Weekend storm is expected to bring snow across much of Massachusetts, followed by hazardous cold and wind chills early in the week

Boston - In anticipation of the winter storm expected to bring widespread snow across Massachusetts, followed by frigid temperatures early in the week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration advises that residents plan ahead and review winter weather safety tips. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for portions of western, central, and northeast Massachusetts, with these areas expected to see the most significant snowfall. The heaviest snow is expected during the evening and overnight hours on Sunday, with total accumulations between 4 to 8 inches. The National Weather Service is also predicting bitter cold temperatures early in the week, with wind chills between 0-10 degrees Fahrenheit Monday through Wednesday night. 

“As we continue to monitor this storm, we want everyone to be prepared and plan accordingly, especially residents and visitors that may have plans to travel over this holiday weekend,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We advise you to use extra care on the roads Sunday into Monday morning and take the time to check in on your neighbors to make sure everyone stays warm and safe.”

“We’re no strangers to the cold, but with these extreme temperatures, it’s important to take caution to avoid conditions like hypothermia and frostbite, which can occur during even short amounts of exposure,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Bundle up in layers of clothing, limit time outdoors and try to stay active while you’re inside.”

How Residents Can Prepare 

Plan ahead and take care when traveling on the roads. Clear snow and ice from your vehicle’s windows, lights, hood and roof before driving. Utilize safe winter driving practices, including leaving extra room for braking and stopping in slippery travel conditions. Don't crowd the plow or maintenance vehicles. Stay back at least 200 feet and don't pass on the right. Prepare for possible power outages. Fully charge your cellphone, laptop, and any essential electronic devices before the storm. Ensure you have extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices. Take stock of your emergency kit and ensure it includes seasonal supplies, such as extra winter clothing and blankets. 

Manually check your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors to make sure they work correctly and have fresh batteries. During and after the storm, check your outside fuel exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice. 

Follow recommended safety precautions when using space heaters, a fireplace, or a woodstove to heat your home. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.

Additional tips on what to do before, during, and after a winter storm can be found at Mass.gov/Snow. 

“The State Emergency Operations Center is operating at Steady State Monitoring and we remain in close coordination with our partners at the National Weather Service,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “We are prepared to facilitate any requests for assistance that may arise from communities impacted by this winter storm and encourage residents to stay informed of the latest conditions.”

MassDOT 

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is advising travelers that snowfall is expected to impact travel in many regions of the state, from Sunday evening through Monday morning. Travelers should allow for extra travel time and check forecasts for their routes and destinations. With widespread snowfall amounts of 1-6” forecast, MassDOT crews will be pretreating roadways in advance of the storm and will be deploying snow removal staff and equipment as necessary across the Commonwealth.?

“Safety is first and foremost, especially during severe weather,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. ?“Plan and prepare for winter storms as conditions vary from region to region, and storms can lead to road hazards, power outages, and fallen trees and utility wires. Make decisions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.”

For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are encouraged to:??????

• Download the?Mass511?mobile app or visit?www.mass511.com?to view live cameras, travel times, real-time traffic conditions, and project information before setting out on the road. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts for traffic conditions.????????? ?????
• Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions.?????
• Follow?@MassDOT?on X, (formerly known as Twitter),?to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.?? 

MBTA

For service updates immediately before, during, and after a storm, we strongly urges riders to ?subscribe to text or email T-Alerts before snowfall for real time notifications about service disruptions. We also encourage riders to follow the MBTA on X (the site formerly known as Twitter) @MBTA, @MBTA_CR, and @MBTA_CR_Alerts for information. During and after winter storms, the Commuter Rail and bus routes may need to reduce service and operate on storm schedules. The MBTA will update the Commuter Rail schedules and ?bus schedules to match. Riders can also visit the T’s Winter Travel Guide at mbta.com/winter. 

Crews will work to clear snow and ice throughout the system, but riders are asked to use caution on platforms and at bus stops.  

Massport

Logan International Airport will remain fully operational throughout the storm. Passengers should anticipate delays or possible cancellations, and check with their airline for the most up to date information about their flight. With snowfall and potential slick roadways, passengers should allow extra time to get to and from Logan.

For any additional questions, passengers can contact othe Passenger Service team via our website, by calling 1-800-23-LOGAN or the FlyLogan app.

Department of Conservation and Recreation 

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is monitoring the forecast and preparing its snow removal equipment for its roadways and properties in anticipation of a plowable event. The agency anticipates activating its statewide storm center on Sunday.

With the frigid temperatures, DCR is also warning visitors to be safe near ice, know how thick the ice is and stay away from any cracks or melting ice.

Learn more from DCR on how to can make your own more environmentally friendly liquid salt brine. Liquid salt brine – a mix of salt dissolved in water – serves as an anti-icing agent to prevent snow and ice from binding to the road surface, allowing for easier removal, fewer applications and faster return to a clean paved surface. This snow removal technique is more cost effective and environmentally friendly for municipalities, state agencies and consumers.   

Department of Public Utilities 

The Department of Public Utilities and the Electric Distribution Companies (EDCs) continue to monitor the weather forecast. The DPU and EDCs remain in close communication as the storm develops. The EDCs conduct daily storm planning calls, provide regular updates to the DPU regarding storm preparation activities, and the companies will put in place their Emergency Response Plans if and when necessary to swiftly address any potential outages. 

Department of Environmental Protection 

To address the handling of excessive snowfall amounts, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) provides Snow Disposal Guidance to local governments and businesses. The online guidance assists with snow disposal site selection, site preparation and maintenance, and emergency snow disposal options that are protective of wetlands, drinking water, and waterbodies. MassDEP also has an online mapping tool to help communities identify possible snow disposal options locally.