By Bonnie Adams, Government Editor
Region? – Although downgraded to a tropical storm, Sandy is continuing to wreak havoc on the region, downing trees and wires. The National Weather Service is projecting that the strongest winds will end around midnight although there will still be some residual winds and rain throughout the day tomorrow.
Many area towns are still experiencing downed wires and power outages. Here is the latest as reported by local officials:
?Hudson – A decision has not yet been made as to whether the schools will open tomorrow or not.
There are several isolated power outages in Town with wires down, as well as minor street flooding at various locations. ??At this time we do not anticipate the need to open an emergency shelter, but if the situation changes and a shelter needs to be opened, it will be announced on the website and citizens will receive notification via the reverse 911 telephone system. If you are not able to remain in your home and have no other place to which you can go, please call the non-emergency number listed below for assistance.
Public notices will continue to be made via the Town of Hudson website Home Page: www.townofhudson.org? throughout the storm, as long as our network remains intact. You may sign up to receive email notification of these announcements on the bottom right of the home page by clicking on the link entitled Email Subscriber and following the directions. Specific notices including Verizon emergency contact numbers and instructions for preparing a disaster supply kit are also posted on the site.
All emergency calls should be directed to 911. Non-emergency, storm-related calls can be made to 978-562-5565.
?Marlborough – The city's public schools will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 30.
A 6:30 p.m. meeting was held at the city's Emergency Operations Center where local officials were updated by MEMA and the National Weather Service on Hurricane Sandy. They expect the heaviest winds to continue until 11 p.m. with a gradual drawdown throughout the early morning – inhibiting our ability to conduct a full assessment of the outages and damages in the area until dawn.
?Northborough ? Northborough schools, including Algonquin Regional High School will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 30.
At this time much of Northborough is without power.? National Grid is assessing the damage, however return to service will not be likely until Tuesday morning at the earliest.
?Shrewsbury ? SELCO reports that the current estimate is 400 homes without power.
No word on school closings yet.
?Southborough – Southborough schools including Algonquin Regional High School will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 30.
From the Police Department – Please stay away from the Boston Road/ Framingham Road area. There is a tree down, and no vehicular traffic can get through. Also, Boston Road at East Main Street (as well as the area in front of 49 Boston Road) have wires down and across the road (not passable). There is a downed tree on wires in front of 60 Deerfoot Road. The road is also closed to vehicular traffic at that location.
Framingham Road is CLOSED at Cross Street, due to the closure at Framingham Rd and Boston Road.
Traffic lights are OUT at Route 9 and Central Street, and Boston Road @ Central Street.
Most town departments should be open as usual Tuesday morning with the exceptions of Town Hall and the schools.
?Westborough – Another meeting will be held at the Emergency Operations Center at 10:00 p.m. A decision will be made by the school superintendent between that time and 5:30 a.m. as to whether schools should open tomorrow or not.
The Police Department is reporting numerous trees and electric lines down and many power outages throughout town.