Hundreds of Massachusetts communities announced local states of emergency due to Monday’s snowstorm, and Governor Maura Healey imposed a restriction on non-essential vehicle travel in certain areas of the state on Monday.
This storm has been intense,” the governor stated during a speech at the Massachusetts Emergency Management headquarters in Framingham. “As we predicted, we said it would be serious and severe. And it has been serious and severe.
Subscribe to Our Newsletters
“This has been a significant storm up to this point, with more to follow. We’re still in the midst of it,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley.
The restriction on travel is in effect in Bristol, Plymouth, and Barnstable counties, but drivers are advised to avoid using the roads across the entire state. Offenders may face a $500 penalty.
The maximum speed allowed on the Massachusetts Turnpike has also been lowered to 40 miles per hour.
StormTeam 5 tools:Alerts |Futurecast | Map Room | Radar| Closings | Snowfall totals
This is a severe storm, with hazardous road conditions, particularly on the South Coast. We’ve received reports of vehicles that have been left or become stuck on the roads, and tow trucks are struggling to reach them,” Healey stated. “Although this travel restriction applies only to the South Coast, we encourage all residents throughout the state to avoid the roads for your own safety and the safety of snow plow operators and emergency personnel who are working to carry out their duties.
MassDOT is moving equipment to the South Coast to help local communities deal with the snow. Officials stated that drivers should anticipate a lower level of service on roads across the state for an extended time.
Local states of emergency
As per MEMA, 25 communities have announced local emergency declarations.
Urban areas and villages have also established a minimum of 17 warming centers along with four shelters.
“MEMA personnel have collaborated with individuals in the room to assist with demands for high-water vehicles and rescue trucks, snow gear, generators, and additional supplies,” stated Brantley.
Healey had already announced astate of emergencyfor the commonwealth prior to the storm. Two hundred members of the National Guard were called up.
Power outages
Hundreds of thousands of customers in eastern Massachusetts experienced power outages due to the storm. Brantley cautioned that restoring electricity could take several days.
Although hundreds of teams were positioned throughout the state, recovery efforts might face delays due to hazardous conditions. Power company employees using bucket trucks can usually only operate when wind speeds are under 35 miles per hour.
MBTA service changes
Red, Orange, Blue, and Green Line trains will remain in service on Tuesday but at a lower capacity, similar to Sunday’s schedule. Bus routes are following snow-related guidelines and are also running on a reduced timetable.
All regional rail lines will run according to their adjusted storm-time schedules.
MBTA representatives stated that they are rotating trains in and out of rail yards to prevent them from remaining unused for long durations. Certain trains will also operate without riders to assist in maintaining clear tracks.
Travel ban details
Healey mentioned that the travel restriction will aid in snow removal efforts in the regions most impacted.
Individuals who are exempt from the travel restriction include:
- Public safety vehicles, sworn and non-sworn public safety staff, including individuals offering services at correctional institutions, and private sector security personnel
- Vehicles and staff involved in public infrastructure projects, including contractors assisting with these initiatives
- Public transit vehicles and staff, including contracted workers who assist with public transit operations
- Individuals employed by the government while performing their duties
- Vehicles and staff from the utility company, including subcontractors involved in utility response and recovery operations
- Staff actively involved in storm response efforts, such as but not limited to individuals managing emergency shelters
- Staff members who assist in human services facilities, such as residential housing initiatives and human services shelter management
- Medical staff, including but not limited to those working in home healthcare and personal care assistants
- Individuals who provide or assist with services at medical institutions, such as those offering extended care and psychiatric treatment, along with clinics and other medical centers
- Vehicles and staff delivering essential supplies to medical facilities, such as those offering long-term care and mental health services, along with hospitals and other healthcare centers
- News media
- Snow removal machinery used by the private sector for, or en route to, clearing snow and ice from public or private facilities
- Patients who are traveling to obtain immediate life-threatening medical treatment, and individuals accompanying them who are essential in providing that urgent medical care
- Travel required to sustain essential private sector facilities, services, and operations, as well as to provide or assist with vital private sector services and supplies within key infrastructure sectors including energy, fuel, financial systems, and the distribution of essential goods.
- Travel to assist business activities that offer essential services to the community, such as gas stations, drugstores, grocery stores, and home improvement stores.
TOP STORIES FROM WCVB:
Hundreds of Massachusetts school districts cancel classes on Tuesday
Power may be out for several days in some areas of Massachusetts following the blizzard.
How much snow has accumulated? Totals from throughout the state
How does the Blizzard of ’26 compare to the famous Blizzard of ’78?
National Guard helps communities located south of Boston as access problems increase during the snowstorm
READ THE FULL STORY:Blizzard causes Massachusetts to impose travel restrictions and declare local emergencies
CHECK OUT WCVB:Access the most recent updates on Boston news, weather, and sports from anywhere, at any time. Keep informed with WCVB, the top news source for Boston.
