Winter Storm: Seekonk-Swansea Info Center

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Saturday, Feb. 9-

9 a.m.-Kurt Schwartz, secretary director of MEMA, said the MBTA will be closed today. He also said the travel ban will be readdressed later today.

The U.S. Postal Service has suspended mail delivery 

8:37 a.m.-The South Coast Conference Varsity Cheerleading Competition has been rescheduled to Feb. 10 at Old Rochester High School, while the league's indoor track championship meet will be held Feb. 14 at Greater New Bedford Voke.

8:25 a.m.-Today's weather from WHDH- Snow slowly ramps down! Early snow tapers to flurries by mid/late afternoon. Blustery and cold with highs from 20-25. Storm totals approach 18-24 feet in many areas including Boston. Sunday: Mostly sunny skies. Little to no wind. Highs in the low 30s.

8:15 a.m.Logan Airport is expecting the first flights to being going out Sunday.

Friday, Feb. 8 -

1 p.m.

From Governor Deval Patrick: "I have signed an executive order banning vehicle traffic effective at 4 p.m. today. Please stay home and stay safe. We are sorry for any inconvenience, but look forward to seeing you and caring for your needs once the storm passes."

10:54 a.m.

The MBTA will shut down all modes of transportation this afternoon. The last train on the Providence Line will leave South Station at 3:30 p.m. and should stop in Mansfield at approximately 4:15 p.m.

Inbound service to Boston will be suspended at 3:30 p.m.

The Providence Bruins' game against the Portland Pirates has been rescheduled to Monday night at the Dunkin Donuts Center at 7:05 p.m.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has provided out a list of winter weather safety tips: 

• Everyone should have supplies which would prepared them to survive on their own for at least three days. There should be some non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights and extra batteries around the house, along with a portable radio or NOAA Weather Radio in case of power outages or other emergencies caused by a winter storm.
• Additional items that should be included on your Winter Weather Supply List are a freshly-stocked first-aid kit, essential prescription medicines, non-perishable foods (those that require no refrigeration such as canned goods, dried fruits and nuts), a non-electric can opener, water (one gallon per person, per day), baby-care items, extra blankets, sleeping bags and a fire extinguisher.
• Have sufficient heating fuel, as regular sources may be cut off. Have emergency heating equipment and fuel (a gas fireplace, wood burning stove or fireplace) so you can keep at least one room livable. Be sure the room is well ventilated.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to keep cold air out.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide insulation.
• To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of newspapers, covering the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.
• Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
• Know how to shut off water valves.
• If pipes freeze, remove insulation, completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they are most exposed to the cold. A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution, also works well.
• Suggested items for a Winter Emergency Car Kit include a flashlight with extra batteries, a basic first-aid kit, necessary medications, a pocket knife, booster cables, a blanket or a sleeping bag, extra clothes (including rain gear, mittens and socks), non-perishable foods, a non-electric can opener, sand for generating vehicle traction, tire chains or traction mats, a basic tool kit (pliers, wrench, screwdriver), a tow rope, a container of water and a brightly colored cloth to serve as a flag, if necessary.
• Ensure that your tires have adequate tread and keep your gas tank at least half-full. Plan long trips carefully, listening to the latest weather reports and road conditions.
• Travel during the day, and if possible, try to take someone along with you.
• Easy instructions are available at www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.
• More winter emergency tips from MEMA can be found here.

Friday morning, Logan Airport announced that more than 100 flights have been cancelled.

As of Thursday at 4:30 p.m., Seekonk and Swansea are under a Blizzard Warning by the National Weather Service for Friday at 6 a.m. through Saturday at 1 p.m.

"A blizzard warning is issued when sustained winds or frequent gusts over 35 mph are expected with considerable falling and/or blowing and drifting snow," the NWS' website states. "Visibilities will become poor with whiteout conditions at times. Those venturing outdoors may become lost or disoriented. So persons in the warning area are advised to stay indoors." 

Light snow is expected to develop Friday morning, with the amount expected to increase throughout the day. The worst part of the storm is expected to be Friday night. Up to two feet of snow could fall in what the NWS is calling "a potential historic winter storm."

Closures

• Seekonk Public Schools will be closed Friday.
• From the Swansea Police Department, Effective Friday at 8 a.m., there is an immediate parking ban in effect for the town. The parking ban will be effective until Sunday at 11:59 p.m.
• Seekonk has declared a snow emergency.
• Swansea town hall will be closed on Friday.

Other Important Information

• There will be a street parking ban in Seekonk from Friday at 7 a.m. to Sunday at 11:30 p.m. and in Swansea from Friday at 8 a.m. to Sunday at 11:59 p.m. 
• The Friends of Swansea Library's Midwinter $5 a Bag O' Books Sale has been postponed until Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Useful Contact Information

• In an emergency, dial 911
• Seekonk Police Department: 508-336-8123
• Swansea Police Department: 508-674-8464
• Seekonk Fire Department: 508-336-8510
• Swansea Fire Department: 508-672-4305
• National Grid power outages: 800-465-1212
• National Grid gas emergencies: 800-233-5325
• MBTA: Service updates