Dispatches from Boston: A City on Lockdown

A manhunt is underway in Boston and Cambridge this morning, as law enforcement officials pursue the surviving suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing.

Police are urging residents to stay in their homes and businesses to stay closed. Many of the areas numerous schools and universities have cancelled classes.

We asked Bay Area Patch Facebook readers what updates they have heard from family and friends in the area. Here's what they said:

I just got off the phone with my sister and brother in law who live on the Cambridge/Somerville border. Schools are closed and all morning long helicopters have been flying over their neighborhood, which is just blocks away from Inman Square where both suspects lived. That block is taped off and neighboring residents have evacuated. Early this morning my brother in law had to drive friends to Logan for a flight. After coming out of the Callahan Tunnel, he said a line-up of about 20 armed state troopers were stopping and checking cars before they could go any further. He said it was very unsettling having guns pointed at his car but is reassured by how thoroughly law enforcement is handling the situation and making every effort to keep people safe while they search for the other suspect. -Christa Bigue, Pacifica Patch editor, 10:24am (Pacifica Patch)

Boston University is locked tight, there was an small explosion on Mass Avenue bridge as heard by BU students as the suspects threw bombs out the window when chased. All students are safe. As we all know, one BU student from China was killed in the initial attack. -John OMalley, 10:14 a.m. (Novato Patch)

Americans are experiencing what others live with on a daily basis. We are so blessed to live without armed guards in front of banks and government buildings. -Erin Murphy Macias, 10:31 a.m. (Pacifica Patch)

My daughter goes to college in Boston and we were woken up this morning at 3:30am by the College Emergency system letting us know they are on lock down. -Susan Pryfogle, 9:08 a.m. (Sonoma Valley Patch)

We are in the Boston area for a vacation. We are driving to Cape Cod today. We had to change where we picked up our car, and have to drive at least 50 miles out of our way because all of Boston is shut down. It's a very scary day. -Deborah Evenich, 9:05 a.m. (Petaluma Patch)

My brother is on the scene with a news crew from Maine. He is reporting "A whole crapload of guys in camo with big guns just rolled out. The chopper is hovering." -Kristi Krakowka Grusby, 9:29 a.m. (Novato Patch)

Just talked to my mom in Somerville - all public transport and taxis have stopped. A few people driving - other than that the streets are quiet there. My friend in Cambridge is staying away from windows - says there are police officers everywhere. -Hannah B. Merriman, 9:07 a.m. (San Rafael Patch)

I do not think it is healthy for us to indulge in speculation. That just gives the perpetrators what they want; attention. We should continue to focus on the helpers and the officer...It is relevant to the personal safety in people in the North east. It is not relevant in California. It adds to the attention. They probably didn't do this because they have a burning hatred of marathoners. -Tansy Otterbeck, 9:12 a.m. (Napa Valley Patch)

Eerie photos of normally packed areas in Watertown and Boston
http://www.buzzfeed.com/annanorth/16-eerie-images-of-boston-on-lockdown -Leslie Allen Conaghan, 9:12 a.m. (Half Moon Bay Patch)

I used to live in Watertown and it's hard to imagine this little community being under siege. Awful. -Heidi Baxagocsy, 9:54 a.m. (Petaluma Patch)

What updates have you heard from family and friends in Boston? Tell us in the comments.