Mass. communities prepping for messy Thursday morning commute as snow, rain approaches

FITCHBURG, Mass. — Communities are prepping for a messy Thursday morning commute as snow, and rain inches towards Massachusetts.

People are getting ready for the incoming weather, getting things like sand and salt or buying new shovels for the first snow of the season.

Fitchburg resident Peter Dewey stopped by the public sand pile Wednesday to make sure he’s ready.

“I just want to make sure my home is safe, walks are safe, things like that,” said Dewey.

He’s picking up the sand and salt mixture because he said it can come in handy to drop before the storm.

“You need something to burn through the snow cover. Then you’ve got the dirt and the sand that gives you traction for people driving,” he said.

For anyone who might have snow on the way tomorrow this is a reminder to:

• Prepare for possible power outages (fully charging any devices or buying a personal generator)
• Get the car ready by filling up your gas tank, have an emergency kit, and throw your snowbrush in there.
• Prepare your home (make sure to remove rotting trees or branches that could fall around your house, clear clogged rain gutters, and check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries)
• Limit your time outside (don’t overexert yourself shoveling, and watch for signs of frostbite)

Over at Rocky’s Ace Hardware, Assistant Manager Elizabeth Cox said people are already coming in to try and get what they need. “Coming in for a lot of salt, some tube sand, shovels, everything needed we have,” she said.

Cox said there are other components to winter weather that people need to consider.

“A lot of times people really focus on the snow removal, but a lot of people don’t necessarily focus on weatherproofing their houses. So, some people have gaps and cracks that need to be filled. We carry everything for that. Some people have drafty windows, we carry the film to cover the windows as well,” said Cox.

Roads are always a concern once that snow starts falling.

The City of Fitchburg said pre-treatment will begin Wednesday afternoon and into the evening.

For more, visit the Boston 25 Weather page.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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