Sandy the Federal Emergency Management Agency incident command post set up at Westover Air Reserve Base had had an emailed request for supplies.

The Connecticut National Guard in the early afternoon was asking for a truckload of cots satellite campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute located in Hartford, likely in preparation to set up a shelter.

Totman and his fellow FEMA workers spent most of Monday setting up and waiting for what is expected to be a deluge of calls for supplies from areas hard hit by Hurricane Sandy, said Bryan E. Toman, incident support base manager.

Read more: http://bit.ly/S8H6AT
Monday October 29, 2012 9:12 MassLive.com
9:15
MassLive.com: 
Western Massachusetts Electrical Company is announcing about 912 outages in Franklin County.

Leyden has 361.
Shelburne has 152
Buckland has 116
Deerfield has 102
Northfield has 98.
Bernardston has 42.
Colrain has 18.
Gill has 13.
Leverett has 8.
Hatfield has 1.
Erving has 1.
Whately has 1.
Monday October 29, 2012 9:15 MassLive.com
9:17
MTA@MTAInsider
Up to four feet of seawater is entering subway tunnels under the East River. #Sandy
Monday October 29, 2012 9:17 MTAInsider
9:19
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Jack Flynn:

Five hours after Connecticut officials banned trucks from Interstate 91 on Monday, 18-wheelers from 11 states were idling at Roady's Truck Stop in Springfield waiting out the worst of Hurricane Sandy.

For some drivers, including Caesar Ubaldo, 33, of Hoboken, N.J., avoiding potential carnage on the highway was more important than getting a load of frozen food to Rocky Hill, Conn., by late afternoon.

Read the story: http://bit.ly/SXixYD
Monday October 29, 2012 9:19 MassLive.com
9:24
The Star-Ledger@starledger
The Star-Ledger's Newark office is currently without power. Keep checking NJ.com for #Sandy updates.
Monday October 29, 2012 9:24 starledger
9:24
Daniela Altimari@capitolwatch
Gov. Malloy says thousands of people are trapped in their homes by rising water, says he situation is dire. #sandy
Monday October 29, 2012 9:24 capitolwatch
9:27
Trish LaMonte@TrishLamonte
RT @deafgeoff: #NYC looking scary as Manhattan goes dark pic.twitter.com/NmCL1TA4
#Sandy (via @alananewhouse)
Monday October 29, 2012 9:27 TrishLamonte
9:41
MassLive.com: 

From The Republican's Dan Ring at the Statehouse:

Gov. Deval L. Patrick said Monday night that Massachusetts state government will open at 10 a.m. Tuesday, avoiding a shutdown for two days in a row because of Hurricane Sandy.

Patrick said Massachusetts has weathered the storm fairly well. He said the track of the storm was fortunate for Massachusetts, but not for some other states.

Read more: http://bit.ly/PDyDKe

Monday October 29, 2012 9:41 MassLive.com
9:45
Bumper DeJesus@bumperdejesus
Creepiest #sandy photo yet: the carousel is an island: instagram.com/p/RYtQghtKAu/
Monday October 29, 2012 9:45 bumperdejesus
9:45
Eric Fisher@EricFisherTWC
Via NWS Chat: the NYSE trading floor is under 3' of water. This is absolutely incredible. #Sandy
Monday October 29, 2012 9:45 EricFisherTWC
9:49
Jason Yellin@JasonYellin
Surreal #Sandy RT @passantino: Wow: Floodwaters inundate Ground Zero construction site in NYC (via AP) pic.twitter.com/AZFYPvYj
Monday October 29, 2012 9:49 JasonYellin
9:49
MassLive.com: 
Videos from The Republican photographers: Hurricane Sandy grazes Western Massachusetts: http://bit.ly/RpUYcC
Monday October 29, 2012 9:49 MassLive.com
9:57
MassLive.com: 
Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette on Facebook:

Chicopee Schools will open Tuesday pending a final review with the Electric Light and police at 5 am. Currently no power outages and roads/sidewalks are generally clear of major debris. The Chicopee forecast is for light rain and reduced winds with minimal gusts. Provided it remains safe and the downgraded forecast stays in effect, we will open as scheduled. In case of closure, a ConnectEd call will be made by Supt Rege early in the morning. Thank you for your patience.
Monday October 29, 2012 9:57 MassLive.com
9:58
MassLive.com: 
More from Chicopee Mayor Bissonnette:

Trash/recycling collection will be on the regular Tuesday schedule.
Monday October 29, 2012 9:58 MassLive.com
10:11
MassLive.com: 
Tweet from UMass Amherst: "UMass Amherst will be open on Tuesday, Oct. 30. The university will resume full operations."
Monday October 29, 2012 10:11 MassLive.com
10:17
MassLive.com: 
Another tweet from UMass Amherst: "All of the other Five Colleges: Amherst, Hampshire, Mt. Holyoke and Smith have also announced that they are open tomorrow."
Monday October 29, 2012 10:17 MassLive.com
10:18
MassLive.com: 
From Twitter: Worcester Public Schools closed Tuesday.
Monday October 29, 2012 10:18 MassLive.com
10:43
MassLive.com: 
Interesting story about the false report of flooding at the NYSE.

http://www.poynter.org/latest-news/mediawire/193564/cnn-weather-channel-inaccurately-report-that-new-york-stock-exchange-is-under-3-feet-of-water/
Monday October 29, 2012 10:43 MassLive.com
10:57
MassLive.com: 
Western Mass. Electric Co. is announcing the following number of outages in Hampden County.

Ludlow has 3
Springfield has 77
Longmeadow has 26
Agawam has 65
West Springfield has 1
Montgomery has 99
Russell has 187
Granville has 30
Tolland has 280
Blandford has 580
Chester has 56
Monday October 29, 2012 10:57 MassLive.com
11:03
MassLive.com: 
WMECO is announcing the following number of outages in Hampshire County.

Middlefield has 314
Worthington has 264
Chesterfield has 558
Amherst has 889
Cummington has 93
Plainfield has 145
Hadley has 18
Hatfield has 1
Westhampton has 75
Southampton has 249
Huntington has 64
Monday October 29, 2012 11:03 MassLive.com
11:07
[Comment From Salina Salina : ] 
Is there scool in spfld tomorrow
Monday October 29, 2012 11:07 Salina
11:09
MassLive.com: 

Salina,

A Springfield School Dept. spokeswoman said there'd be no decision tonight. Check back with us first thing in the morning
Monday October 29, 2012 11:09 MassLive.com
11:11
MassLive.com: 


Readers,

We're going to shut down the live chat for now, but we'll be back in a few hours. Conor Berry will start posting at about 4 a.m., and will be joined by Greg Saulmon and George Graham a couple hours later.

Thanks for staying with us!

-- Joe Deburro
Monday October 29, 2012 11:11 MassLive.com
11:31
masslivenews@masslivenews
Videos: Hurricane #Sandy grazes Western Massachusetts bit.ly/Trl9jY
Monday October 29, 2012 11:31 masslivenews
Tuesday October 30, 2012
4:13
MassLive.com: 
Wind, rain, flooding and downed branches made for dicey road conditions in some parts of Western Massachusetts on Monday evening into early Tuesday as Hurricane Sandy pounded the East Coast, wreaking havoc in coastal areas of Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.

But folks in these parts will likely rise today to windy, wet conditions with scattered showers as Sandy weakens and drier weather returns for the end of the week.

Still, several thousand people in this region were without power this morning, while many more remain in the dark in other parts of the Commonwealth and Connecticut.

Stay tuned for the latest on outages throughout the Pioneer Valley and beyond.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 4:13 MassLive.com
4:23
MassLive.com: 
Despite their proximity to coastal sections of Connecticut hit by Hurricane Sandy, the state's two casinos managed to stay open throughout the monster storm, despite a prior report that they had closed.

However, many of the normal services and venues at both Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods were either canceled or closed due to the storm.

Sean Flanagan, a spokesman for Mohegan, said some of the confusion may have stemmed from the fact that the casino's tribal gaming offices were closed, while the hotel remained open. The box office, country club and several shops and restaurants at the casino were closed. Bus service was suspended, with no buses leaving or arriving at Mohegan on Monday, and poker tournaments were canceled.

At nearby Foxwoods, spokeswoman Rebecca Carr said the casino offered "limited services" during Monday's storm, but the hotel remained open. The "safety of guests and team members" was the paramount concern, Carr said.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 4:23 MassLive.com
4:25
[Comment From chris chris : ] 
is there schools/daycare open tuesday.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 4:25 chris
4:25
[Comment From Guest Guest : ] 
Tweet from UMass Amherst: "UMass Amherst will be open on Tuesday, Oct. 30. The university will resume full operations."
Tuesday October 30, 2012 4:25 Guest
4:36
MassLive.com: 
Massachusetts State Police are investigating whether speed and rough weather conditions played a role in a fatal car crash on Route 128 in Peabody Monday evening.

A passenger died after the vehicle he was traveling in crashed into the guardrail and flipped onto its roof in the southbound lane of Route 128 just before 6:30 p.m. Preliminary investigation by Trooper Michael Callahan indicates Rony Lopez, 26, of Lynn, was driving the 1998 Toyota 4-Runner sport utility vehicle at the time of the crash.

Lopez and two of his passengers, both of whom were ejected from the vehicle, were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. A third passenger, who also was ejected from the SUIV, died from his injuries, police said. Authorities said the victim's name would not be released until family members are contacted.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 4:36 MassLive.com
4:40
[Comment From Belchertown%252C MA Belchertown%252C MA : ] 
Has national grid given an update yet when Belchertowns power is estimated to be restored?
Tuesday October 30, 2012 4:40 Belchertown%252C MA
4:52
MassLive.com: 
Schools in the Hampden Wilbraham Regional School District were expected to open as scheduled today, Tuesday, Oct. 30, according to Superintendent Marty O'Shea.

However, if power outages or weather conditions require classes to be canceled for a second day, robocalls would be placed before 5:30 a.m., O'Shea said.

Holyoke schools will open today as scheduled.

Stay tuned for more information on openings and closings.

Tuesday October 30, 2012 4:52 MassLive.com
5:15
MassLive.com: 
More than 18,000 power customers were still without electricity as of 5 a.m. today, Tuesday, Oct. 30, according to outage maps provided by National Grid and Western Massachusetts Electric Co. (WMECo), the main electric companies in this region.

National Grid is reporting no power for 9,336 customers in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties, while WMECo is reporting 8,787 customers who are still in the dark.

Berkshire County leads the pack for National Grid outages, with 5,611 customers, followed by 1,949 outages in Hampden County. In Franklin and Hampshire counties, the power has yet to be restored to 1,307 and 469 customers, respectively.

WMECo outages appear to be worse in some hill towns and Berkshire County towns than elsewhere in this region.

In Hampden County, 91 percent of Blandford, 87 percent of Chester and 61 percent of Tolland are without power this morning.

In Hampshire County, outages are affecting 96 percent of Middlefield and 83 percent of Chesterfield.

In the Berkshires, 99 percent of Washington, 54 percent of Hinsdale, 52 percent of Richmond and 42 percent of Savoy are still in the dark.

More updates will be posted as these numbers change.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 5:15 MassLive.com
5:25
MassLive.com: 
To Belchertown%252C MA:

You sound like one of the unlucky 150 Nat. Grid customers with no lights this morning. The bad news is that the utility company is not being very specific about restoration times at this point, only saying that line men are "assessing conditions."

The good news, however, is that 6,370 of your neighbors have lights, so maybe someone will let you in for a coffee and a shower if you have to get to work by nine.

We'll try to give you more detailed information as we get it. "Assessing conditions" doesn't exactly instill confidence, I realize, but we'll try to pin down the powers that be in the next hour so you can get on with your life.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 5:25 MassLive.com
5:25
[Comment From Guest Guest : ] 
From http://www.facebook.com/Easthampton01027TheGoodNewsPage
Tuesday October 30, 2012 5:25 Guest
5:28
[Comment From Dan Dan : ] 
Any word on damage in West yarmouth MA?
Tuesday October 30, 2012 5:28 Dan
5:37
MassLive.com: 
To Dan,

Sorry for the delayed response, Dan, but it does appear that there was flooding in some parts of Yarmouth, with one pond just south of Route 28 in West Yarmouth looking more like an inland sea than its usual marshy self. Lewis Pond, between South Sea and Seaview avenues on the Cape's South Side, turned into an extension of the sea, according to the Boston Globe, though its unclear if local streets near the pond were flooded.

Here's a link for more information, if you're able to get online this morning:
http://www.boston.com/metrodesk/2012/10/29/cape-cod-marshes-turn-into-extensions-the-sea-hurricane-sandy-arrives/U1gjtiwOu4c7rcFC7qiwsL/story.html

As of late Monday night, more than 42,000 Cape and Islanders were still without power, which was down from 57,000 earlier in the day. Let's hope that trend continued through the overnight hours.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 5:37 MassLive.com
5:47
Leeanne Griffin@FunWithCarbsLG
The power's on, with seemingly little damage in The Little Border Town That Could, but we'll see what the day brings. #Sandy
Tuesday October 30, 2012 5:47 FunWithCarbsLG
6:03
MassLive.com: 
Confirmed school closures for today, Tuesday, Oct. 30, include:

-- Belchertown Schools
-- Mohawk Trail Regional School District
-- Ware Public Schools
-- Tantasqua Regional School District
-- Quaboag Regional School District
-- Gateway Regional School District
-- Hampshire Regional Schools
-- Central Berkshire Regional School District
-- Berkshire Hills Regional School District
Tuesday October 30, 2012 6:03 MassLive.com
6:19
MassLive.com: 
WMECo is reporting that things have improved just slightly in Blandford, where power has been restored to a few more customers. Overall, though, 91 percent of the town was still without power as of 6:05 a.m.

Other WMECo-served towns with 50 percent or more of customers still without power include Hinsdale, Middlefield, Richmond, Tolland and Windsor.

Things are still pretty grim and dim for residents of the Berkshire County town of Washington, where 326 of the town's 328 WMECo customers (99 %) were still without power.

Monday's Town Meeting in Washington was canceled due to Hurricane Sandy, which pounded the Berkshire hill town hard, knocking down trees and power lines.

"Many, many roads are closed because of trees down on wires," David Fish, the town's highway superintendent., said a few minutes ago.

Fish says he and his crew will get out to get there "right about when the sun rises" to assess the situation. As of last night, though, it was far too dangerous to be outside. "Trees are down everywhere," Fish said.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 6:19 MassLive.com
6:35
MassLive.com: 
Ladies and gentlemen, Queens is burning. No book with that title yet, but there very well may be if Hurricane Sandy becomes New York and New Jersey's version of Hurricane Katrina.

FYI for anyone in western Massachusetts with roots in, or ties to, New York City: The city's five boroughs and neighboring Long Island took a lashing of Biblical proportions.

The Rockaways in Queens, once a prime summer get-away spot for working-class city residents, seems to have borne the brunt of Sandy's fury, according to media reports. As of 4 a.m. today, about 50 homes were still burning on the sandy peninsula, which has become even more isolated thanks to Sandy. Firefighters say they can't reach some of the fires due to rough weather and road conditions. Much of the trouble is in Breezy Point, a heavily Irish section at the western tip of the Rockaway Peninsula, where more than 50 homes have burned. About 200 firefighters are at the scene of the 6-alarm fire, according to ABC News. Here's a link (with video) for anyone who's interested: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/10/hurricane-sandy-live-updates-2/

In New Jersey, images reminiscent of Katrina are popping up all over regional TV stations, including video of people standing on roofs and waving for help -- just like in New Orleans seven years ago.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 6:35 MassLive.com
6:36
Mandy Hofmockel@mandyhofmockel
No problems driving South on I-91 from Northampton. #Sandy
Tuesday October 30, 2012 6:36 mandyhofmockel
6:37
Mandy Hofmockel@mandyhofmockel
I even saw a bright full moon through a break in the clouds in the backyard. #Sandy
Tuesday October 30, 2012 6:37 mandyhofmockel
6:42
[Comment From nicole nicole : ] 
Is it confirmed that Chicopee schools are definitely open today?
Tuesday October 30, 2012 6:42 nicole
6:56
MassLive.com: 
Chicopee, Holyoke and Springfield schools are among the school districts that are OPEN this morning.

However, several suburban and rural school districts either remain closed or have delayed openings today.

Check MassLive.com for a story that should be online soon.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 6:56 MassLive.com
7:19
masslivenews@masslivenews
This morning, @wmeco reporting just under 8,000 power outages outage.wmeco.com/outage/outagem… #westernma #sandy
Tuesday October 30, 2012 7:19 masslivenews
7:23
masslivenews@masslivenews
Some storm-related school closings this morning: bit.ly/Tl9ezU #westernma #sandy
Tuesday October 30, 2012 7:23 masslivenews
7:25
Leeanne Griffin@FunWithCarbsLG
Little to no damage in my area of #Enfield this morning. Just scattered leaves. Dodged a huge bullet compared to shore. #Sandy
Tuesday October 30, 2012 7:25 FunWithCarbsLG
7:31
Ed Kubosiak@ed_kubosiak
RT @masslivenews: Some storm-related school closings this morning: bit.ly/Tl9ezU #westernma #sandy
Tuesday October 30, 2012 7:31 ed_kubosiak
7:33
[Comment From Robin Robin : ] 
I love Holyoke Gas & Electric! The response time is amazing! They always take good care of us.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 7:33 Robin
7:34
[Comment From Belchertown%25252C MA Belchertown%25252C MA : ] 
Thank you for the update on Belchertowns status with nat grid. I'll keep checking back for more updates :). Might be better than staring at their unchanging map haha
Tuesday October 30, 2012 7:34 Belchertown%25252C MA
7:34
[Comment From tim tim : ] 
Is the power on in amherst?
Tuesday October 30, 2012 7:34 tim
7:39
MassLive.com: 
Tim,

The short answer is, "Yes," unless, of course, you're that one customer with no juice as of 7:30 a.m. The good news: 10,342 of WMECo's 10,343 customers in Amherst have power.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 7:39 MassLive.com
8:10
MassLive.com: 
Anyone trying to get to work in Southampton today should avoid East Street, which remains closed from Strong to Middle roads due to storm damage from Hurricane Sandy.

Southampton Police chief David G. Silvernail said high winds that ripped through the area late Monday afternoon took down multiple trees and power lines.

Portions of East Street remain without power, Silvernail said, adding that Western Massachusetts Electric Co. responded “pretty quickly.” It’s not yet known when the roadway might reopen.

As of 8 a.m., only 51 of WMECo's 2,481 Southampton customers were still without power.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 8:10 MassLive.com
8:37
masslivenews@masslivenews
From @GovMalloyOffice AM press conference: 2 dead, 2 missing, approximately 630K customers without power in Conn. #Sandy
Tuesday October 30, 2012 8:37 masslivenews
8:37
[Comment From Guest Guest : ] 
How is Franklin county, Greenfield in specific?
Tuesday October 30, 2012 8:37 Guest
8:42
MassLive.com: 
Guest:

I just got off the phone with a trooper at the Massachusetts State Police barracks in Shelburne, and he says the Mohawk Trail corridor and other sections of Franklin County within that coverage zone fared pretty well -- meaning, there were no major problems with flooding or road closures.

That's in contrast to last year's October nor'easter and Tropical Storm Irene in August '11, both of which caused significant damage throughout the county and southern sections of Vermont.

As of 8:30 this morning, only around 2 percent of WMECo customers in Greenfield -- or 238 of 9,277 -- were still without power. We'll be updating restoration efforts as they progress, so check back later.

-- Conor Berry (788-1276 or cberry@repub.com)
Tuesday October 30, 2012 8:42 MassLive.com
8:43
Daniela Altimari@capitolwatch
Malloy says he expects CT will soon be declared a federal disaster area just as NY and NJ have. #sandy
Tuesday October 30, 2012 8:43 capitolwatch
8:43
MassLive.com: 
For anyone with a flight out of Logan today -- flights are starting to resume. You can check flight status here:

http://www.massport.com/logan-airport/_layouts/Apps/FlightTracker/arrivals.aspx?airport=BOS

- Greg Saulmon
Tuesday October 30, 2012 8:43 MassLive.com
8:46
MassLive.com: 
Air traffic should begin to get back to normal around noontime today at Bradley Airport in Windsor Locks, though an airport spokesman said travelers should check with their carriers -- not the airport -- regarding resumption of servie and delays.

-- Conor Berry
cberry@repub.com
Tuesday October 30, 2012 8:46 MassLive.com
8:47
[Comment From kim kim : ] 
does anyone know if route 32 is open through monson into connecticut?
Tuesday October 30, 2012 8:47 kim
8:52
MassLive.com: 
Barre Police Department, via Twitter: "No POWER: Old Hardwick Rd, Old Petersham Rd, Nourse Lane, Williamsville Rd, Wauwinet Rd, Farrington Rd."

-- Greg Saulmon
Tuesday October 30, 2012 8:52 MassLive.com
8:57
MassLive.com: 
Kim:

I can't speak for sections of Rte. 32 running through Connecticut and New Hampshire, but there are no reported problems along the nearly 61-mile stretch running through Massachusetts, according to local and state police.

Perhaps the issues are down near the Connecticut end of 32, particularly around the New London and Norwich areas. Anyone driving 32 through portions of Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester counties should have no problem, based on information from multiple public safety agencies.

-- Conor Berry

cberry@repub.com
Tuesday October 30, 2012 8:57 MassLive.com
9:02
Rick Green@CTConfidential
CL&P: will be a multiple day outage for some customers. #sandy
Tuesday October 30, 2012 9:02 CTConfidential
9:07
masslivenews@masslivenews
Photos: #Sandy causes fires, flooding, power outages in NYC bit.ly/PiTNMx
Tuesday October 30, 2012 9:07 masslivenews
9:11
MassLive.com: 
Western Mass. (and, most of Massachusetts) remains under a wind advisory until 7 p.m. today. National Weather Service statement:

http://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=MAZ011&warncounty=MAC013&firewxzone=MAZ011&local_place1=&product1=Wind+Advisory
Tuesday October 30, 2012 9:11 MassLive.com
9:22
MassLive.com: 
If you missed it yesterday, here's a post on Halloween trick-or-treating postponements:

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/10/most_town_halls_close_early_to.html

We're still gathering information today.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 9:22 MassLive.com
9:31
MassLive.com: 
Red Cross response on east coast: "...opened 258 overnight shelters in 16 states, secured more than 230,000 shelf-stable meals, and deployed more than 1,300 trained emergency workers to the areas where they're needed most."

Any Western Mass. Red Cross volunteers headed to hard-hit areas? We'd like to keep up with your work. Drop a line to online@repub.com.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 9:31 MassLive.com
9:35
MassLive.com: 
From MassDOT:

All MassDOT Registry of Motor Vehicles branches will open at 10am on Tuesday.

***Class D road tests have been cancelled for Tuesday at the following branches only:

Fall River
Cape and Islands locations
New Bedford

Customers are encouraged to check mass.gov/rmv or @MassDOT for service updates before heading out to a branch or to take a road test tomorrow.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 9:35 MassLive.com
9:41
WMECo@wmeco
The worst of #Sandy is behind us & restoration continues to make significant progress
Tuesday October 30, 2012 9:41 wmeco
10:16
[Comment From Joseph Orban Joseph Orban : ] 
From Belgium to the family Gaudette: I'm thinking of you. Courage!
Tuesday October 30, 2012 10:16 Joseph Orban
10:18
MassLive.com: 
Mass EMA, via Twitter: "10AM (10/30) outages in MA (rounded): NGRID 203K, NSTAR 77K, WMECO 8K, FG&E 1K, Total 289K"
Tuesday October 30, 2012 10:18 MassLive.com
10:21
MassLive.com: 
Gov. Deval Patrick is holding a press conference right now. You can watch on NECN:

http://www.necn.com/pages/necn_streampage

We're taking notes and will post any major news to come out of it.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 10:21 MassLive.com
10:26
MassLive.com: 
Gov. Patrick: "Been in touch w/ other states to see what we can do for aid once we've assessed our situation."
Tuesday October 30, 2012 10:26 MassLive.com
10:30
MassLive.com: 
Red Cross update from Rick Lee, director of the Pioneer Valley chapter:

"One shelter set up in Northampton will be closing at 1pm as soon as we can insure the small number of people who stayed there overnight have a place to go. The number of shelters we had open in western and central mass was 4, small shelter turnout. Damage from storm was not so severe as feared. One thing that always happens in the day following is the full scope of the impact will be known. South Berkshire county has quite a lot of down trees and down wires and that seems to be an area of concern, the state is not yet sure. The communities to the south in NY and NJ and CT harder hit, we’re looking to raise funds to help those relief efforts and looking for volunteers for deployment there. We have to pull back our human and material resources to get everything accounted for."
Tuesday October 30, 2012 10:30 MassLive.com
10:42
MassLive.com: 
Conor Berry has a round-up of transit related information:

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/10/hurricane_sandy_causes_road_cl.html

Excerpt:

Flights at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Conn., were expected to resume around noontime on Tuesday, according to John Wallace, a spokesman for the Windsor Locks airport serving the Hartford-Springfield metropolitan area.

"It's going to take a while to ramp things up," he told The Republican this morning. "Not all the crews and equipment are in place – not only here, but elsewhere in the Northeast."

Travelers should check with their airlines, not the airport, for flight and service information, Wallace said.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 10:42 MassLive.com
10:44
MassLive.com: 
Gov. Patrick, on Mass. efforts to help other states: "We have a search and rescue team which we have not had to use here in MA which we sent south earlier this morning. At least one of the utilities is trying to hurry up and finish their work here so they can deploy to the south. The restoration and repair talent we have here may be abler to help in NYC in getting their subway up and running."
Tuesday October 30, 2012 10:44 MassLive.com
10:48
MassLive.com: 
Out on the Cape, via Mass State Police: Route 28 is closed at the Orleans / Harwich line. Road was damaged by flooding, and will be closed for a few days.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 10:48 MassLive.com
10:56
Governor Christie@GovChristie
I don't give a damn about Election Day after what has happened here. I am worried about the people of New Jersey. #Sandy
Tuesday October 30, 2012 10:56 GovChristie
10:57
MassLive.com: 
Mass State Police, via Twitter: "MSP Communications Section took 7,002 emergency 911 calls from 12 a.m. Monday to 12 a.m. Tuesday."
Tuesday October 30, 2012 10:57 MassLive.com
11:09
MassLive.com: 
Fred Contrada reports from Northampton:

Northampton municipal offices and public schools were open on Tuesday, except for Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, which hosted the regional emergency shelter. According to volunteer workers there, 21 guests used the shelter on Monday night. All of them were gone by 10 a.m. on Tuesday, however, and the shelter was set to officially close at 1 p.m.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 11:09 MassLive.com
11:12
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
Sen. Scott Brown, Elizabeth Warren to tour storm-damaged coastal Massachusetts masslive.com/politics/index… #Sandy #MaPoli
Tuesday October 30, 2012 11:12 RRizzuto413
11:30
MassLive.com: 
Clarification on that Mass State Police call volume: "MSP Communications intake of 7002 911 calls were just emergency calls. Total calls more than 9,000. That is more than double a "normal" day"
Tuesday October 30, 2012 11:30 MassLive.com
12:04
MassLive.com: 
Diane Lederman checks in with this update from Amherst:

In Amherst, the emergency winter shelter Craig's Place, which opened Monday night three days ahead of schedule because of Hurricane Sandy, remains open and will remain open until 8 a.m. Wednesday at the First Baptist Church, which hosts the shelter.

Officials will determine Wednesday morning whether further daytime shelter hours are necessary, according to a press release. Shelter hours typically are 9:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. Nov. 1 through April 30.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 12:04 MassLive.com
12:35
MassLive.com: 
Latest outage numbers, from MEMA: 12PM (10/30) outages in MA (rounded): NGRID 186K, NSTAR 68K, WMECO 9K, FG&E 2K, Total 265K
Tuesday October 30, 2012 12:35 MassLive.com
12:38
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
Elizabeth Warren's #MaSen campaign releases statement - she believes final debate should occur- agrees to Thurs after #Sandy scrapped Tues.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 12:38 RRizzuto413
1:52
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Ted LaBorde, reporting from Blandford:

Sixty linemen from Battle Creek, Mich., were working on North Blandford Road mid-day today in an effort to restore electrical power to this community by early evening. The community was left in the dark through Monday night thanks to Hurricane Sandy.

Read the story: http://bit.ly/XTKFju
Tuesday October 30, 2012 1:52 MassLive.com
1:55
MassLive.com: 
From The Republican's Pat Cahill:

In Granby, nobody was hurt or displaced by the storm, according to Police Chief Alan Wishart. He said trees came down on Batchelor Street, Forge Pond Road, South Street and Harris Street on Monday. Some of the trees dragged down power lines with them, causing power outages, he said, but by Tuesday all power had been restored and the streets were cleared.

In South Hadley, trees came down on Ferry Street and Silverwood Street on Monday, according to Police Lieutenant Steve Parentela, but there were no power outages. He said the streets were quickly cleared by the Department of Public Works in South Hadley.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 1:55 MassLive.com
3:34
[Comment From Guest Guest : ] 
any idea if Rte 23 in Blandford has reopened?
Tuesday October 30, 2012 3:34 Guest
3:34
[Comment From carol carol : ] 
Hats off to WMECO> I lost power as a result of tree and wires down and had my power back in 11 or so hours. Far Cry from last year. Thanks
Tuesday October 30, 2012 3:34 carol
4:23
masslivenews@masslivenews
A few #WesternMA towns have decided to postpone trick-or-treating because of #Sandy. Check out our local roundup: bit.ly/Svf05v
Tuesday October 30, 2012 4:23 masslivenews
4:29
MassLive.com: 
WMECO outages: 7,872 customers affected. In Blandford, 569 customers, 82% of the town are still affected; Richmond, 675 customers, or 69 percent, and in Otis, 636, or 31 percent, still have no power. In Pittsfield, 1,572, 6 percent of the city, are affected.


Tuesday October 30, 2012 4:29 MassLive.com
4:30
MassLive.com: 
Thanks for staying with us during our live coverage of Hurricane Sandy. This concludes our live updates, but we'll continue to post separate stories updating conditions locally and reporting stories from throughout Massachusetts and the Northeast.
Tuesday October 30, 2012 4:30 MassLive.com
4:31
 

 
 
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