Boston Public Schools will be closed for a snow day Friday, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced midday Thursday, asking the public to remain off the roads while a major snowstorm howls through the region.

"I'd rather err on the side of safety for our children," Walsh told reporters at a City Hall press conference. The mayor urged people to keep an eye out for those who may be living in their cars and at a risk of poisoning themselves with exhaust from a running engine. Walsh said there are 700 pieces of snow-fighting equipment on the roads and unlike in earlier eras the machinery does not merely plow snow into piles, but will also be used to remove snow from the street.

At a 1 p.m. presser, the mayor said he has heard positive feedback so far on MBTA operations.

"From all indications, we're hearing all good stuff," Walsh said. He said, "We haven't heard any complaints about the T today, which is great. We haven't heard many complaints at all, yet. But this is the beginning of the storm. It's going to pick up as the day goes on."

Walsh asked people to shovel out handicapped parking spaces if possible. Walsh and Gov. Charlie Baker helmed the city and state through 2015's remarkably cold and snowy winter, which helped forge their political friendship.

Asked how he liked leading the city through a snowstorm and whether he enjoys it, the mayor said he has more experience now but he would prefer milder weather.

"I have it down now," Walsh said. "People like to hear the 700 pieces of equipment and the 300,000 tons of salt. I wouldn't say it's enjoyable because there's always that fear of somebody being hurt, and I think that certainly I'd much prefer to have a 60 degree day in February if we could, but we're prepared."