By Beth David, Editor
We don’t usually do breaking news, but this storm is historic.
ACUSHNET
The Acushnet Selectboard held an emergency meeting today, 2/23/26. They ackknowledged the state’s state of emergency declared by the governor and declared a state of emergency in Acushnet. The two votes, as in Fairhaven, make it possible for the town to get reimbursed for response to this monumental storm. School is out tomorrow. Town Hall and other town offices are also closed.
Acushnet had initially voted to keep cars off roads until 6 a.m. tomorrow, but then the gov issued the travel ban in Bristol, Barnstable, Plymouth Counties, so….NO ONE on the roads except essential personnel.
FIre Chief Farland got permission to ask the state for additional heavy equipment and staff to help with cleanup.
See Bob Hinckley ‘s Facebook page for regular updates. He is relaying information quickly as he receives it from fire/police/DPW.
The meeting is available now on the town’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieBLJFQv2jI
DIRECTLY FROM THE TOWN
The following is an alert directly from the Town of Acushnet received at 5:14 p.m. 2/23/26
February 23, 2026 Selectmen Meeting – Local State of Emergency.
Town of Acushnet Emergency Meeting Update – February 23, 2026
The Board of Selectmen met remotely and voted to:
Acknowledge the Governor’s State of Emergency.
Declare a Local State of Emergency.
Impose Curfew (CHANGED because governor issued travel ban)
Administration buildings are closed tomorrow (Tue 2/24)
Trash has been pushed out, Monday pickup will now be on Wednesday.
Stay off roads, stay home, and safe. Acushnet has seen ~26 inches of snow amid the Blizzard of 2026. Travel is hazardous with blizzard conditions. Essential personnel only exempt. Check acushnet.ma.us for updates.
FAIRHAVEN
The Fairhaven Select Board just had a meeting on Monday, 2/23/26. They continued the state of emergency declared the day before. The BPW had two front loaders break down. They are supposed to get a couple from the state.
Upshot: Be patient. 60-75% of Fairhaven residents are still without power according to the fire chief. The meeting was only a few minutes long. It is not up yet on FairhavenTV.com, but I’m sure it will be soon. LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER! We are our best help.
KEY points from the meeting: stay off the road. Schools will also be closed on Wednesday. Emergency crews are having trouble getting to people. They can’t get to the shelter at the middle school, so if you need a shelter, call the fire department and they will send a fire truck to pick you up and take you to the fire department. They have fixed up a “make-shift” shelter.
We need to keep an eye on each other and help each other out. We got more snow that the Blizzard of ’78, so let’s all try to be realistic in our expectations of road crews.
Fire Chief said Eversource is staged in town and is just waiting for the wind to die down. They expect to be out there at around 7 p.m.
Expectation is it will take 3 days for the town to get back up and running.
FAIRHAVEN ALERT: STATE OF EMERGENCY – MONDAY UPDATE
The following is directly from the town via the emergency alert system at 5:59 p.m. on 2/23/26
The Blizzard is winding down- Fairhaven received 30 plus inches.
Please be aware of the following important announcements:
– The Governor has issued a travel ban for all of Bristol County. Please stay home, shelter, and place. The BPW will need at least 2 days to open the roads.
– MEMA is working with us and sending additional assets.
– EVERSOURCE and their crews are staged and will be working overnight to help restore power.
– A parking ban is in full effect and will be strictly enforced. This parking BAN will continue through the weekend.
– We anticipate that normal town conditions will not be restored for 2-3 days.
– All town buildings will be closed on Tuesdays except for Essential Emergency personnel.
– Schools are now closed on Tuesday and Wednesday
– Trash and recycling pickup has been delayed by TWO DAYS. So, for example, Monday Pickup is now Wednesday, and so on.
Should you have an emergency, DIAL 911. Residents are asked to shelter in place. If you need assistance with shelter, please contact the Fire Department at 508-994-1428.
SPECIAL NOTE:
– For your safety, please check your generators and your vents for your heaters. Please make sure they are clear of snow to avoid any carbon monoxide.
– If you are able, please check on your neighbors, especially our senior population and disabled population. –
-When you are shoveling out tomorrow, please remember to shovel sidewalks and fire hydrants. Watch for plows, and any assistance with clearing out storm drains is greatly appreciated.
#FairhavenStrong
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this weather event.
NEW BEDFORD
The following is a press release from the City of New Bedford sent on 2/23/26 at 4:30 p.m.
New Bedford Blizzard Update for Feb. 23: Trash Pickup Delayed; Schools and City Offices Closed On Tuesday, Feb. 24
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If your normal trash pickup day is Monday, it will be Wednesday this week.
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If your normal trash pickup day is Tuesday, it will be Thursday this week.
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If your normal trash pickup day is Wednesday, it will be Friday this week.
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If your normal trash pickup day is Thursday, it will be Saturday this week.
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If your normal trash pickup day is Friday, it will be Sunday this week.
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To report a downed power line, medical, fire or other emergencies please dial 911.
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Eversource strongly urges residents to stay away from down wires and to report them immediately. Residents whose service is disrupted should call 1-800-592-2000.
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To report snow removal issues on city streets, residents may contact the Department of Public Infrastructure at (508) 991-6150
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New Bedford Police Department may also be reached on its Non-emergency line at (508) 991-6350
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Click here to download the 2/19/26 issue: 02-19-26 KoolKids
Click here to download the Atlas Tack presentation: ATWG_2-2-26
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