Boston Winter Weather Advisory for December 29-30, 2012

The City of Boston has issued this season’s first Winter Weather Advisory for this weekend:

Mayor Menino is reminding residents to be mindful this weekend as the region’s first winter weather event approaches. The storm is expected to result in up to 6 inches of snow in Boston, beginning around noon on Saturday and continuing through 8 a.m. Sunday, but the forecast remains fluid.  This afternoon, members of the Mayor’s Snow Team met to discuss the latest storm related information and response plans for the weekend. The Snow Team will continue to monitor the forecast throughout the weather event, and will receive an updated forecast at 8 p.m. this evening.

“The City is preparing for winter weather and we’re asking residents to do the same,” Mayor Menino said. “Our team will be actively monitoring this weather pattern through the evening tonight, and are prepared to respond and get our roads and walkways clear in time for First Night celebrations on Monday. With so many people coming to visit Boston for First Night, safety is our number one concern.”

Mayor Menino reminds residents of the following:

• Use public transportation when possible and avoid driving vehicles on slippery roads to keep roadways clear for plowing equipment and emergency vehicles.
• Property owners are reminded to salt and sand sidewalks, stairs and pedestrian ramps to prevent slippery surfaces.
• Residents are encouraged to shovel out hydrants and catch basins near or abutting their property to assist our public safety agencies and protect against flooding.
• Please check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may need help.
• Use caution when walking near buildings that may have falling snow or ice
• Parking rules are strictly enforced during snow storms.  Do not block driveways, crosswalks or ramps, and do not park within 20 feet of an intersection

Boston Public Works crews are prepared for the snow event, and will be pre-treating roads and readying snow removal equipment across the city’s district yards.

Residents with weather-related questions or concerns should call the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at (617) 635-4500.

Residents are encouraged to use the City’s “Know Snow” program for access to other important storm-related information.  To receive notifications, register for the city’s Alert Boston network at http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/.  If you would like to receive updates on the storm on Twitter you can follow us: @NotifyBoston.

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