Boston under snow emergency, public schools closed as nor'easter blasts New England
Boston is expected to pick up 3-5 inches of snow from the winter storm, which is far less than earlier computer forecast models had forecast for the city. On Monday, snow totals of up to a foot or more were expected, but those dropped dramatically by Tuesday.
Nor'easter continues to pummel the Northeast Tuesday
FOX Weather Winter Storm Specialist Tom Niziol has the latest update on the heavy snows falling across the Northeast Tuesday as a nor'easter pushes through the region, bringing the heaviest snowfall to New York City in more than two years.
BOSTON – The city of Boston declared a snow emergency on Monday ahead of a powerful nor’easter that has been dumping heavy snow across the Northeast and New England since the early-morning hours.
Boston is expected to pick up 3-5 inches of snow from the winter storm, which is far less than earlier computer forecast models had forecast for the city. On Monday, snow totals of up to a foot or more were expected, but those dropped dramatically by Tuesday.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced the snow emergency during a news conference on Monday and also said Boston Public Schools would be closed on Tuesday to ensure the safety of students and staff.
TRAVEL IMPACTED, POWER OUTAGES SPIKE AS NOR'EASTER CONTINUES ASSAULT ON NORTHEAST, NEW ENGLAND
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The snow emergency went into effect at 10 p.m. on Monday and will end at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
FILE - Workers remove snow in the Downtown Crossing area of Boston on January 29, 2022. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)
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"That means that parking bans will be in effect on posted roadways and major arteries to ensure that we can keep streets clear of snow and available for emergency vehicles," she said.
With the snow emergency ending at 4 p.m. Tuesday, residents who are parked in discounted lots and garages must remove their vehicles by 6 p.m. to avoid paying regular rates.
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In addition, space savers can be used for up to 48 hours after the snow emergency ends in Boston, except in the South End.
Wu also pleaded with residents to stay off the roads and to not travel on Tuesday if possible.
FILE - Residents help push a stuck car in Boston, Massachusetts on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022. Photographer: Allison Dinner/Bloomberg via Getty Images
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"Make plans to be indoors, stay off the roads," she said. "It’s looking like it’s going to come down pretty heavily, pretty fast."
In addition to schools, Wu announced that city buildings would be closed so staff could work from home, if possible.
SEE IT: SNOW BEGINS TO PILE UP AS NOR'EASTER BLASTS NORTHEAST
"Only emergency operations personnel will be reporting in person for the city workforce, and we encourage other employers to make arrangements to do the same so that we can keep those roads clear and keep everyone safe," she said.
Wu said the city of Boston had 38,000 tons of salt ready to go to treat snow-covered roads, and the public works department worked to treat roads ahead of snow.
In addition, the city had 850 pieces of snow-removing equipment to clear roads.