2/18/2008 - Released by Mayor's Office
For more information contact Press Office

Boston Public Schools canceled for tomorrow, snow emergency in effect at 9 a.m.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced today the city’s preparations for the expected snow storm due tomorrow afternoon. A snow emergency and parking ban will be in effect starting at 9 a.m. tomorrow Additionally, all Boston public schools have been canceled for the day. The National Weather Service has indicated that the City of Boston may be getting up to 12 inches of snow starting after 12 p.m. tomorrow and has predicted that the heaviest snow will fall between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. during the evening rush hour.

“This storm comes just in time to provide us with some traditional New England holiday weather," Mayor Menino said. “The city is well prepared to handle the first snow storm of the year. We will continue to monitor the storm as it comes closer, and we will keep the public updated on all snow-related planning.”

Putting public safety as the top priority, Mayor Menino reminded residents of the following:

* All City of Boston evening activities will be cancelled. Everyone is encouraged to use public transportation.
* Move cars from main arterials during snow emergencies. A listing of main arterials and free and discounted parking arrangements can be found at: www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking.asp
* Do not park cars within 20 feet of an intersection. Parking too close to an intersection can restrict emergency vehicle access.
* Do not throw snow back into the street. “Throwbacks” force the city to remove snow from the same street twice.
* Shovel out fire hydrants close to your home.
* Property owners are reminded to shovel snow from sidewalks that abut homes and businesses.
* Do not double park.
* Keep wheelchair ramps clear.

Mayor Menino met this morning with all city departments to discuss preparations for the city’s first snow storm and all agencies, from Public Works to Police, will be on standby to respond. The city has nearly 600 pieces of equipment and approximately 35,000 tons of salt at eight different depots across the city.

Because of the daytime complications this storm could cause, City officials have asked the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce to request that businesses encourage employees to work from home, take public transportation and be prepared for a potentially lengthy evening commute.

Residents with questions regarding the snow storm should call the city’s Storm Center hotline at (617) 635-3050 immediately. Residents can also go to the city’s homepage, www.cityofboston.gov, to sign up for email and text alerts by clicking on the Know Snow icon.