NORTHAMPTON — With 6 to 10 inches of snow forecast in Hampshire County by Monday morning, state and local leaders prepared for the worst Sunday.
Gov. Charlie Baker’s office directed all non-emergency executive branch employees not to report to work until 11 a.m., according to a press statement.
The National Weather Service predicted severe winter weather between 7 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. Monday, with heavy snow and expected accumulations around 6 to 10 inches across the state. A statement warned drivers to take precautions during their morning commute.
Locally, public school districts including Hampshire Regional, Northampton, Easthampton, Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, and Hatfield canceled classes Monday. Many other public and private schools in the area announced either delays or cancellations.
Parking bans on public streets and most parking lots were enacted Sunday in Northampton, Granby, Easthampton, Amherst, and elsewhere. In Northampton parking is prohibited everywhere except for The Armory Street parking lot, which will is open for use during snow emergencies except from 8 to 10 a.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. for plowing.
Statewide, all Registry of Motor Vehicles customer service locations announced a delayed opening of 11 a.m. Road tests scheduled before that time will be rescheduled. A decision will be made Monday morning about whether or not to hold road tests in the afternoon.
Motor vehicle inspections will be conducted as usual during normal business hours. Customers can check the state’s website for service station locations and to learn more about dozens of Registry transactions that can be conducted by customers online at www.mass.gov/rmv.
Andy Castillo can be reached at acastillo@gazettenet.com.