Boston Braces for Major Winter Storm with Up to 18 Inches of Snow
Boston is on high alert as a significant winter storm is forecasted to bring as much as 18 inches (46 centimeters) of snow on Sunday and Monday. This heavy snowfall comes on top of near-zero temperatures that have already prompted city officials to declare a cold emergency, raising concerns for public safety and infrastructure.
Historic Snowfall Expected in Southern New England
According to the National Weather Service, much of southern New England, including the Boston area, can expect 12 to 18 inches of snow. The first flakes are predicted to start falling in the late morning or early afternoon on Sunday. If the forecast holds, this storm will mark the most snow Boston has received from a single weather event in four years, highlighting its potential severity.
Travel Disruptions and Emergency Preparations
The weather service has warned that travel could become "very difficult to impossible" overnight Sunday into the Monday morning commute. In response, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation is taking proactive measures. Agency spokesperson John Goggin stated that roads will be pre-treated, with over 3,000 pieces of equipment ready for plowing and other emergency needs to mitigate the storm's impact.
Government Response and Safety Measures
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has directed all non-essential state employees to work from home on Monday and is urging private-sector employers to follow suit. At a press conference on Friday afternoon, Governor Healey emphasized, "On Sunday, when we start to see the snow come, I ask people to stay off the roads." This call aims to reduce accidents and ensure emergency services can operate effectively.
Additionally, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has extended the city's cold emergency from Friday through Sunday. To provide relief from the frigid conditions, youth centers are being opened as warming stations for residents seeking refuge from the cold.
Extreme Cold and Power Outage Precautions
Ahead of the snowstorm, the region is bracing for wind-chill values as low as minus 12 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 24 degrees Celsius) during the early part of the weekend. Utilities like Eversource Energy are preparing for potential power outages by stockpiling extra utility poles, transformers, and other essential equipment. Wind gusts could reach up to 30 miles per hour (48 kilometers per hour), which may exacerbate the storm's effects and increase the risk of outages.
- Up to 18 inches of snow forecasted for Boston, the heaviest in four years.
- Cold emergency declared with temperatures near zero and wind-chill below minus 12°F.
- Travel disruptions expected, with state employees advised to work from home.
- Warming stations opened and utility companies on standby for emergencies.
Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions as this winter storm approaches, combining heavy snowfall with dangerously low temperatures.
