NEWBURYPORT — For the most part, motorists stayed off the roads Thursday morning and afternoon as an estimated 3 to 5 inches of snow fell across Greater Newburyport, according to area fire chiefs who reported little in the way of drama.
“It’s been a fairly normal day. I’ve been listening to the police radio and the other communities and I think everybody heeded the warning about the weather,” Amesbury Fire Chief Jim Nolan said.
Snow began falling about 9 a.m. and was tapering off by midafternoon. The decision to call off school in Amesbury, Newburyport and surrounding communities the night before likely played a part in the relative quiet of the day.
The lack of traffic made it easier for Amesbury Public Works Department employees and their counterparts across the region to keep pace with the falling snow and, for the most part, keep main roads accessible to those who needed to be on them.
“It’s just another snowy New England day for us today,” Nolan said.
Similarly in Newburyport, Fire Chief Stephen Bradbury said they had heard nothing in regard to the storm.
“No calls, nothing,” Bradbury said.
As an added precaution, officials in Newburyport, Amesbury and other communities ordered parking bans the night before, making life easier for snowplow drivers.
As far as tips to stay safe, Nolan urged folks to limit driving to only when it is absolutely necessary and to make sure their cars are fully cleared of snow.
“Let the crews do what they need to do out there. We have another storm coming, so we want to be prepared for that as well,” Nolan said.
Bradbury had similar advice.
“The important thing to worry about, since it’s only going to be 3 to 5 inches, is just a slippery road, slip and falls, and car accidents, so just drive with caution,” Bradbury said.
Hours before the first snowflake fell, Newburyport officials posted an announcement on the city website saying all residents must continue contributing toward maintaining a safe environment for pedestrians by keeping sidewalks clear of snow.
“We understand the challenges of snow and ice removal, however, we must all do our part to keep our residents, especially children and the elderly and visitors safe,” the statement reads. “This is especially paramount on streets with high vehicular traffic where walking in the roadway is not an option.”
Residents face a $50 fine for failing to keep their sidewalks clear of snow.
Nolan also suggested that folks do what they can to look after one another.
“People that can get around a lot easier, check on the neighbors that can’t and make sure they have their supplies and the heat is working. It’s very cold out there,” Nolan said.
Snow is set to fall again overnight Saturday, beginning about 1 a.m. and accumulating between 4 and 8 inches, according to weather.gov.
A call to Salisbury Fire Chief Scott Carrigan was not returned in time for this report.
Matt Petry covers Amesbury and Salisbury for The Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: mpetry@northofboston.com.