Updated: Residents Mostly Stay In During Storm; Trinity Ambulance Struck Broadside, But No Injuries

A pedestrian braves the snow in downtown Haverhill. (Mike Jarvis photograph for WHAV News.)

Residents appear to have largely heeded advice to stay in and off the roads during this weekend’s storm.

A notable exception was when an ambulance was struck broadside around 3 p.m., Saturday, on Broadway near the former St. Joseph’s School. While no injuries were reported, first responders reported “people are flying down this hill” and also requested assistance from the Public Works Department.

While the National Weather Service confirmed blizzard conditions in several areas, including Boston and Beverly, it did not make the same findings for the Merrimack Valley. The region was also largely spared power outages.

Mayor James J. Fiorentini said the city had 140 pieces of equipment plowing and treating city streets. He said on social media Saturday that city workers and contractors are doing “a fantastic job keeping up with the storm.”

The mayor said the city did tow 21 vehicles and ticket others after being unable to find owners and give them chances to move their cars.

Haverhill and Methuen both declared snow emergencies with winter parking bans. Haverhill’s ban applied to downtown streets and major travel arteries, while Methuen banned all on-street parking. Haverhill allowed free off-street parking downtown at the Herbert H. Goecke Jr. Memorial Parking Dec on Merrimack Street, while Methuen suggested using the Methuen Park and Ride on Pelham Street, ball field at the intersection of Lawrence/East Street and Osgood Street Park.

Haverhill’s Recycling Center on Primrose Street was closed and a planned waste oil collection was postponed until next Saturday, Feb. 5.

-Earlier-

As of early evening Saturday, area residents appear to have largely heeded advice to stay in and off the roads.

A notable exception was when an ambulance was struck broadside around 3 p.m., Saturday, on Broadway near the former St. Joseph’s School. While no injuries were reported, first responders reported “people are flying down this hill” and also requested assistance from the Public Works Department.

Haverhill and Methuen both declared snow emergencies with winter parking bans. Haverhill announced its ban would likely be lifted at 6 a.m., Sunday, while Methuen reported enforcement through noon, Sunday. Haverhill’s ban applies to downtown streets and major travel arteries, while Methuen banned all on-street parking. Haverhill allowed free off-street parking downtown at the Herbert H. Goecke Jr. Memorial Parking Dec on Merrimack Street, while Methuen suggested using the Methuen Park and Ride on Pelham Street, ball field at the intersection of Lawrence/East Street and Osgood Street Park.

Haverhill’s Recycling Center on Primrose Street was closed and a planned waste oil collection was postponed until next Saturday, Feb. 5.

Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito urged residents to limit non-essential travel through Sunday morning as heavy snowfall and wind gusts caused “whiteout conditions.”

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s ban on travel for tractor trailer trucks, tandems and special permit haulers continues until midnight, Saturday.

The Massachusetts National Guard has equipment and personnel standing by to assist State Police and local authorities with 12 teams positioned in the eastern part of the state.

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