Updated at 5:55PM to reflect the new snow totals we received from the National Weather Service: 26 inches!! 

What a storm! Dedham picked up about 26 inches yesterday (previously reported 19 inches, see note above), and we know many of you are still out there shoveling. Here's where things stand with our clearing efforts, and everything else you need to know:

Our Crews Are Out There Working Hard

Our DPW and Facilities crews have been at it since before the first flake fell, and they're still going. Right now, their focus is on getting our schools ready. This includes parking lots, drop-off areas, access roads, and sidewalks so students, staff, and families have safe access when buildings reopen.

Click on the photos of snow clearing work at the Avery Elementary School below to enlarge

One heads-up: our sidewalk tractor is out of commission right now. We're working around it with other equipment, so things may look a little different in some spots, but we will get the sidewalks cleared. It is unlikely that we will get to every sidewalk in Town but will do our best to clear as many as possible. If you are able to clear the sidewalks near your home, we would really appreciate it.

Simultaneously, plows continue to circulate throughout Dedham, and that is no small feat. The initial pass of the plows is just about getting roads open and passable. Then we send loaders through to widen things up and tackle the ends of driveways, intersections, and corners. This may mean some snow gets pushed back to the end of your driveway right after you clear it. We're sorry about that and will do our best to come back and clean it up.

This Is Going to Take a Few Days, So Here's What to Expect

With 19 inches on the ground, we want to be upfront: full clearing is going to take several days. That means overnight parking bans will continue for a bit. We'll give you advance notice each time so you can plan and get your car off the street, if needed.

 Our crews are running around the clock, with safe rest breaks in between, and every piece of equipment we have is deployed. With all that in place, you may still run into an intersection with a tough sight line (visual obstructions) or a road that feels a lot more narrow than normal. We see it too. Again, we are not stopping anytime soon and asking for your patience.

Town Buildings Reopen Wednesday, February 25

We've Been Reaching Out Through CodeRed

We sent two emergency alerts through our CodeRed system (by Crisis24) during the storm covering parking bans, trash delays, closures, and other updates. The same info has been posted on our website, our Winter Weather page, and across social media.

CodeRed goes out to all publicly listed landlines automatically, but if you want to receive alerts on your mobile device or by email, you need to register. Registration is quick and can be done online at accountportal.onsolve.net/dedhamtownma. If you need help signing up, reach out to Amanda Smith, our Director of Communications, at asmith@dedhamma.gov.

Want to Help? Here's How

If you can lend a hand and shovel out nearby sidewalks, fire hydrants, and storm drains, we would really appreciate it. These efforts can have a significant impact and will aid in the return to normalcy following this historic snowstorm. Also, please make sure to check on your neighbors and those you know who may need additional assistance.

Trash/Recycling Collection This Week

Due to the snow, there was no trash or recycling pickup today, Tuesday February 24. Here's how the rest of the week’s schedule looks:

• Monday Routes: On March 2, additional BAGGED TRASH will be accepted outside your cart to help catch up after this week’s missed collection.
• Recycling Collections: Boston Carting will be running TWO RECYCLING trucks next week to help catch on any missed collections due to snow. 

• Downed tree or wire? Call 911 right away and please stay away from it.
• Any emergency: 911
• Spot a dangerous intersection or a road you can't see around? Let us know at DPW: 781-751-9350
• Non-emergency questions: 781-751-9300
• Lost power? Eversource: 1-800-592-2000

If you’re heading out, please take it slow, especially through neighborhoods and around turns. Give the plows plenty of room, leave extra space between cars, keep your headlights on, and make sure your wiper fluid is topped off.

We're Committed to Keeping You Informed

We will continue to provide updates as snow removal operations progress. Updates will be posted on our Winter Weather page at www.dedham-ma.gov/winter-weather and on our official social media channels. We encourage you to check these channels regularly for the latest information.

A Sincere Thank You

We're all in this together, and we'll get through it. Thank you for your patience with our crews as they keep working incredibly hard for this community.