ATHOL - A planned release of water from two dams on Monday will be monitored by local officials, who hope residents of the Morton Meadows apartments can return home soon after ice jams in the Millers River threatened the complex Saturday.
As a precaution, nearly 30 residents, all senior citizens, were moved to a local nursing home, the homes of family or friends or into housing arranged by the Athol-Orange Housing Authority and the United Way.
The release of water at Tully and Birch Hill dams "is being managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and town officials are closely coordinating efforts with corps staff," Town Administrator Shaun A. Suhoski said in a news release.
"The release of water will cause fluctuations to the level and flow in the river," Fire Chief John Dugay said in the news release, adding that people may hear the ice shifting and should use caution near the river.
The Exchange Street Bridge will remain closed until inspectors from the state Department of Transportation declare it safe, Mr. Suhoski said.
Meanwhile, in Ware, Church Street remained covered with large chunks of ice, and officials were not sure Sunday night when the road might reopen. The Ware River flowed out of its banks Saturday, flooding the former airport and the road.