Tri-Town residents weather the storm as blizzard ends

The Tri-Town weathered approximately 24 inches of snow from Sunday afternoon to Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service, and residents have stayed positive through power outages, snow covered roads and winter winds. 

Jody Dickerson, Marion Department of Public Works director, said he was unsure when the roads would be totally driveable.

“Our big concern is just to keep the roads open for emergency vehicles at this time,” he said. 

Dickerson said the department did the best they could in the complicated, white-out conditions caused by the wind. 

He said there was zero visibility with the wind, and some residents on the road posed  another safety hazard. Dickerson reported they had no equipment issues. 

He warned people to stay off the roads, and to call the DPW or Police Department if they find downed telephone wires. 

Rochester Police Chief Michael Assad said he is proud of all the work first responders and highway department personnel have done. 

“I think they did a great job at battling the storm with the limited resources we put out for storm coverage,” Assad said. 

He said the roads look better but remain slick, so residents still need to be careful when driving and avoid it when possible. 

Assad reminded residents to look out for each other and be careful with indoor space heaters and candles to avoid fire accidents.

“I think the Rochester community definitely came together, helped one another out and we battled the storm,” he said. “We gave mother nature a punch back.”

Paul Criscuolo of Mattapoisett stayed inside during the storm and said his power flickered on and off throughout Monday morning. 

Criscuolo was prepared for the storm, with groceries, extra batteries and other equipment. 

“I always have emergency stuff,” Criscuolo said. “That's my thing, we laugh about it, but I keep myself stocked with food and batteries and things of that nature.”

He spent his day around the fireplace, watching the news and doing a bit of remote work. 

As a resident of Mattapoisett for around 70 years, Criscuolo said after living through various storms, his main concern was losing power. 

He said the storm has been severe, and hopes people come together to take care of their neighbors. 

“Hopefully we can help each other,” Criscuolo said. 

Stephen Cody and Danielle Cody, of Rochester, are both nurses and volunteer as Rochester paramedic firefighters. 

After the storm passed, they spent about 4 hours clearing out their driveway and paths to their door. 

Danielle Cody drove to Brockton at 5 a.m. Monday and returned home at 1 a.m. Tuesday morning. Stephen Cody reported the roads are passable, but are far from fully cleared. 

He said he is grateful for all the work the DPW has done, and encourages people to be patient with them as they finish a huge task with few personnel. 

To prepare for the storm, the couple cleaned their yard to make snowblowing easier and bought extra gas for their equipment. 

They made sure to pack their car with extra flashlights, batteries, blankets, snow pants, jackets, a shovel and other needs in case Danielle Cody got stuck going to and from work. 

Stephen Cody said response times will be longer for emergency medical services due to the snow, and residents should clear their driveways and walkways in case of an emergency. 

“If [people] haven't shoveled their driveways, it's going to be really difficult for rescue personnel to get into scenes and get people out of there,” he said. 

He said people should be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning and clean out all vents outside their homes. 

“Just kind of be neighborly and check in on a couple of people in your neighborhood,” Stephen Cody said.