Outages and other Blizzard Updates

Twenty-three homes on Winshaw, Cliff and Gale Road were without power as of 11:30 p.m. Friday, the homes among almost 200,000 Bay State customers in similar straits.

Power to the Swampscott homes went out at 7:06 p.m., Friday might, and there was no estimate on when the power would be restored, according to National Grid shortly before midnight Friday.

The homes are located on Phillips Point, not far from Phillips Beach.

Meanwhile, Department of Works and crews and contractors were trying to stay ahead of the snowfall, said DPW Director Gino Cresta.

Twenty-one contractors are helping the 14 DPW trucks plow Swampscott roads in the storm.

The director said on Friday night that he expected crews would have to work until Sunday to clean-up after the snow stops falling.

After 24 hours crews get a four-hour break, time they typically spend at the DPW garage resting in chairs, he said.

Coastal flooding was not a problem shortly before high tide on Friday night, 9:30 p.m., the director said.

The next high tide is due Saturday morning at 10.

Fire Chief Kevin Breen stated in an email to residents on Friday that other than potential extended power outages the biggest concern is for the potential for moderate to severe coastal flooding.  

In an interview earlier Friday he recommended that if power goes out and people rely on fireplaces and candles for heat and light — do not leave them unattended. And keep an eye on wood stoves and portable devices, if you use them, he said.

About 5:30 p.m. Friday, Swampscott firefighters were called to a fire at 402 Paradise Road. Residents had put out the fire upon their arrival.

Window curtains were blowing around and caught fire when they came in contact with a lighted candle, said Swampscott fire Capt. Graham Archer.

Forecasters expect the storm to deliver 18-24 inches of snow, possibly more in some locations. The snow was expected tp taper off Saturday midday.