Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Major nor’easter could cause power outages, delays in snow cleanup

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Town departments are advising residents to be prepared and take caution as a blizzard dumps over a foot of snow in the region through most of Monday.

The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning Sunday afternoon for a major nor’easter that impacts much of the state. Snow accumulation is anticipated between 12-22 inches with winds gusting as high as 55 miles per hour. Visibility was expected to be low, leading to hazardous travel conditions. As of Sunday night, the NWS had set the blizzard warning to expire by 7 a.m. Tuesday.

Gov. Maura Healey declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard in response to the incoming storm. Healey advised Massachusetts residents to stay off the roads and prepare for potential power outages. High winds and heavy, wet snow could bring down power lines. According to WCVB, Eversource notified customers that outages could last as long as five days due to the high winds.

In response, the town has issued its own warnings. All town offices are closed, and the School Department canceled school for Monday. All after-school activities were canceled as well.

In a Facebook post, the Hopkinton firefighters union urged residents to restrict their travel, secure loose outdoor items, charge electronics in advance and keep emergency supplies available. “Public safety and [Department of Public Works] crews will be staged and ready to respond as conditions warrant,” the post states.

DPW Director Kerry Reed advised residents to be patient and safe as crews work to clean up from the storm and to make sure travel is limited. “Limiting travel helps DPW crews continue their work safely and efficiently and allows emergency vehicles clear access if needed,” she explained in a prior email to the Independent.

Reed added that residents should call 911 if they see tree limbs blocking the road or in direct contact with power lines. Individuals reporting other storm damage cleanup or property damage are asked to call the DPW following the storm.

How long snow removal will take is unknown, as well as its effects on the schools reopening on Tuesday. Hopkinton Public Schools Superintendent Evan Bishop told the Independent in an email that he hopes the district will be back to normal operations on Tuesday.

“DPW and our facilities team are well prepared and will be working throughout the storm to clear lots, walkways and building entrances so we can reopen safely,” stated Bishop.

“We’ll continue to monitor conditions and will communicate with families if there are any updates,” he added.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

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A former Hillers Pizza employee recently told NBC10 Boston that her employer, Petros “Peter” Sismanis, inappropriately touched her and other female employees when she worked there in 2016.

Hopkinton Public Schools Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Susan Rothermich recently announced she is retiring at the end of the school year.

At its meeting Wednesday night, the Trails Committee reviewed a proposed Town Meeting warrant article to limit e-bike speeds on shared-use paths.

Our latest Hopkinton High School Sports Roundup covers MIAA tournament schedules, Harry Millar’s 55-meter hurdles victory at the Meet of Champions and more.

Town meetings tonight include the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board (6) and Planning Board (7).

Photo of the Day

A blanket of snow covers the construction at the former Hopkinton Drug property.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR