- Photo by William Tauro

By William Tauro

A tree lands on a dump truck in a yard on Linwood Street in Somerville that fell over during Sunday’s Tropical Storm winds.

– Photos by Donald Norton & Bobbie Toner

Somerville missed a hurricane but still experienced wind damage from Tropical Storm Irene. DPW, Somerville Police, Somerville Fire and  NSTAR were out all day taking care of fallen trees and wires.

Tree down on Hall Ave. - Photo by Jimmy Del Ponte

High winds from Sunday’s storm continue to topple trees in Somerville.

Central St. tree damage. - Photo by Judy Sabatino

- Photos by William Tauro

By William Tauro

Trees toppled down on Beacon St. at Park St. during Saturday’s rain storm, the eve of an incoming hurricane.

- Photo by William Tauro

Wild turkeys were seen walking around Summer Street Saturday evening.

City continues to monitor progress of Hurricane Irene; Residents advised to take necessary precautions, visit city website for information throughout the weekend.
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Based on current weather projections, which predict that Hurricane Irene will affect the Somerville/Boston area on Sunday with tropical storm-force winds and hurricane-force wind gusts, the City of Somerville is reminding residents of precautions to take in advance of a possible severe weather event. While Somerville is not currently projected to receive significant rain fall, the storm’s track could shift at any moment, and residents are encouraged to prepare for any scenario.

By Jimmy Del Ponte

This article first ran in the February 3, 2010 edition of The Somerville News.

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

Remember all those old radio and TV jingles that used to stick in our minds? Well, I asked some of my friends to dig deep and come up with some, and they did. So here they are, and we’ll start with some of my favorites, as close as I can recall.

By Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

As most of you know by now, the City is circulating an electronic petition to submit to state officials demonstrating the need and desire for the Green Line Extension through Somerville—and for adherence to the legally mandated timeline.   In just over two weeks, almost 2,500 residents, and other interested parties have signed on, with more adding their names to the list every day.  If that doesn’t send a clear message, let me assure you that we’re already taking additional steps to make the message even more clear.  Meetings with Congressman Capuano and our State Delegation, the first of many, are paving the way for firmer discussions with the Governor as well as MassDot and MBTA officials. We are seeking additional action and more transparency.  Working with the Conservation Law Foundation, we’re also reassessing the legal mandate for a 2014 deadline, and determining the next steps for holding the state to that binding decision.  In short, we won’t take this lying down.

Preparations underway for potential flooding, wind damage;
City crews on call all weekend
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Based on current predictions for the track of Hurricane Irene, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone has ordered storm preparations and is reminding all residents of necessary precautions in advance of the storm, which is packing unusually powerful winds and heavy downpours. Department of Public Works staff began storm preparations earlier today, clearing catch basins and storm drains throughout the City, with a particular focus on those areas that experienced significant flooding in past storms . In addition, sand bags will be installed at the Public Safety Building, Capuano Early Childhood Education Center, and several other municipal buildings on Friday in anticipation of potential flooding. Hanging plants and other items at risk in high winds will also be removed throughout the City on Friday. Additional public safety staff will be on call beginning on Saturday and lasting for the duration of the storm, if necessary. Additional precautions will be taken as necessary as City officials continue to monitor the storm’s track northward.