Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weather. Show all posts

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Recommended Reading: Climate Change Report

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"A massive new federal report warns that extreme weather disasters, like California’s wildfires and this year’s hurricanes, are worsening in the United States. 
The White House report quietly issued Friday also frequently contradicts President Donald Trump. 
The National Climate Assessment was written long before the California fires and the hurricanes. It warns of more, stronger and longer disasters triggered at least in part by global warming. 
Report co-author Katharine Hayhoe says it shows the dangerous weather that scientists said will happen in the United States is already happening."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20181123/government-climate-report-warns-of-worsening-us-disasters

For the full report  https://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report


"Heat waves, heavy downpours, and sea level rise pose growing challenges to many aspects of life in the Northeast. Infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, and ecosystems will be increasingly compromised. Many states and cities are beginning to incorporate climate change into their planning. 
Explore how climate change is affecting the Northeast.
Key Message 1: Climate Risks to People
Heat waves, coastal flooding, and river flooding will pose a growing challenge to the region’s environmental, social, and economic systems. This will increase the vulnerability of the region’s residents, especially its most disadvantaged populations.
 
Key Message 2: Stressed Infrastructure
Infrastructure will be increasingly compromised by climate-related hazards, including sea level rise, coastal flooding, and intense precipitation events.
 
Key Message 3: Agricultural and Ecosystem Impacts
Agriculture, fisheries, and ecosystems will be increasingly compromised over the next century by climate change impacts. Farmers can explore new crop options, but these adaptations are not cost- or risk-free. Moreover, adaptive capacity, which varies throughout the region, could be overwhelmed by a changing climate.
 
Key Message 4: Planning and Adaptation
While a majority of states and a rapidly growing number of municipalities have begun to incorporate the risk of climate change into their planning activities, implementation of adaptation measures is still at early stages."
Read the Northeast section here
https://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/regions/northeast

Recommended Reading: Climate Change Report
Recommended Reading: Climate Change Report


Saturday, March 17, 2018

NationalGrid: We weathered these storms together



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Visit us at nationalgridus.com




Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Franklin Library: March 7 and March 8 Storm Updates

March 7th and March 8th Storm Updates

Franklin Public Library will be closing at 5 PM today, March 7
Stay tuned for any additional updates.
This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA. 


Franklin Library: March 7 and March 8 Storm Updates
Franklin Library: March 7 and March 8 Storm Updates

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Newcomers and Friends Club - Feb 7 - meeting canceled

The Newcomers and Friends Club February meeting has been cancelled. Based on weather and driving condition predictions, we decided to cancel our February 7 Meeting at "3" Restaurant. 

We hope you can join us at our next meeting on Wednesday, March 14th. For more information, check our website franklinnewcomers.com, our Facebook page or our Meetup.com group (https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends/).

Franklin Newcomers and Friends: Game Night - Feb 7
Franklin Newcomers and Friends: Game Night - Feb 7 Canceled

Sunday, February 12, 2017

Franklin Public Schools: Schools Closed Monday; Feb 13

Hello

Due to the continued snow/ice all Franklin Public Schools are closed 2/13/17 - there will be no afternoon or evening activities on Monday.

Administration offices closed.

Thank you and be safe.

downtown Franklin in the snow
downtown Franklin in the snow


Sunday, December 18, 2016

MBTA: Commuter Rail notice for Monday, Dec 19

"The National Weather Service is anticipating frigid temperatures on Monday, 12/19/16. The Commuter Rail will operate on a regular weekday schedule.

Please take precautions while travelling to local stations. 

For the latest commuter rail information, follow us on Twitter @MBTA_CR, sign up to be a T-Alert subscriber, and consider downloading the Keolis MBTA Commuter Rail or the MBTA-endorsed Transit apps.

Please be on the platform 5-10 minutes prior to departure to ensure timely boarding.

Last updated: Dec 18 2016 12:48 PM
Sent by the MBTA."

Franklin Dean Station in light snow
Franklin Dean Station in light snow

Thursday, December 15, 2016

MBTA Commuter Rail: Cold Weather Preparations

With bitter cold temperatures expected throughout the region, Keolis Commuter Services is making preparations now to ensure normal operations for the MBTA Commuter Rail system over the next few days.

“Our number one goal is to operate every MBTA commuter rail train on time, every day, for the more than 127,000 passengers who rely on a well-functioning, safe and reliable system,” said Ernest C. Piper, Chief Mechanical Officer for Keolis. “Our riders deserve nothing less – even in the face of extreme cold and other winter weather – and that is what we are relentlessly focused on.”

Specific steps being taken to prepare for extreme cold include the following:

  • Patrolling all lines and inspecting the rails for signs of weakness, which can occur during times of extreme temperature fluctuations 
  • Pre-treating platforms, walkways and stairs at stations and facilities with salt and sand to prevent icy conditions from developing in case of precipitation. 
  • Activating heaters on switches to ensure they are fully operational 
  • Making de-icers and bagged sand available in control cars and at select stations to use as needed 
  • Checking equipment and parts, such as air hoses and air reservoirs, to safeguard against moisture infiltrating the locomotive air systems 
  • Ensuring continuous fueling and re-fueling of locomotives 
  • Conducting ongoing safety audits at all facilities to catch any potential impacts on mechanical service, and to ensure that all train doors remain closed.


To reduce the risk of impact to the locomotive fleet, and the ability to operate the commuter rail in extreme cold weather, Keolis will also keep all trains in idling mode overnight from just before midnight on Thursday until regular service begins on Friday morning, and again from Friday night to Saturday morning. The extreme cold temperatures, coupled with high winds, can put certain systems within the locomotive, such as radiators and toilet lines, at risk for freezing, and can cause damage to piping, hoses, and the locomotive engine itself.

Residents living in close proximity to commuter rail layover locations may experience some extra noise on Thursday and Friday night. Local officials have been notified of these plans.

“While we recognize that this represents a temporary inconvenience for local residents, it is absolutely necessary to support continuous operation of the commuter rail system in the face of extreme weather,” said Piper.

Passengers will be alerted about the forecasted cold temperatures, with suggestions that they dress warmly, use caution on platforms and when boarding trains, and if there are any delays expected as a result of cold-related speed restrictions. Passengers and local residents are encouraged urged to contact Keolis Customer Service with any questions or concerns:

Email: customerservice@keoliscs.com 
Phone: Keolis Commuter Services customer service call center operates from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., weekdays and 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM weekends and holiday. 
Contact us at (617) 222-3200 (Deaf or Hard of hearing TTY 617-222-5146) 
Twitter: @MBTA_CR

Franklin Dean Station in light snow
Franklin Dean Station in light snow

Franklin Public Schools: yes, school on Friday, Dec 16

To Parent/Guardians/Faculty and Staff:

We have had a few inquiries about the status of school on Friday, December 16, 2016 due to excessively cold temperatures. We anticipate school being open at the regular time. We have consulted with facilities personnel and our transportation provider and we do not anticipate any concerns with the heat in schools or our busses. However, if we experience an HVAC/power problem or our busses are running late it may necessitate a status change at a specific school.

In the interest of safety, we have directed principals to open school doors early. We do not want students waiting outside of any school in these frigid temperatures. Additionally, our bus drivers have been directed to pick up any students who are normally walkers. If the parent of a walker cannot drive a child to school please feel free to use the bus that runs near your home. Bus stops can be found on district web site (Click on Departments-/Scroll down to Transportation -Click on 2016-2017 Bus Routes). This accommodation is only in effect on Friday 12/16.

If the impact of weather changes, we will communicate and respond as quickly as possible. 

For Your Information:
  • Plan to start cars early to warm up
  • Make sure students are wearing coats, hats and gloves/mittens while standing at bus stop
  • Wear layers of clothing
  • Note that Crossing Guards will be on duty. However, they will be permitted to park cars near crosswalks so they can stay warm and be safe - they will watch for students and cross them safely.


Thank you and stay warm. 

Respectfully,
Maureen Sabolinski

cold morning on the triangle downtown Franklin
cold morning on the triangle downtown Franklin




The full memo can also be found here:



Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Inclement Weather and School Closing Information

As winter has arrived, here is a reminder on the inclement weather and school closing information for the Franklin Public Schools.




Franklin HIgh School in winter time
Franklin HIgh School in winter time


Sunday, December 11, 2016

MBTA: Through Monday: Commuter Rail notice

"The commuter rail is operating on a regular weekday schedule Monday, 12/12/16. Please allow additional time travelling to stations and use caution traversing platforms and parking lots.

With winter weather expected overnight and into the morning,passengers are reminded to take precautions while travelling to their local stations. 

For the latest commuter rail information, follow us on Twitter @mbta_cr, sign up to be a T-Alert subscriber and consider downloading the MBTA Commuter Rail or Transit apps.

Please be on the platform 5-10 minutes prior to departure to ensure timely boarding.

Last updated: Dec 11 2016 06:07 PM"

Franklin Dean Station in the snow
Franklin Dean Station in the snow

Sign up for T-Alerts  http://www.mbta.com/rider_tools/t_alerts/


Friday, October 21, 2016

In the News: drought continues, craft brewing in Hopkinton

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Occasional showers with above normal temperatures in the past week did not help drought conditions in Massachusetts, according to the weekly report by the U.S. Drought Monitor released Thursday. 
The report shows 37.83 percent of the state is still in extreme drought, the second highest category of drought. That figure is unchanged from last week. More than 87 percent of the state is in at least severe drought, a slight rise from last week's figure of 83.7 percent. 
There may be some relief in the next several days. Rain is forecast Thursday night through Saturday morning. More than two inches of rain could fall in some areas, especially with the risk of thunderstorms Friday night."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161020/extreme-drought-persists-in-mass

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/mapsanddata/maparchive.aspx
http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/mapsanddata/maparchive.aspx

A small craft brewery, hoping to open at Water Fresh Farm, is seeking permission to serve its products to customers on the premises. 
Start Line Brewery is set to open mid-November, said Edwin Twinney, owner and operating manager. 
"We are just doing final testing and hope to be brewing soon," he said. 
In the meantime, the company, CraftLife Brewing Co., will go before selectmen Tuesday night to seek the farmer-brewing pouring permit. Twinney said he already has a license to sell products for off-premise consumption.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161020/hopkinton-start-line-brewing-seeks-pouring-license


Friday, October 7, 2016

"one downside to that forecast is no drought-busting rainfall"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"While many in New England are probably relieved that Hurricane Matthew will not be making a trek north and swamping the region with heavy rain and wind, one downside to that forecast is no drought-busting rainfall. 
For the fourth consecutive week, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows 52 percent of the state still gripped in an extreme drought. Nearly 90 percent of the state is in at least severe drought. Those statistics released Thursday morning are unchanged from previous weeks despite a wet and dreary weekend and cooler than average temperatures in the past week. Unfortunately, there was actually not much widespread significant rainfall. Last weekend, Boston had .74 inches of rain but Worcester only saw .16. 
According to the National Weather Service, Boston is 10.31 inches below normal for rainfall this year. Only 2.12 inches of rain has fallen since Sept. 1 which is 1.95 inches below normal. Worcester is only slightly better with an annual rainfall deficit of 9.24 inches. Since Sept. 1, 3.43 inches of rain has fallen which is 1.28 inches below normal for Worcester."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161006/extreme-drought-unchanged-in-massachusetts

US Drought Monitor Map; Massachusetts 10/6/16
US Drought Monitor Map; Massachusetts 10/6/16

Friday, September 23, 2016

In the News: high school fields on schedule, spin your way to work, drought conditions remain

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town will be looking to take ownership of the fields around the Franklin High School next year, though there have been complicating factors - not the least of which has been the ongoing drought. 
Town Councilor Thomas Mercer, chairman of the high school's building committee, gave an update on the situation this week. The town has not yet taken control of the fields from the project contractor; sodding and creating them is a multi-year process. 
He said he had received many questions about the status of the fields. 
"I've been out there at least once a week, if not twice a week," he said. 
Mercer said those involved in the project are comfortable that the high school baseball teams will be able to play on the fields in the spring.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160922/franklin-looks-to-take-ownership-of-high-school-fields-in-spring


"Stuck in frustrating bumper-to-bumper traffic on Rte. 9 or the Mass. Pike during rush hour and craving a workout to relieve the workday stress? 
Eric and Seema Brodie have just the thing for you. The Newton couple recently devised a way to get commuters in and out of Boston safely while providing them with a good, hearty workout at the same time. And with this commute, you leave the driving to someone else. 
The Brodies, who both previously worked as attorneys, converted a former Logan Airport shuttle bus into a traveling cycling studio with eight stationary bicycles bolted firmly to the floor in place of passenger seats. Riders are safely harnessed in during the ride. While Eric drives the bus through crowded highways and city streets, Seema energetically leads a high-intensity spinning class to the sounds of top musical artists."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160922/newton-couple-brings-bikebus-to-framingham

image from http://bikebus.com/index.html
image from http://bikebus.com/index.html


"Despite one day of heavy rain showers this week, the weekly update from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows extreme drought conditions in Massachusetts remain unchanged. 
The report issued today showed 52 percent of the state remains in "extreme drought" conditions - the second worst drought level issued by the monitor. Nearly 90 percent of the state is in at least "severe drought," according to the monitor. 
Some parts of the state saw more than two inches of rain Monday but most of MetroWest and the Milford area saw an inch or less. Boston saw less than a half-inch of rain."


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160922/extreme-drought-conditions-hold-fast-in-region

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/MapsAndData/MapsandDataServices/MapService.aspx
http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/MapsAndData/MapsandDataServices/MapService.aspx


Thursday, September 8, 2016

In the News: legislature struggles with language bill, some farms get aid for drought

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Dueling language in House and Senate bills updating the state's English language learning law - passed by voters more than a decade ago - has left key backers with mixed opinions about whether it can advance to Gov. Charlie Baker's desk in the remaining four months of the legislative session. 
"We're at a point now where we are so far apart on details that we care about, so I'm not sure if we can do something. I'm hopeful that we can come together," said Sen. Sal DiDomenico, the original Senate sponsor, who said he plans to discuss differences between the bills with House sponsor Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez. 
House and Senate lawmakers plan to meet in informal sessions for the remainder of the year where it's unlikely that controversial legislation will be advanced without a compromise on the measure between both branches.


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160907/english-language-learner-bill-still-in-play-on-beacon-hill



"Massachusetts farmers are finally getting the help they need after a long, dry summer and drought has devastated some local crops. 
Thanks to the summer-long drought, four counties in Massachusetts are now eligible for Emergency Loan assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as of Aug. 31. 
The counties of Worcester, Middlesex, Franklin and Essex are now eligible for the assistance. 
To receive the designation, a county has to be designated as being in a severe drought - according to the U.S. Drought Monitor – for eight consecutive weeks and/or have a higher drought intensity value for any amount of time."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160907/mass-farmers-get-federal-state-aid

Monday, March 21, 2016

Franklin Public Schools: 2 hour weather delay - Monday, March 21

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello
There will be a 2 hour delay due to weather conditions - School offices open 2 hours later
No morning classes at ECDC
Central Office Administration Open - Municipal Building - Staff report at usual time


This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. 

Horace Mann and Jefferson schools in snow
Horace Mann and Jefferson schools in snow

MBTA: Through Monday - Commuter Rail - weather alert

"On 3/21, the Commuter Rail will operate on a normal weekday schedule. For your safety, allow extra time to traverse parking lots and platforms.

On Monday, 3/21, winter weather is forecasted for the Boston area. The Commuter Rail will operate using the normal weekday schedule. Visit mbta.com or a Boston station for a copy of the schedule.

Last updated: Mar 20 2016 01:58 PM

Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/"

MBTA commuter rail tracks approaching South Station
MBTA commuter rail tracks approaching South Station

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Tonight's Franklin v Taunton game has been postponed due to weather

Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) tweeted at 11:56 AM on Sat, Jan 23, 2016:

Tonight's Franklin v Taunton game has been postponed due to weather. @MyHockeyLive @MassHSHockey @In_The_Slot @MetroWestSports @RattleCity
(https://twitter.com/FHS_PuckCoach/status/690941078954967040?s=03)



Franklin senior Jake Downie scored a pair of goals, including the game winner in the first period (Weds 1/20/16). (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin senior Jake Downie scored a pair of goals, including the game winner in the first period (Weds 1/20/16). (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Franklin Public Schools: Heat Precautions


A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello

We have had a few inquiries requesting that we cancel school or reduce the school day  due to the weather. Those are not considerations at this time.  
To make sure all students are hydrated, all principals have been directed to have an adequate supply of water available to all students. The district will make sure water from the cafe is available students in our K- 8 schools as most of those complexes have minimal air conditioned spaces.  
Principals at the elementary level will monitor conditions and may choose to limit recess or hold indoor recess. School health professionals are available to monitor students and will check in on  any student with an  individual health plan that indicates a child may have  issues with respect to heat. 
As always a parent may exercise their right to keep a child home from school if they feel attendance will have a negative impact on the health of their child/children.
Please contact the school office to let administration know you plan to keep your child home.
Thank you,
Maureen Sabolinski
Superintendent of Schools



This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you no longer wish to receive email notifications from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, please click here to unsubscribe.

Monday, March 2, 2015

MBTA: Extra Franklin Line service - Forge Park - 6:35 AM



Extra service on Franklin Line departing Forge Park @ 6:35AM

Last updated: Mar 02 2015 04:15 AM
Sent by the MBTA.






Franklin/Dean Station in the snow
Franklin/Dean Station in the snow

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Franklin Public Schools: Weather Update

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT 
Hello, 
Just when you thought it was safe, here I am emailing you again on yet another Sunday afternoon about my least favorite topic --snow... The most recent forecasts are calling for snow beginning about 3:00 PM today and continuing until 3:00 or 4:00 AM tomorrow.  
As always, I will continue to watch the weather advisories and will be collaborating with the Franklin Police, DPW and Facilities tonight and early tomorrow morning regarding the conditions of roads and schools.  It does not look like there will be much accumulation and with any luck the timing will be in our favor.  
My hope is that at worst, we will be looking at a delay.  However, please note that we will not be making a decision until tomorrow morning, so stay tuned! 
Your continued patience and support this winter are greatly appreciated! 
Respectfully, 
Sally WinslowAssistant Superintendent of Schools
This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. 

Parmenter Elementary School in the snow this Saturday
Parmenter Elementary School in the snow this Saturday