A Snow Emergency has been declared today for the City of Boston that will go into effect 3pm in anticipation of the forecasted Blizzard like conditions and heavy snow expected this afternoon through tomorrow morning. This snow event is expected to dump up to 15+ inches of heavy wet snow in Boston and is also expected to produce high winds that could damage power lines and cause outages. Coastal flooding during high tide tomorrow could cause problems for those in low lying areas.

ALSO SEE SNOW GUIDELINES

While a snow emergency is in effect, parking is prohibited on all major arteries in Boston.  Mayor Menino urges everyone to use public transportation when traveling.  Residents are reminded to remain at home throughout the duration of this snow event and businesses tomorrow should consider asking employees to work from home.

In preparation for the storm, the City has over 500 pieces of snow removal equipment at the ready and nearly 25,000 tons of salt at depots across the city. The City’s emergency homeless shelters will be open throughout the day and evening to insure everyone has a place to stay during the storm.

The Mayor has activated the City of Boston Storm Center to provide information and service to Boston residents for all storm-related issues.  Residents with storm-related questions or concerns should call the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at (617) 635-4500 which will have extra staff on hand to field any possible increase in calls due to the storm

Mayor Menino reminds residents of the following:

·        Older residents or those with health conditions should refrain from shoveling this heavy wet snow.

·        During a Snow Emergency, parking is prohibited on all major arteries in Boston. These streets are posted with “Tow Zone No Parking During Snow Emergency” signs.

• A listing of major arteries and alternate parking can be found at http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking/.
• On streets other than major arteries, do not park within 20 feet of an intersection or further than one foot from the curb, as this impedes access for both emergency vehicles and snow plows.
• Parking space savers must be removed no more than 48 hours after a snow emergency is lifted. The City’s Department of Public Works will remove space savers left out beyond this period.
• Do not throw snow back into the street. “Throwbacks” force the city to remove snow from the same street twice.
• Shovel out fire hydrants, catch basins and pedestrian ramps close to your home.
• Property owners are reminded to shovel snow from sidewalks that abut their homes and businesses and any handicapped ramps close to your homes or business.
• Do not double-park.
• Please check on elderly neighbors and others in need.
• Trash pickup will be delayed on Monday and instead will be picked up on Tuesday.
• For additional snow and cold weather safety tips, please visit www.cityofboston.gov/snow.

During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at several parking lots and garages to cars that display Boston resident parking stickers. Residents are encouraged to use the City’s “Know Snow” program to be notified when a snow emergency is declared and canceled as well for access to other important storm-related information.  To receive notifications, register for the city’s Alert Boston network at http://www.cityofboston.gov/alertboston.

Working with the National Weather Service, the City will continue to monitor the storm and alert the public when the Snow Emergency has been lifted.

For more information, please visit http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/.