UPDATED: Boston Marathon Explosion: Newton Shelters Closed

Updated 9:14 p.m.

BC Spokesman Jack Dunn confirmed to Newton Patch via email this evening that the crowds have dispersed from the Boston College shelter at St. Ignatius Chuch. Boston College provided provided food and drinks to those who were stranded, Dunn said. 

8:15 p.m.

Newton Police Lt. Bruce Apotheker told Newton Patch this evening that the shelter at Newton City Hall has been closed up. 

Apotheker said some runners were bused from the shelters to Boston, while others called for rides. 

Two other shelters were set up today at Boston College, at St. Ignatius Church and Moore Hall. 

Apotheker said today's work between the Newton Police, Boston Police, BAA officials, Boston College Police and Boston College school officials was a "great effort by all" and commended everyone for "stepping up to the plate."

7:47 p.m.

Online forms have been set up to help those who are looking for a place to stay tonight and those who are offering up homes for stranded runners. 

Form: Looking for a place to stay.

Form: Offering up a place to stay. 

Here is a story with a list of important websites and phone numbers.

Also: Photos from the scene. 

6:35 p.m.

If you are trying to locate a family member call 617-635-4500. Also, let your Newton neighbors know you are OK by commenting here.

If anyone saw anything suspicious or knows any information they are asked to call 1-800-494-TIPS.

The Boston Athletic Association site is reporting that roughly 50 Newton runners crossed the finish line today. Please let us know if you are OK.

6:22 p.m.

The Newton Fire Department is reporting that all Newton firefighters who ran the marathon today are OK. 

6:10 p.m.

The Newton Fire Department is reporting via Twitter that all of Commonwealth Avenue in Newton (to the Boston line) is open.

Also, from Pooch Hotel in Newton via Facebook:

For our Fire, Police, EMT clients that are being called in to deal with the emergency situation in Boston, if you need someplace safe to put your dog, we are offering overnight stay or day care tomorrow at no charge. Please contact the hotel to set up boarding or day care for tomorrow. Our thoughts are with you, stay safe!

5:50 p.m.

Newton Fire Department Spokesman Lt. Eric Fricke confirmed that all suspicious packages reported in Newton have been cleared at this time. 

As of right now, all runners that were stopped in Newton are being sheltered in place at the Newton shelters (City Hall, St. Ignatius Church and Moore Hall at Boston College). Runners are being directed to have their rides come to them wherever they are. 

5:24 p.m. 

Newton runners: Were you close to the explosion? Have a story to share? Email Melanie.Graham@patch.com.

5:15 p.m.

Newton resident Jack Prior, who ran the Boston Marathon today, reported via Twitter that he is home and safe. 

Newton runners and families, let us know you are OK by commenting on this story or emailing Melanie.Graham@patch.com.

5:01 p.m.

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4:56 p.m.

Newton Fire Department Spokesman Lt. Eric Fricke reported that Massachusetts State Police are on scene at Furber Lane and Commonwealth Avenue in Newton where a suspicious package was reported over an hour ago. Local fire department crews have cleared the scene, Fricke said. 

We have also heard that Newton residents Bruno Miquel and his wife, Jessica who ran with him, are safe.

Let us know you and your family members are OK.

4:40 p.m.

Newton Fire Department Spokesman Lt. Eric Fricke confirmed to Newton Patch that a suspicious package was reported roughly an hour ago at Furber Lane and Commonwealth Avenue.

Newton Fire Department crews are standing by, Fricke said. 

According to scanner reports, Newton Police are continuing to check up and down Commonwealth Avenue for other suspicious packages. 

The Newton Fire Department reported via Twitter that Commonwealth Avenue has been reopened from Washington Street to Lowell Avenue.

4:38  p.m.

CBS-Boston is reporting of the two devices found, early indications say they are homemade devices. They are also reporting that federal officials say they don't have any information that this was a planned attack. 

We are waiting for press conference to begin. 

The Associated Press is reporting two more bombs have been found. 

If you have any information or word on Newton runners, please let us know so we can get the word out. Leave a comment below or email Melanie.Graham@patch.com.

4:22 p.m.

Several MBTA services are suspended following the explosion. 

The MBTA’s Green Line service between Kenmore and Park Street stations has been shut down as of 3:30 p.m. today, although Green Line service will continue to run between Lechmere and North Station, according to MBTA.com.

Both the Green Line's B and C services have been temporarily suspended, and the D line is only running from Riverside to Fenway.

The Green Line's E service is still running between Northeastern and Brigham Circle. Customers who need service between Brigham Circle and Health Street are being asked to use the Route 39 bus.

In addition, the Red Line is bypassing Park Street Station at this time, with the Red and Orange lines bypassing Downtown Crossing Station.

4:20 p.m.

Area of the finish line is now cordoned off as a crime scene. 

4:14 p.m.

Boston Police are reporting 22 injured, two dead. A media briefing is scheduled for 4:30 at the Westin Hotel

4:07 p.m.

Newton Fire Department Spokesman Lt. Eric Fricke told Newton Patch this afternoon that emergency responders are sheltering runners in place at this time.

City Hall, St. Ignatius Church at Boston College and Moore Hall at Boston College are being used as shelters, Fricke said.

Police is opening up Commonwealth Avenue as they sweep the streets.

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Dozens of people were injured by two explosions near the Boston marathon finish line. There are multiple reports of victims with missing limbs, bloodied heads and other extremely serious injuries. WBZ4 reported at least a dozen victims with "grave injuries."

The Newton Fire Department reported via Twitter this afternoon that the Boston Marathon has been canceled. All runners still in Newton are being redirected to shelters.

Runner shelters are located at Newton City Hall and Boston College, according to the Fire Department. 

According to scanner reports, Newton Police have been asked to keep lookout for any "suspicious packages" along the marathon route. 

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency confirms there were explosions but has not released any further details. Public Safety blogger Alert New England reported that all ambulances in the area were diverted to the scene.

If you have any information or word on Newton runners, please let us know so we can get the word out. Leave a comment below or email Melanie.Graham@patch.com.