‘Stay home’: Mass. state officials share travel info amid biggest snowstorm in years
As the biggest snowstorm to hit Massachusetts in years began to pummel the state Sunday afternoon, state officials advised residents to stay home, stay off the road and respect plows and utility workers as they respond to emergencies.
"We're anticipating a significant snow event over the next 36 hours," Gov. Maura Healey said at a Sunday afternoon press conference. "I want people to understand that this is a storm that's gonna pick up really quickly, okay? For folks who are on the road right now — get off the road."
The governor said she has spoken with all of the approximately 350 emergency directors from across the state and activated the State Emergency Operations Center. Still, it will take time for crews to clear the snow and make the roads safe over the next few days.
"I can assure you that our teams are ready, they're prepared and they will do what needs doing to get us through the next couple of days," she said.
Driving and road information
Visibility is expected to be terrible due to the heavy snowfall throughout Sunday and into Monday, officials said. Even after plows clear a roadway, the wind may blow snow back onto roads.
Road conditions are expected to deteriorate throughout the afternoon and evening on Sunday, officials said. The snow is predicted to come down as rapidly as 1 to 3 inches per hour between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday.
State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said during the press conference that 1,700 snowplows and other snow responders are already out on the roads statewide, and that 140 snow and ice depots are fully activated. He expects a "full call-out" to ensue as the storm continues with around 3,000 plows and removal equipment total.
"The heavy winds and the drifting conditions are expected to become very, very difficult on the roadways, especially overnight tonight and into tomorrow, until everything is fully cleaned up," he said.
The speed limit on the I-90 has been reduced to 40 mph in both directions from the New York border to mile marker 110 in Southborough as of noon, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) . No tandem trucks or specially permitted vehicles are allowed.
These restrictions may be extended eastward on the Mass. Pike as the day continues, Gulliver said.
If you must drive:
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Brush all the snow and ice off your car before driving.
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Leave extra room to allow you to stop quickly on icy and wet roads.
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Don't crowd or try to pass the plows. Stay behind them.
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Monitor Mass511.com and MassDOT for real-time updates and driving information.
MBTA train service during the storm
Subway and Commuter Rail trains are running on a weekend schedule on Sunday and will have modified service on Monday in line with storm planning, MBTA General Manager Phil Eng said during the press conference.
The transit agency is utilizing a Cold Weather Mitigation Action Plan that includes emergency crews, ice cutters and snow clearing contractors to keep trains moving and tracks clear, he said. Around 1,000 snow plows, salt trucks and other snow response equipment have already been deployed.
Travelers utilizing MBTA transit should expect delays and prepare for longer travel times, Eng said. You can find the latest travel alerts on mbta.com .
Service changes:
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The Commuter Rail is running normal weekend service on Sunday, but will be operating a third of its normal weekday service on Monday. This will help minimize switch usage and reduce potential failure points. The MBTA's priority is to keep train service reliable for essential workers such as hospital staff and emergency responders.
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Buses are running on a normal weekend schedule on Sunday and will be offering regular weekday service on Monday. Snow routes may be utilized as necessary to avoid hills and narrow streets.
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The Blue Line from Bowdoin to Orient Heights has been out of service and replaced by buses and ferries due to repair work. Normal service should be restored midway through the afternoon on Sunday.
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When snow accumulates above the top of the rail on the Mattapan Line, service will switch from trolleys to buses to ensure safety and reliability.
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Ferries will have reduced service on Monday, with the Hingham, Hull and Logan Airport ferries expected to run hourly and the Charlestown and Inner Harbor ferries expected to run every half-hour.
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The Ride is running regular service on Sunday and will continue to do so on Monday.
Logan Airport and flight information
The majority of flights out of Boston Logan Airport scheduled to leave after 2 p.m. Sunday have been cancelled , Eng said.
As of that time, 64% of flights out of Logan had been cancelled, according to FlightAware.com , a flight and airport monitoring website.
Anyone who has a flight scheduled for Sunday or Monday should check with their airline for updates, Eng said.
Power outages
As of 2 p.m., few power outages had occurred across Massachusetts, according to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency's outage map. Fewer than 1,400 electric customers were without service.
Widespread power outages are not expected, but crews are already deployed and prepared to take action if conditions worsen, Healey said.
"This is a dry, fluffy snow, not the wet kind that weighs down lines," she said.
The biggest risk of power outages is on the Cape and Islands, Healey said. She advised anyone who loses electricity to call 211 so that emergency responders can provide transport to a local warming center.
Officials have opened 40 warming centers statewide, and they have the capacity to hold nearly 2,000 people.
General safety tips
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Use space heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces with caution to prevent fires and firefighters having to go out on the road to extinguish them.
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Check on older adult neighbors to see if they need assistance during the storm.
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Dig out fire hydrants once snow accumulates so that fire crews can access them.
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