Add Your Tree to the Pile for Salem's Annual Bonfire

Today is Thursday, Jan. 2, and here are the five things you need to know: 

1. You'll want to be prepared for snowy weather today. The National Weather Weather Service is predicting that local residents can expect snow and a daily high temperature of 25. Tonight should be snowy, with a low around 10. Total snow accumulation could reach 10 inches. (sunrise, 7:13 a.m.; high tide, 11:20 a.m.; sunset, 4:22 p.m.; low tide, 5:42 p.m.)

2. THE SALEM BONFIRE HAS BEEN CANCELED.

3. Salem State University and Salem Public Schools will be closed today in preparation for the big snowstorm expected to hit the region overnight. Salem Patch will keep you up to speed with all of the latest cancellations and weather notices.

4. Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll will take her oath of office for the third time on Monday, Jan. 6 at 10 a.m. in the Collins Middle School Auditorium during the Salem Inaugural Ceremony. The public is invited to attend the ceremony and a reception that will follow in the school's lobby. Click Here for our full story.

5. Today in History: On Jan. 2, 1974, President Richard Nixon signed a bill lowering the maximum US speed limit to 55 mph.

For more things going on in Salem today, check out our events calendar.