‘Crippling’ Blizzard Could Drop Three Feet of Snow on Boston Region

Boston Snow Map via National Weather Service

Get ready, Massachusetts.

A “potentially historic” snowstorm is headed our way, threatening to drop three feet of snow on the ground, limiting visibility, and bringing wind gusts of up to 35-miles-per hour to the region.

According to the National Weather Service, a “Blizzard Warning” is already in effect in Massachusetts beginning Monday night at 7 p.m., and lasting through early Wednesday morning. “While the storm is expected to begin late today and linger into early Wednesday, the worst of the storm will be tonight through Tuesday afternoon,” according to the latest forecast from weather experts.

National Weather Service officials said that people should stay indoors during the blizzard, which they described as “crippling,” due to strong winds, heavy snowfall, and “near zero visibility” from white-out conditions. “Travel will be impossible and life-threatening across the entire region,” officials said in a statement about the pending storm. “Snow may be wet enough to result in downed tree limbs and power outages in addition to the winds.”

In Boston, Department of Public Works employees are getting ready to deploy vehicles to tackle the heavy snowfall.

Mayor Marty Walsh, who will update residents about the blizzard during a press conference at 1 p.m. on Monday from City Hall, said he has been in constant communication with all city departments regarding the blizzard, and remains “confident” that the city is prepared for the snow.

“Public Works has 700 pieces of equipment ready, over 35,000 tons of salt on hand, and snow farms are being readied for anticipated removal operations. Once the storm begins, I ask everyone to be vigilant, stay inside and off the roads or use public transportation when possible, and remember to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled. Anyone who suspects carbon monoxide poisoning should call 911 immediately,” he said.

Governor Charlie Baker said Sunday night that he has been having similar conversations with National Weather Service officials and the team at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency ahead of the blizzard.

“Unless forecasts change between now and tomorrow evening, people across Massachusetts should presume that roads on Tuesday, and possibly Wednesday, will be very hard, if not impossible, to navigate, that power outages are a distinct possibility, and that most forms of public transportation may not be available,” Baker said in a statement. “We will keep everyone up to date on the storm and the state’s preparation and response efforts [Monday] and Tuesday and ask that all take the necessary precautions for this significant storm.”

Transportation officials are also gearing up to take on the blizzard, but warned that it may have an impact on people’s travel plans. “We expect to deliver rail service through the evening commuting period, but as conditions worsen, significant changes are expected in the regular schedules.  Customers are strongly encouraged to check our special winter page on our website,” said T Spokesman Joe Pesaturo.

Riders can check updates on Twitter, @MBTA, or on the T’s winter website, which can be found here.

Stay tuned to Boston for updates as the storm approaches the region.