Sandy Update from BPD

The following is an update on Hurricane Sandy posted by the Bedford Police Department to their facebook page:

Hurricane Sandy Update

Winds: A long period (12 – 18 hours) of damaging winds will occur, and it is anticipated these strong winds will result in widespread power outages. Wind damage may be exacerbated in southern New England as most trees still have foliage at this time of year. Inland Massachusetts could experience sustained 30-40 mph winds with gusts of 50-60 mph. beginning Monday morning. The Massachusetts coastline will see winds of 40-50 mph with gusts 60-80 mph beginning in late Sunday night and early Monday morning.


Rainfall: Massachusetts can expect 1 -3 inches of rainfall through Wednesday with locally higher amounts of 3-5 inches possible, especially in the Berkshires and Worcester Hills. Rain is expected to potentially last through mid-week.
Power Outage: 1 reported outage in Bedford at this time, 0.02% per N/Star outage map. Low hanging wire reported on Wiggins Avenue, no hazard at this time.

Shelters: Lowell 276 Broadway Street - the Senior Center OPEN at 12 noon. Lynn and Newbury also have shelters open now with limited space.

Transportation: The MBTA will suspend service at 2pm.

Bedford Calls for Service: At this time there are no significant calls related to the storm.

Communication: Radio tests were conducted with the DPW. All tests were received ok. The VHF MEMA radio is set up and operational for direct comms. I will continue to monitor the Web EOC and surrounding cities and towns for all activity. An additional dispatcher will be working 11-7 tonight and 7-3 tomorrow.

District Court: Concord District Court will be closing at 12 noon today until 12 noon tomorrow.