BLIZZARD 2015, Part 2: What to Do Before, During and After a Power Outage

Photo caption: The latest National Weather Service predictions. Photo credit: NWS.

Updated at 12:39 p.m. Sunday:

Strong winds from the ongoing blizzard may cause power outages in eastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands, according to the National Weather Service.

Winds: Sunday into Sunday night, high confidence for northerly winds of 40 to 50 mph across the interior of the state, 50 to 60 mph along the coast as well as Bristol and Plymouth counties, 60 to 70 mph for Plymouth coast, the upper Cape and Martha’s Vineyard, and 70 mph plus (hurricane force) for the outer Cape and Nantucket. Strongest winds expected around midday Sunday, according to NWS forecasters.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency offers some ways to prepare for a potential power outage during a power outage, and after a power outage:

Before an Outage

• Keep your cell phone, laptop and other electronics fully charged.
• If Your Power Goes Out:
• Do not call 9-1-1 to report power outages, report it to your utility. DO call 9-1-1 to report downed wires.
• Check in on friends, family, and neighbors, particularly those most susceptible to extreme temperatures and power outages such as seniors and those with access and functional needs.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines when using a generator. Always use outdoors, away from windows and doors.

During an Outage

• Do not call 9-1-1 to report your power outage or to ask for information, use 9-1-1 only for emergencies. Call your utility company to report the outage and get restoration information.
• National Grid 1-800-465-1212
• Eversource (formerly NSTAR) 1-800-592-2000
• Eversource (formerly WMECO) 877-659-6326
• Unitil (FG&E) 888-301-7700
• Customers served by a municipal utility in their community should locate their utility’s phone # to report outages

After a Power Outage

• Be extra cautious if you go outside to inspect for damage after a storm. Downed or hanging electrical wires can be hidden by snowdrifts, trees or debris, and could be live. Never attempt to touch or moved downed lines. Keep children and pets away from them.
• Do not touch anything power lines are touching, such as tree branches or fences. Always assume a downed line is a live line. Call your utility company to report any outage-related problem such as downed wires.
• Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more or that has an unusual odor, color or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!

A blizzard warning will be in effect until 7 Monday morning, according to the NWS.

UPDATED at 10:26 a.m. Sunday:

Massachusetts is beginning the process of shoveling out after the fourth major snowstorm in three weeks pummeled the Bay State on Saturday night and Sunday.

The storm dumped close to two feet of snow on parts of the state.

Blowing and drifting snow will cause problems through the rest of Sunday and will make driving potentially life-threatening.

Wind chills will be below zero from Sunday into Tuesday.

Here are some of the top snowfall totals from the National Weather Service as of 10:14 a.m. Sunday:

Bristol County

Mansfield -- 15 inches

Attleboro -- 13 inches

Essex County

Salisbury -- 20.5 inches

Ipswich -- 20 inches

Andover -- 11 inches

Middlesex County

Lexington -- 16.6 inches

Acton -- 16.6 inches

Framingham -- 15.5 inches

Bedford -- 15.5 inches

Tewksbury -- 15 inches

Natick -- 14. 7 inches

Somerville -- 14.5 inches

Burlington -- 14.3 inches

North Reading -- 14.1 inches

Wakefield -- 14 inches

Wayland -- 14 inches

Wilmington -- 13 inches

South Chelmsford -- 13 inches

Winchester -- 13 inches

North Chelmsford -- 12.5 inches

Norfolk County

Milton -- 21.2 inches

Sharon -- 17 inches

Foxborough -- 15.6 inches

Walpole -- 15.4 inches

Norwood -- 14 inches

Braintree -- 13.5 inches

Stoughton -- 13 inches

Plymouth County

Hingham -- 16 inches

Suffolk County

Boston -- 13 inches

Worcester County

Milford -- 11.5 inches

Northborough -- 10.8 inches

Shrewsbury -- 9.5 inches

Westborough -- 8.8 inches

Grafton -- 8.5 inches

Original article posted at 8:33 a.m. Sunday:

The second Blizzard of 2015 will wind down during Sunday morning after dropping more than a foot of snow on most of Eastern Massachusetts.

Snow is expected to end by noon Sunday, but that doesn’t mean driving conditions will improve.

A Blizzard Warning is in effect until 7 a.m. Monday because of high winds that could blow snow around and create white-out conditions.

Once the snow ends at noontime, the temperatures will actually drop further. Wind chills will be below zero for Sunday all the way into Tuesday, according to The Weather Channel.

Governor: Stay off the roads

Gov. Charlie Baker asked during a Sunday morning news conference that people stay off the roads all day -- even after the snow ends. Blowing and drifting snow can cause life-threatening road conditions and trap drivers in their cars.

He asked people to stay home so the plows can clear the roads. There are more than 3,000 pieces of MassDOT equipment on the roads. They are devoting all of their time to plowing until the snow stops when they will also begin to remove snow drifts and widen roads.

The National Guard is on duty. Between 500 and 600 people are helping along the coastlines and with the State Police. They are there to respond to 911 calls pertaining to flood waters, stranded motorists or any other issue.

The MBTA is closed for Sunday and Logan Airport has no flights going out until at least Sunday afternoon. Similar to the first Blizzard of 2015, the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant in Plymouth has been shut down as a precaution.

Clear blocked vents

Baker asked Bay Staters to clear out vents and said public safety departments have seen an increase in carbon monoxide problems because of snow blocking vents.

“The most important things people need to do today is stay safe and take care of themselves,” said Baker.

Power outages

Power outages have not been a problem as of Sunday morning, but could become more prevalent as the winds pick up on Sunday afternoon. Power outages could also take time to restore because high winds may make it dangerous for utility works to climb poles.