Snow emergency begins at 6 p.m. today in Boston

An early winter storm with the potential for more than a foot accumulation over the next day has prompted Mayor Walsh to declare that a snow emergency will begin in Boston today at 6 p.m., triggering parking restrictions on key roads and a one-day delay in trash and recycling pick-ups.

All Boston Public Schools buildings will be closed, although all students will attend classes online for a partial day that will end 2.5 hours earlier than the regularly scheduled dismissal time. There will be no in-person learning on Thursday.

A parking ban — which could result in towing from posted streets— begins at 6 p.m.

"Boston hasn't seen a sizable snowstorm since March of 2019 -- over 21 months ago. I am urging everyone to be ready and prepared," said Mayor Walsh. "I ask all our residents and workers to be alert and remain cautious on our roads and sidewalks. Our Public Works Department (PWD) will be working hard to pre-treat and clean our roads during this snowfall, and I thank them for their hard work. We are asking residents and businesses to do their part by staying safe, shoveling their sidewalks, walkways, catch basins, and fire hydrants, and looking out for one another as neighbors. The City of Boston will continue to share updates throughout the storm."

Other key storm delays and restrictions:

• Neighborhoods with a Thursday and Friday pick-up schedule for trash/recycling will be delayed by one day.

• All BPS meal distribution sites will be open today Wednesday, December 16 until 6 p.m. instead of Thursday, December 17. Other meal sites in the City will also be closed on Thursday, December 17. They will be open today to distribute extra meals. Residents are encouraged to check with their meal site for hours.

• Boston City Hall and all City departments will be closed on Thurs., Dec. 17. Boston Public Library locations will be closed, including BPL To Go services. Residents with appointments scheduled on Thursday, December 17 will be contacted by City departments to reschedule. All Boston Centers for Youth & Families are closed and in person programming is cancelled.

Rules on clearing snow:

Property owners are required to fully clear snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting their property within three hours after the snowfall ends or three hours after sunrise if the snow ends overnight.


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