Bracing for Prolonged Power Outage

As a massive blizzard barrels through the region, residents are told to prepare for power outages. And the power outages may be prolonged due to weather conditions, North Andover Emergency Management Director Jeff Coco said after a meeting with public safety officials.

Those with special needs will be a priority.

"We've been fielding a lot of phone calls from concerned people with family members in North Andover with special needs," Coco said. People requiring electricity -- oxygen, ventilators, etc. -- are urged to notify North Andover Police at their non-emergency line, 978-683-3168, immediately.

National Grid may not be able to even begin restoring power until well after the storm ends.

"From the way storm looks, it may be until Sunday before they get into restoration mode," Coco said. "That's not unreasonable given the situation."

For much of Saturday, the roads will likely be impassable, making power restoration impossible.

When power restoration begins, Coco said, it will be prioritized according to need. The Route 125 corridor, for example, will be a priority because there is a lot of senior housing there.

The Senior Center will be the primary shelter as long as there is power there. However, it will be open as a warming center during the day and not an overnight shelter. And about 12 to 24 hours after power outages, it will be open on an as-needed basis. So if you need shelter, you should call the police non-emergency line.

Be sure to check out our regional live blog of the storm.

Also, Patch has a storm information center post for North Andover with updates.

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