Community Corner

Snow Removal Budget Already Gone, 16 Inches Possible This Weekend

We're in a pattern of weekend snow.

Forecasters have upped potential snowfall amounts for this weekend. According to the latest weather models, North Andover and much of the Merrimack Valley could see up to 16 inches of new snow.

And the town's $750,000 snow removal budget is already used up. The blizzard we had a couple weeks ago used up half of it in just that weekend.

"Now we have none, I'm over my budget," Division of Public Works Director Bruce Thibodeau said.

Find out what's happening in North Andoverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This, of course, doesn't mean the town won't plow the roads. The snow removal budget is allowed to operate on a deficit, for which the DPW submits a request, and the town will have to offset next year by finding that money somewhere else in the operating budget.

Remember that endless snowy winter we had two years ago?

Find out what's happening in North Andoverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Thibodeau said his department is ready for this weekend's storm and will be plowing as soon as possible to keep up with it.

"We might not be doing as much treating as last time," Thibodeau said. "It's going to start with rain, and it's not effective to pre-treat and have it all wash away."

The storm is expected to start with a mix of rain and snow Saturday afternoon, turning to all snow by Saturday night and continuing through Sunday morning. The Merrimack Valley out through Worcester is expected to see 10 to 16 inches of new snow.

The snow will likely be wet and heavy. So if you plan on shoveling, you may want to shovel periodically throughout the snow rather than waiting until the end of the storm.

WHDH meteorologist Pete Bouchard writes on his blog:

"There is a lot of water being thrown around in the atmosphere, and with marginally cold temps, this will result in a heavy, wet snow in many spots. Even in Worcester county, it will make for good snowballs and snowpeople."


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