Westwood Storm Center: Snow Cancellations And Other Storm Information

While crews working for the Westwood Department of Public Works have been trying to treat the roads in preparation of today's storm, a large portion of the storm's impact will be on commuters. 

A blizzard warning was in effect Tuesday for much of the eastern portion of the state, and latest predictions as of late Tuesday evening estimated that, in Westwood, snowfall totals could reach upwards of 16 inches or more. 

As such, a number of cancellations have been put in place to prepare for the storm:

• Westwood Public Schools, which originally had a scheduled Professional Development (i.e., early-release) day, are closed. To learn more about what goes into making the decision for school cancellations, click here. 
• Update (9 a.m.): Westwood Town Hall is closed today.
• Update (9 a.m.): The Westwood Public Library is closed due to the storm.
• The Westwood Recreation Department will be closed today.
• Trash collection in Westwood has been cancelled for today. Trash pickup, as a result, will be delayed by one day this week.
• The Westwood Conservation Commission has cancelled a previously-scheduled meeting for tonight.
• Xaverian Brothers High School has cancelled classes for today.
• A meeting of the Norfolk County Mosquito Project Commission that was scheduled for tonight will instead be held Thursday night at Walpole Town Hall.

Police and local officials are advising residents to stay off the roads as much as possible today, so that plow drivers for the Westwood Department of Public Works are able to clear the roads.

“If they are not vital employees (we request) that they kindly stay off the roadways and let the plows do their work," said Westwood Police Detective Paul Toland.

For those that do have to commute today, drivers are advised to proceed with caution. Adding to that, Sullivan Tire, which has a branch right over the Westwood line in Norwood, has provided Westwood Patch with a bit of advice when it comes to driving in treacherous conditions.

“Winter driving can obviously be very tricky,” Luke MacLean of Sullivan Tire & Auto Service said in a news statement Tuesday. “You really should be prepared with tires appropriate for the snow; they help your traction and braking ability. If your vehicle does not have proper snow tires, be sure to minimize your turns and movements and leave plenty of distance between other cars. We also suggest turning electronics and radio off for concentration.” 

Here are a number of local contacts for emergency and non-emergency situations during the snow storm:

• If your street doesn't get plowed during the storm, you can contact the Westwood DPW at (781) 326-8661, ext. 1 (Highway Department).
• To download Westwood's Family Emergency Plan Brochure, click here.  
• To contact the Westwood Fire Department for non-emergency situations, call 781-326-3885. 
• To contact Westwood Police for non-emergency situations, call (781) 320-1000.
• For all emergencies, call 911. 
• For more information on snow removal in the town of Westwood, click here.

UPDATE (5:20 p.m.): The Westwood Senior Center will be open after 6 p.m. tonight for residents who have lost power during the storm and wish to stay warm while power is being restored. 

Stay tuned Westwood Patch throughout the storm today for weather updates and information on any weather-related closings or service disruptions in Westwood.