Schools are closed and parking bans are in place as a winter storm is set to move into the region on Thursday.

According to the National Weather Service, Dartmouth and much of eastern Massachusetts will be under a Blizzard Warning, issued from 1 a.m. January 4 to 1 a.m. on January 5.

The warning states blizzard conditions are expected, with winds gusting as high as 60-70 MPH likely to cause whiteout conditions. Widespread power outages are possible. Current predictions are for a foot of snow along the South Coast, including Dartmouth.

In anticipation of the storm, closings and delays are already coming in. Dartmouth Public Schools will be closed on January 4. Friends Academy and Bishop Stang High School will also be closed on January 4.

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth will also be closed on January 4. All face-to-face classes are cancelled at all locations. Online courses will still be held. The university library, fitness center, and library will be closed, and dining locations will be closed. Campus shuttle services were already suspended for intersession.

The Department of Public Works has announced solid waste and recycling pick-up has been cancelled for January 4. Wednesday's normal scheduled pick-up will now be Friday, January 5, and Thursday's normal scheduled pick-up will be Saturday, January 6.

The Dartmouth Transfer Station and Town Hall will also be closed on January 4.

A parking ban will be in effect in Dartmouth from 9 a.m. on January 4 through 9 a.m. on January 5. Under the ban, parking is not allowed on the hydrant side of the street. On streets with no hydrants, parking is only allowed on the even house numbered side.

Town Administrator David Cressman said town departments will hold a meeting to discuss response, although so far he said the usual precautions are being taken.

“We’re going through the usual preparations for a storm,” Cressman said.

Residents can stay up to date by visiting the town website, watching DCTV on cable, and local news. If response such as shelters are needed, they will be announced through those channels, Cressman said.

The Dartmouth Emergency Management Agency is also mobilizing. The EMA is reminding residents that a basic emergency supply kit is recommended.

It should include water - at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation - a three-day supply of non-perishable food, battery-powered or hand-crank radios and a NOAA weather radio with tone alerts, and extra batteries for radios.

Other supplies include flashlights and extra batteries, a first aid kid, a whistle to signal for help, a dust mask, moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation, wrench or pliers to turn off utilities if need be, can opener for food, local maps, cell phones and chargers.

Check DartmouthVillageSoup.com for the latest updates, including closings, town response, and forecast updates.