Nor’easter Threatens Weekend Plans in Springfield, MA
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) — Travelers are bracing for gusty winds and heavy rain as a nor’easter approaches, potentially disrupting weekend activities, including travel through local transit hubs and visits to The Big E.
Transit Updates
Buses and trains at Springfield’s Union Station were operating Friday night, albeit with noticeable slowdowns. As adverse weather conditions escalate, further delays are expected.
At Bradley International Airport, many passengers were making last-minute travel plans to avoid the storm. Longer lines were reported at TSA checkpoints and bag-drop counters as travelers hurried to board flights.
Brian Spyros, a spokesperson for Bradley Airport, advised travelers to contact airlines to reschedule flights where possible. He emphasized the benefits of downloading airline apps for real-time flight status updates.
The Big E Preparations
The Big E in West Springfield is continuing its second weekend, remaining open despite the rain. Attendance doesn’t seem to deter some visitors. Fairgoer Corinne Dickerson mentioned her preparation: “We have raincoats. We’re not going to melt.”
The fair is prioritizing the sheltering of animals, while vendors are also looking to maintain traffic. Laura Rowe, owner of Laura’s Unique Boutique, expressed her determination to stay open despite the adverse conditions: “I buttoned down the hatches, but I still keep everything open. We’ll be here, so come see us.”
Officials from The Big E are in constant communication with emergency teams to monitor the situation over the weekend.
Entertainment Update
Headlining performances during the weekend include notable artists like Brad Paisley, Deadmau5, and All Time Low, all of which were still confirmed as scheduled on the fair’s website as of Friday night. In contrast, Ed Sheeran’s concerts at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough were canceled due to safety concerns related to the storm.
Stay Safe
Travelers and fair attendees are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions as the storm approaches.