Winter storm cleanup continues in Central Mass. as Worcester checks in with 14.7 inches; city schools to open on time Monday

After a Saturday dominated by snow, the region is facing a Sunday filled with snow-clearing, but Monday morning is expected to be back-to-normal for most cities and towns.

More than a foot of snow hit Central Massachusetts, with Worcester registering 14.7 inches, and Douglas and Northbridge registering 19 inches.

Westborough, Uxbridge and Milford recorded 17 inches of snow, Grafton got 16 and Webster 14, according to the National Weather Service.

More: Record snowfalls: Here are the largest single-day snowstorms in Massachusetts history

Saturday's snowfall in Worcester broke the one-day snowfall record for Jan. 29, which was previously 11.5 inches in 1973.

The crown for most snowfall in Massachusetts on any one day is still held by Worcester, when the city saw an incredible 31.9 inches of snow on Jan. 27, 2015.

City schools to open on time

Schools in Worcester will start on time Monday, with buses running as usual.

Motorists are advised to travel at slow speeds as snow banks hamper visibility, and to look out for pedestrians, especially at intersections.

However, there's no school Monday in Douglas, which is still digging out from more than 19 inches of snow. Neighboring Uxbridge will open under a two-hour delay.

Plows out in force

Worcester's Department of Public Works and Parks had 440 personnel and additional contractors on-the-ground starting early Saturday morning, Jay Fink, DPW commissioner, said Sunday.

Truck operators plowed streets, sidewalks and roadways all night Saturday, early Sunday morning and all day Sunday.

"I give credit to the hardworking men and women (operating plows, sanders and snowblowers) — they really made a difference and without them, (the city) probably wouldn't be open yet," Fink said.

Fink said the duration of the storm, accompanied by the gusty winds and drifting snow all night long meant that plowed streets and cleared sidewalks required repeat work.

How much?: Snowfall totals from National Weather Service

In addition to the long hours spent driving and working in the snow Saturday, crews also had to deal with a water main break on Clover Street. City workers continue their work through Sunday evening.

Fink requested the public not to clear snow from driveways and sidewalks onto the streets as it creates a safety hazard and can result in a $100 ticket.

City travel, parking bans lifted

A travel ban in Worcester was lifted at 8 a.m. Sunday.

The city parking ban was lifted at 8 p.m. Sunday.

Over 600 cars were towed by police for violation of the parking ban and impeding snow plowing operations by the city. DPW received about 50 to 60 complaints from the public Sunday morning.

While Cape Cod and other areas saw power outages that continued into Sunday morning, Central Massachusetts sidestepped heavy power losses.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) reported minimal power outages in Worcester and surrounding communities.

WRTA snow routes

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority ran on snow routes Sunday that caused delays in service.

The MBTA commuter rail operated under its normal Sunday schedule, though the Fitchburg line was still running under a special schedule due to the snow.

Travelers should check directly with Amtrak or their airline if they're riding the rails or flying, respectively.

More: Is this a nor'easter with a bomb cyclone? Here's what all those weather terms mean

Weather: Worcester forecast

More: Blizzard updates: Thousands on Cape Cod without power Sunday morning

More: Sunday print delivery delayed; Subscribers can read our e-edition online

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This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Blizzard-like storm leaves Central Mass. with big cleanup