Springfield making preparations for storm

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Communities across western Massachusetts are making preparations for what is expected to be a major winter storm on Friday.

Several school districts have already cancelled classes for Friday , and multiple area communities have already instituted parking bans.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno met Thursday morning with members of the city’s Emergency Preparedness Team. Based on their recommendations, decisions were made to institute a city-wide parking ban, cancel school for Friday, and close City Hall at noon Friday. The city’s 3-1-1 Call Center will be open until 2:00 Friday, and will be staffed from 12:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Saturday, and 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Sunday.

Trash pickup in Springfield will continue as scheduled. Items for pickup should be put on the tree belt no later than 4:00 A.M. on collection day.

Riders on the PVTA are being advised to expect service interruptions, and to monitor the PVTA website or call the PVTA's Customer Service Office at (877) 779-7882.