Tips for driving during wintry weather
AAA Mid-Atlantic has provided some tips to help you drive during wintry weather.
- Massachusetts is preparing for a winter storm with extremely cold temperatures and significant snowfall expected.
- Governor Maura Healey has urged residents to stay home and directed non-emergency state employees not to report to work.
- Snow accumulations could exceed 12 inches, with some areas potentially receiving up to two feet.
- Officials advise residents to prepare for power outages, limit travel, and check for public transit service updates.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is asking everyone to be prepared for this weekend’s weather.
“This weekend, we will be reminded of the extremes that winter weather can pose for us here in Massachusetts with extremely cold temperatures on Saturday and high snow totals expected on Sunday into Monday,” said Gov. Maura Healey at a press conference Friday. “This kind of weather can be dangerous, so please take precautions to stay warm when the temperature drops, stay home to the extent possible, and look out for one another.”
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from Sunday morning through Monday evening.
According to the NWS, wind chill temperatures will be in the single digits and below zero across much of Massachusetts on Saturday. The snowstorm, which is expected to intensify during the evening and overnight hours on Sunday into Monday, will result in total accumulations above 12 inches for much of Massachusetts, with some communities potentially receiving up to 2 feet of snow. Slippery road conditions are expected throughout the state with the Monday morning commute expected to be especially difficult.
“If you need to be on the roads, particularly before, during or after the Patriots game on Sunday afternoon, drivers should leave extra time to reach their destinations while leaving plenty of space for plows to safely do their jobs,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll.
The State Emergency Operations Center will be activated at the headquarters of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) in Framingham. MEMA will also be activating regional emergency operation centers in Agawam, Tewksbury and Franklin.
Healey has directed that non-emergency Executive Department state employees should not report to their workplaces on Monday, Jan. 26, and is urging employers to consider having employees work remotely to the extent possible.
How to prepare for the winter storm in Massachusetts
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 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.
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they work correctly and have fresh batteries.
- During and after the storm, check your appliance exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice.
If you use a generator for storm-related power outages, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Never use a generator indoors, not even in an open garage. Point the exhaust away from doors and windows. Turn the generator off and wait for it to cool before you refuel it. Plug appliances in using outdoor-rated extension cords.
Follow recommended safety precautions when using space heaters, a fireplace or a woodstove to heat your home.
If you are able, clear your nearest fire hydrant of snow and ice for 3 feet in each direction.
Additional tips on what to do before, during, and after a winter storm can be found at Mass.gov/Snow.
What to know limited traffic, truck bans and MBTA schedule for the winter storm in Massachusetts
With significant snowfall amounts forecast, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) crews will be pretreating roadways in advance of the storm and will be deploying snow removal staff, with over 3,000 pieces of equipment, available for deployment as necessary.
“We urge everyone to plan ahead and limit travel, if possible,” saidInterim MassDOT Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng at the press conference. “If you must travel, slow down, allow for extra time, keep a safe distance from plows and other vehicles, and be mindful of changing conditions. Public transit riders should check for service updates and official alerts.”
“We are asking travelers to consider public transportation options and to use caution if they must be on the roads,” said Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.
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.
For service updates immediately before, during, and after a storm, MBTA officials urge riders to subscribe to text or email T-Alerts before snowfall for real-time notifications about service disruptions. 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.
What to expect at Logan Airport
Boston Logan International Airport will remain fully operational throughout the weekend, though many airlines are cancelling flights and few flights are expected during the storm. Many airlines are waiving change fees so passengers should check with their airline about rescheduling their flight. For passengers with confirmed flights, heavy snowfall and potential slick roadways are expected at times, and passengers should allow extra time to get to and from Logan.
For additional questions, passengers can contact the Passenger Service team via its website, by calling 1-800-23-LOGAN or the free FlyLogan app.
What to know about Massachusetts state parks and roads
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is monitoring the forecast and preparing its snow removal equipment for the agency’s parkways, sidewalks and properties. DCR prioritizes plowing on primary roadways and parkways, as well as designated sidewalks, pathways and crosswalks that provide safe passage in the immediate proximity to schools while school is in-session. The agency anticipates activating its statewide storm center on Sunday.
Recreation, visitor center, ice skating rinks closings
DCR is closing all agency-managed recreation facilities, including all visitor centers, the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center, and Dillaway Thomas House on Sunday and Monday, Jan. 25 and 26. All programs at parks across the state will be canceled on Sunday and Monday. All of these facilities are expected to reopen for normal operations on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Additionally, DCR is closing the following agency-operated skating rinks at noon on Sunday, Jan. 25: Emmons Horrigan O’Neil Rink in Charlestown, Private First-Class Robert M. Devine Skating Rink in South Boston, Alexander S. Bajko Memorial Skating Rink in Hyde Park, Kelly Outdoor Rink in Jamaica Plain, Private First-Class Steven J. Steriti Memorial Skating Rink in the North End, Francis L. Murphy Ice Memorial Ice Skating Rink in South Boston, and the Lt. James F. Reilly Memorial Rink in Brighton. These facilities are expected to reopen on Monday, Jan. 26 after snow removal operations are completed.
Where and when DCR has parking bans
DCR may implement parking bans for agency-managed roadways and designated DOT managed roadways. The timing of the parking bans will be consistent with local municipal bans. Refer to local parking ban announcements for current restrictions. All parking bans on DCR parkways apply to both sides of the road, and vehicles parked on these areas during a snow emergency will be ticketed and towed. Parking bans are expected to be lifted shortly after the completion of snow clearing operations.
What to know about power outages in Massachusetts
The Department of Public Utilities and the Electric Distribution Companies (EDCs) will put in place their Emergency Response Plans if and when necessary to address any potential outages. These plans include increasing the number of troubleshooters and dispatchers to help customers quickly and adding more engineers and line crews to work on any on-site incidents.
Should customers experience power outages, report the issue to your electric company. Stay far away from any downed wires and report them immediately to 911.
