As another major winter storm dumps up to two feet of snow and lashes the region with high winds, the city of Boston will remain under a snow emergency and parking ban that started on Sunday (Feb. 22) and will continue through at least Tuesday (Feb. 24) at 6 p.m., according to Mayor Wu’s office.
Boston schools were closed on Tuesday. Libraries and community centers open at noon Trash and recycling pickup is delayed one day.
According to Mayor Wu, the city is organizing neighborhood meet-ups for people who want to volunteer to help clear sidewalks and crosswalks, per Universal Hub.
Above, the scene along Washington Street on Monday afternoon. Seth Daniel photo
On Monday afternoon, Mayor Wu said: “Since midnight, Boston EMS has responded to about 120 emergency calls. They’re currently out on another 17, which is low for a typical Monday—so everyone is doing a good job staying in & staying safe. So far no major storm-related calls. Keep it up!”
During a press conference on Sunday, Mayor Wu encouraged residents to stay home and inside until the storm ends.
“ Sidewalks are the responsibility of property owners, whether it’s in front of your business or in front of your home, and that means clearing the sidewalk,” she said. “ That is really important for everyone to be able to get around.”
Reporter co-publisher Linda Dorcena Forry and her daughter Madeline Forry after clearing a fire hydrant on Richmond Street on Monday. Bill Forry photo
St. John Paul II Catholic Academy in Dorchester has cancelled classes on Tuesday as well.
Cars will be towed if parked on roads marked with emergency route signage. Go to boston.gov to see a list of all emergency routes and parking alternatives.
In a statement sent out on Sunday morning, Mayor Wu said: ”Preparations for snow are already underway across every neighborhood, and our City teams will be out around the clock through the nor’easter and the cleanup afterwards. We ask everyone to plan ahead, stay safe and warm, and stay off the roads to help our public works and public safety efforts.
“If you see anyone outside during the storm who needs assistance, please call 911. We thank everyone in advance for their patience as we institute this parking ban to get roadways cleared as effectively as possible, and for your partnership to shovel out the sidewalks and crosswalks in front of your property after this significant snowfall so everyone can be safe.”
The MBTA will run at reduced levels on Monday. The Mattapan trolley line will be offline and shuttle buses used in their place.
Gov. Healey has also issued an emergency and ordered 200 National Guard members to assist in preparations.
“Residents should be off the roads beginning Sunday night for their safety and the safety of emergency personnel who need to do their jobs,” her office said.
“I’m declaring a state of emergency, activating the National Guard, and directing non-emergency executive branch employees to work from home,” Healey said. “I urge all private employers to do the same. It is critical that people stay off the roads tonight and tomorrow. Our teams are working hard to prepare for this storm, and I thank the public works, plow drivers, first responders and everyone who is out there keeping people safe. We’re going to stay on top of conditions as they develop and will continue to provide updates as the storm progresses.”
