Newton Storm Center: Newton Schools Closed Monday, Cleanup Continues

Mon., Feb. 11--

Updated 11:30 p.m.

• In case you missed the earlier news, . 

2:07 p.m.

• .

• Trash/recycling pickup this week will be a challenge for residents and collectors. Here are some tips to help things go smoothly.

10:41 a.m.

• .

• The Newton Police Dept. is also advising drivers to take caution on the roads today.

• Even though school is closed, the Newton Boys & Girls Club is open today 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

9:17 a.m.

• Rain is forecasted for this morning, which could make for some dangerous driving conditions as some roads are still covered in slush and snow. Please take it slow out there today.

• With the rain today, there is the serious potential for roof collapse. Fluffy snow piled high on roofs can act as a sponge, absorbing rain and adding additional stress to structures. Read through these tips from MEMA on safely removing snow from rooftops.

• Regular MBTA service is back up and running today, but commuters should leave some extra time for travel. All Framingham/Worcester commuter rail lines are facing 10- to 15-minute delays at this time.

• Tonight's School Committee meeting has been canceled.

• The city's trial snow shoveling ordinance is in effect and homeowners are asked to shovel sidewalks outside their property within 30 hours of a storm. If you need help shoveling, check out this list from the city.

• Don't forget to upload your Newton blizzard photos to our gallery!

Sun., Feb. 10--

Updated 7:36 p.m. 

• Newton Country Day School is closed Monday. 

• Mount Ida College will reopen to full operations Monday.

• Trash/recycling pickup in Newton will be on schedule Monday.

6:45 p.m. 

• Newton Public School officials clarified Sunday night why they decided to cancel school Monday. 

• In other school-related news, the Jackson and Walnut Park schools will be closed Monday, Feb. 11.

5:45 p.m.

• Newton DPW Commissioner Dave Turocy said Sunday evening that crews have been out all day long working on the city roads, sidewalks, school parking lots and crosswalks. With school canceled tomorrow, crews will be continue clearing school areas on Monday.

• Turocy said crews working through some resident complaints now, including dead end streets where snow piled up.

• Throughout the week, crews will continue working on widening streets and clearing intersections as well as knocking down some of the larger snowbanks that create hazards for pedestrians and drivers. 

• Later in the week, Turocy said crews will start to work on removing snow from business areas.

• Crews will continue Sunday until about 11 p.m., Turocy said, and pick up work Monday morning.

• According to the MBTA website, the D Line is now operating between Riverside and Kenmore stations. Commuter rail will resume Monday morning, Feb. 11.

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 5 p.m.

• .

• In addition to the Newton Public Schools, Mount Alvernia High School and Lasell College will also be closed Monday.

2:19 p.m. 

• In an email sent to Newton Patch Sunday afternoon, Superintendent David Fleishman said he is hoping Newton Public Schools will open tomorrow. If the schools are not able to open, officials will have an announcement by tonight, he said. 

• If you are without power, the Newton Free Library has set up several charging stations for the public's use.

• The TeenLife LIVE event at the Mall at Chestnut Hill has been postponed to March 3.

12:31 p.m.

• Now that we have plenty of snow to work with, where are the best sledding spots in Newton? We're looking for your suggestions. 

• Newton Patch is working on updates from the city DPW and Newton Public Schools. Stay tuned for more information!

12:07 p.m.

• The MBTA will have limited service starting at 2 p.m. Sunday. Service in Newton is still suspended. Full service will resume Monday morning. 

10 a.m.

• All MBTA service is suspended again today. The goal is to have service restored by Monday.

• The Mall at Chestnut Hill will be open regular business hours today (noon - 6 p.m.)

• Still shoveling out? Don't forget to add your photos to our Newton blizzard photo gallery!

Sat., Feb. 9 --

Updated  7:03 p.m.

• The city will lift the snow emergency and parking ban as of 8 p.m. Saturday. The overnight winter parking ban is still in effect (more than one hour between 2 a.m. - 6 a.m.)

• According to Lin of @Beantown_Eats, Sycamore in Newton Centre is open tonight with a limited menu. Rachel Geller is reporting via Twitter (@DrRachelGeller) that BOKX 109 is also open.

6:09 p.m. 

• Do you know of any restaurants open in Newton? We've heard on Facebook that Echo Bridge (Virgilio's) is open in Upper Falls. If you know of any restaurants open -- let us know in the comments section below!

3:15 p.m.

• City officials provided Newton Patch with some updates on the clean-up in the city. The parking ban is still in effect. . 

• From Fire Chief Bruce Proia: Please remember to shovel out heating vents to prevent carbon monoxide in the home. Also, please be careful while working with snowblowers and do not put your hand in the machine to clear it out. 

• From Health & Human Services Commissioner Dori Zaleznik: Take it slow and take breaks while shoveling. If you have a heart condition, don't shovel. (Consult a neighbor or the city snow shoveler list for help).

• As for grocery stores: The Shaw's in Newtonville is open until 5 p.m. and Star Market in Auburndale is open until 6 p.m. 

• Remember to upload your photos to our Newton blizzard photo gallery. (Please and thank you!)

2:11 p.m.

• Newton Patch just finished speaking with city officials regarding storm clean-up. As of right now, the parking ban is still in effect as crews are still working to clear sidewalks, streets and municipal parking lots. According to DPW Commissioner Dave Turocy, municipal lots have not been cleared yet and plows are likely to keep working through the night and into early tomorrow morning. We will have more post-storm details for you shortly. 

1:44 p.m. 

• Whole Foods in Newtonville says it will remain closed today, but plans to reopen tomorrow. We're working to find out what other stores may be open today and will keep you posted.

• Need a help shoveling? We've set up a story where you can ask for help or offer your services. 

• According to NSTAR's outage map, just six customers in Newton are without power. 

12:56 p.m.

• Gov. Deval Patrick announced this afternoon that the statewide driving ban will be lifted as of 4 p.m. Saturday. Patrick urges residents to stay off the roads as much as possible to allow plow crews to clear roads properly.

• As of right now, the Newton snow emergency is still in effect and parking on all city streets and in municipal lots is prohibited.

• The National Weather Service has lifted the blizzard warning for the Newton area.

12:37 p.m. 

• The Mall at Chestnut Hill will not open today, according to an email sent this afternoon from Simon Malls. Stay tuned for more information on whether the mall will open tomorrow. 

11:08 a.m.

• The Mall at Chestnut Hill will not open at its regularly scheduled 10 a.m. opening time, according to an email from Simon Malls. The malls do anticipate to possibly re-open for business later today. Should that be the case, Simon will send more information when it becomes available.

• Mail service is suspended in all of New England today.

10:22 a.m.

• Newton Patch is expecting an update from the city sometime early this afternoon. Please stay tuned for more information!

10 a.m. 

• . Wind chill values will be as low as zero.

9:23 a.m.

• According to the NSTAR outage map, just 165 customers in Newton are without power still just a fraction of the amount of total customers in the city. We're hearing on Twitter that most people have power, but let us know if you are without power (if you can).

• According to our snowfall map, parts of Newton have up to 14 inches of snow. But, we're hearing on Twitter from Anil Adyanthaya (@AnilAdyanthaya) in Newton Upper Falls that he has 18 inches of snow, 19.5 inches on his deck.

• The MBTA will remain out of service all day today as crews work to clear tracks and get the transit system up and running.

• A reminder that the snow emergency in Newton is still in effect. Cars cannot be parked on city streets or in municipal lots. If your car was towed, you can call Tody's Towing in West Newton: 617-527-0013

• Another reminder that Gov. Patrick's travel ban is still in effect.

• Newton Whole Foods (Four Corners) Tweeted this morning that it plans to open by 1 p.m.

• Share your snow photos in our Newton Patch blizzard photo gallery!

12:45 a.m.

• According to the National Weather Service, a blizzard warning is still in effect. Snow will continue in the Newton area Saturday, mainly before 3 p.m.

• Snow totals are still forecasted to be between 18 and 24 inches. 

• Winds will be between 25 and 35 mph, with wind gusts up to 80 mph. Wind chill values could drop to as low as -3 degrees.

• As of 12:45 a.m., 156 NSTAR customers in Newton were without power, according to the NSTAR outage map. This is still less than 0.5 percent of the total customers in the city. 

Fri., Feb. 8 --

11 p.m.

• NSTAR's power outage map shows 175 Newton customers without power, less than 0.5 percent of the total power customers in the city. 

• According to our snowfall map from the National Weather Service, up to six inches of snow has fallen in Newton so far today. How much snow do you have? Let us know by commenting below!

10 p.m.

• According to NSTAR's outage map, much of Newton still has power. There are 148 customers in Newton (out of 40,000) without power, according to the map. Are you without power? Let us know in the comments section below!

5:26 p.m.

• According to scanner reports, emergency responders and police officers are being ordered to put chains on all vehicles to deal with the slick roads.

• Lots of tow trucks are out and about in the city towing cars that are parked on streets and in municipal lots. Remember to move your car! 

• Power outages do not seem to be a huge problem in Newton yet, according to NSTAR's outage map. Right now, the map indicates only 12 NSTAR customers in Newton (out of 40,000) are without power. Are you having power trouble? Do you know someone without power? Let us know in the comments section below!

3:50 p.m. 

• Beginning tonight at 6 p.m. and lasting through 5 a.m. Sunday morning, Cumberland Farms stores that remain open for business will offer a free cup of coffee to all snow plow operators and utility workers. 

• The Newton Fire Department reminds residents via Twitter to stay off the roads and stay home: @NewtonFireDept: Our apparatus are putting chains on their tires.The road conditions are treacherous. Very slippery. Slow down or just stay home. 

• A reminder that the Governor's travel ban starts at 4 p.m. Please do not drive!

3:09 p.m.

• Do you have photos or video of the storm in Newton? Share them with Patch!

• The Boston College men's hockey team has postponed tonight's game to Tues., Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. at Kelley Rink.

2:47 p.m.

• Newton Fire Chief Bruce Proia and Newton Police Interim Chief Howard Mintz provided some safety reminders for residents during today's pre-blizzard press conference.

• For B's fans: The Boston Bruins home game on Saturday has been pushed from a 1 p.m. to a 7 p.m. start.

1:31 p.m.

• Check out these videos from this morning's press conference at Newton Fire Headquarters. City officials update residents on storm preparations and safety precautions.

• More than 150 DPW vehicles and private snow plow drivers will be out on city roads during the storm, according to Newton DPW Commissioner Dave Turocy. Vehicles will likely be out through Sunday. 

• At this time, Newton has not set up an emergency shelter. The Health & Human Services Department will try to keep track of power outages during the storm and once travel is safe, determine whether the city needs a shelter or warming stations, according to Health & Human Services Commissioner Dori Zaleznik. 

• Newton Interim Police Chief Howard Mintz reminded residents that if they need to call 911 to use a land line, if possible. Cell phones are routed through State Police dispatch and may result in longer response time.

12:51 p.m.

• At his press conference this afternoon, Gov. Deval Patrick said he has declared a state of emergency and signed an executive order banning all vehicle traffic as of 4 p.m. today. The penalty for violating this travel ban is up to one year in prison or a $500 fine. The travel ban will stay in place until the governor gives word to lift it.

• Tolls will be closed as of 2 p.m. 

• Patrick advised residents to prepare to stay inside for the next 24-48 hours. 

11:56 a.m.

• Mayor Setti Warren and several city officials held a press conference this morning at Newton Fire Dept. Headquarters in Newton Centre. They are urging residents to stay off the roads and stay home during the storm. Stay tuned to Patch for more updates and video.

• The Mall at Chestnut Hill will close at noon today

 9:18 a.m.

• The mayor's office announced this morning that this Sunday's town hall meetings on the override (scheduled to be held at Ward Elementary and Oak Hill Elementary) have been postponed. Make-up dates will be announced soon.

• The National Weather Service on Friday morning adjusted its predicted snowfall totals to "up to three feet" for the Newton area.

12:12 a.m.

• The latest forecast from the National Weather Service has not changed much; a blizzard warning is in effect from 6 a.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Saturday, with 18-24 inches of snow expected in the Newton area. The heaviest snow will start late in the day, into the evening commute. 

Thurs, Feb. 7 --

11:48 p.m. 

• Other school closings for tomorrow include: Solomon Schechter Day School (Upper and Lower Schools), Boston College, Lasell College, Mount Ida (residential campus to remain open), Jackson & Walnut Park schools.

• The West Suburban YMCA will close at 2 p.m. For more details on what programs are canceled, visit the Y's website.

• The Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center will close at 1 p.m. Friday and remain closed all day Saturday. All early learning programs at the JCC are canceled for Friday.

• The New Art Center will be closed Feb. 8-10.

5:48 p.m.

• . All cars must be off city streets and out of municipal lots as of noon Friday.

• Newton City Hall and the Newton Free Library will close at noon on Friday.

• The Newton Senior Center will be closed all day Friday.

• Trash and recycling pick-up in Newton will continue as scheduled on Friday.

• Gov. Deval Patrick has ordered all drivers off roads by noon on Friday.

5:38 p.m.

• All Newton Public Schools, including the preschool and the Education Center, will be closed tomorrow.

• The MBTA also announced this evening that it will suspend on All Lines Effective 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8. This includes commuter rail, T and buses.

5:21 p.m.

• The Newton Free Library will close early on Friday, Feb. 8. Library hours will be 9 a.m. - noon. 
• Newton Country Day School has canceled school for Friday, Feb. 8

4:45 p.m.

• Theatre Ink has postponed its Friday, Feb. 8 and Saturday, Feb. 9 shows (see more info below under "delays and cancellations")

• The city of Newton will hold a press conference Friday morning on storm preparations in the city. The press conference will be held at Newton Fire Headquarters. Stay tuned to Newton Patch for more information.

4:10 p.m.

• The National Weather Service has officially issued a Blizzard Warning for the area until 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. Locals are urged to avoid travel.

• The NWS is forecasting 30-40 mph winds, with gusts up to 65 mph

• The DCR emailed the following information Thursday afternoon: "Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Ed Lambert today declared a snow emergency and parking ban on all DCR roadways and parkways posted for snow emergency starting at noon on Fri., February 8 and remaining in effect until further notice. During the emergency, parking is prohibited on any DCR road, street, or parkway that is posted with “Snow Emergency” signs. Prohibiting parking allows snowplows to clear the roadways effectively."

3:15 p.m.

• Hearing reports via the Newton Patch Facebook page that Star Market in Chestnut Hill was crazy earlier this afternoon. Have you been to a Newton supermarket yet today? How were the crowds?

• The gulf station in Chestnut Hill (off Route 9 west) was fairly crowded as of 3 p.m. The Chestnut Hill Motors gas station (off Route 9 east) seemed to be moving fine around the same time. 

The current storm, Feb. 8-9:

As you've probably heard, a blizzard is making its way toward the Northeast and is expected to pack quite a punch in the Newton and Boston area. 

Here are the latest forecasts from various sources in the Newton area:

• National Weather Service: Potential for 18-24 inches. Light snow will develop by Friday morning and snow will increase in intensity Friday afternoon. Heaviest snow Friday night into Saturday.
• Current NWS Storm warnings and advisories: Blizzard Warning

Delays, cancellations and closings for Friday, Feb. 8:

• Schools: Newton Public Schools, Mount Alvernia High School, Andover Newton Theological School, Newton Country Day School, Solomon Schechter Day School (Upper and Lower Schools), Boston College, Hebrew College, Lasell College, Mount Ida (residential campus to remain open), Jackson & Walnut Park schools.
• Courthouses: Open, closing at 3 p.m.
• City offices: Will close at noon Friday. The Newton Senior Center will be closed all day Friday.
• Library: The Newton Free Library will close at noon on Friday.
• West Suburban YMCA: Will close at 2 p.m. For more details on what programs are canceled, visit the Y's website.
• Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center: will close at 1 p.m. Friday and remain closed Saturday. All early learning classes on Friday are canceled. 
• Religious school: Temple Emanuel has canceled religious school for Sunday
• Theatre Ink's "Translations": Theatre Ink has postponed its Friday, Feb. 8 and Saturday, Feb. 9 shows. The "Translations" shows have been rescheduled for Sunday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday tickets will be honored on Sunday at 2 p.m. and Saturday tickets will be honored Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
• Newton North Freshman NYC trip: According to The Newtonite, Newton North's freshman New York City trip, scheduled to depart today, has been postponed. 

Planning to close your business tomorrow? Let our readers know by commenting below!

Snow emergency?

• A snow emergency will go into effect in Newton as of noon on Friday, Feb. 8.
• When a snow emergency is in place, all cars must be parked off city streets and municipal parking lots. Cars left on the street or in municipal lots will be ticketed and towed.
• The Department of Conservation and Recreation has issued a snow emergency that will go into effect on Friday, Feb. 8 at noon. The DCR emailed the following information Thursday afternoon:"Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Ed Lambert today declared a snow emergency and parking ban on all DCR roadways and parkways posted for snow emergency starting at noon on Fri., February 8 and remaining in effect until further notice. During the emergency, parking is prohibited on any DCR road, street, or parkway that is posted with “Snow Emergency” signs. Prohibiting parking allows snowplows to clear the roadways effectively."

Important numbers and websites: 

• In an emergency, dial 911
• Police Department: 617-796-2100
• City Service requests: 311 from any Newton landline or 617-796-1000; Make a service request online
• National Grid gas emergencies: 800-233-5325
• NStar power outages: 800-592-2000 or the Report an Outage form.
• Comcast: 1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278)
• Verizon: 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966)
• RCN: 1-866-TECH-RCN (1-866-832-4726) 
• MBTA: Check this winter service information from the MBTA and check T Alerts for more updates
• Snow emergency information from the city of Newton
• List of Newton snow shovelers

List of cab companies:

• Veteran's Taxi: 617-527-0300
• Holden's Taxi Service: 617-244-2404
• Newton Metro Cab: 617-332-TAXI (8294)

What happens if my car is towed in Newton?

• Call Tody's Tow Service: (617) 527-0013

How to stay connected:

As we prepare for the winter storm, we want to make sure that Newton stays connected. For live updates during the storm, be sure to download our App for your smartphone or tablet and 'like' Newton Patch on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Also, please be sure to sign up for our email newsletters to breaking weather updates sent straight to your inbox.

See a tree down in your neighborhood? Notice a road is icy? Just saw a store clerk put out more snow melt products? Tell us in the comments below.

Newton Patch is all about connecting neighbors and helping neighbors so we hope you’ll find this information hub helpful during the storm. Stay safe Newton!