When this edition comes into circulation, according to weather reports, we will be flogged by a monstrous winter storm that may bury us under several inches, perhaps feet of snow. According to those reports, the snow will begin to fall on Thursday morning, will continue to fall all day Thursday and end late evening.
At closing, we read a newsletter on the Lawrence City webpage informing citizens that the trash collection scheduled for Thursday the 9th has been canceled and will resume next Friday the 10th. It also reminds drivers that the parking ban is still in effect.
Also at closing, on the Facebook page, Mayor Daniel Rivera informed that by order of the Superintendent of School classes are suspended for Thursday, as well as the offices at city hall.
According to weather reports we are in the area where an accumulation between 8 and 14 inches of snow is expected to start falling between 5 and 8 o’clock on Thursday morning. A storm of such magnitude brings to mind the storm that struck us on February 6, 1978, left more than 100 dead, 4,500 injured and losses of $520 million ($1.91 billion in 2017 dollars) in the northeast.
Although the forecast of this storm is not like the storm of 78 which left us with more than 20 inches of snow, citizens are urged not to obstruct emergency equipment. If you have time available, and a fire hydrant is close to your home, for your own safety and that of your family, keep it free of snow to make it easier for firefighters to do their job.
It is also advisable to store some food and water in the house in case food establishments cannot open or make it impossible to reach them, but always with caution. Remember, in the event of a power failure, anything stored that requires refrigeration will be damaged.
And very important, follow the instructions of the emergency personnel. If you do not need to leave, stay safe in the house. All those who lived through the experience of the storm of 78, will remember the vicissitudes that were lived, especially families with small children and elderly people who are the most susceptible.
Luckily, after the storm the sun is always out and the forecast on Friday is sunny, although cold, with zero chance of precipitation. A great day to clean the snow!
