Boston Public Schools, municipal offices and most businesses are open as usual, but the winter storm continues to bring an ugly mix of slushy snow to the Boston area through Friday. The City of Boston has issued the following release asking commuters to use public transportation and stay off the roads as possible.
**Winter Storm Continues**
Mayor Menino Urges Caution, Asks Commuters to Use Public Transportation For Friday Morning Commutes
As a winter storm continues to batter the Northeast, Mayor Thomas M. Menino is urging caution for those traveling in and around the City of Boston. Residents and commuters should expect a very slow morning commute as the City’s plowing operations continue throughout Friday morning.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory in effect until 1 p.m. Friday and a Coastal Flood Warning until 10 a.m. Friday. Boston could see 6-9 inches of snowfall in parts of the city between midnight and 6 a.m., making travel on the roadways difficult in the morning. There remains a significant amount of uncertainty regarding forecasts, and the Mayor and his team will continue to monitor the latest weather reports throughout the event.
“The best way to help us clear the roads is to stay off them as much as possible,” Mayor Menino said. “Let the Public Works crews work. I’m asking residents to use common sense and stay off the roads.”
On streets other than major arteries, residents are advised not to 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. Boston Police and the Boston Transportation Department will be enforcing these parking regulations to ensure access for Public Works crews.
Boston Public Works crews have been at work since early Thursday and will be on the job throughout the duration of the snow event. Residents with weather-related questions or concerns should call the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at (617) 635-4500, or contact us via Twitter using @NotifyBoston. Residents should also visit www.cityofboston.gov/snow for latest updates and to submit requests and find information online.
Mayor Menino also reminds residents of the following:
- This is a HEAVY, WET SNOW — Older residents or those with health conditions should refrain from shoveling it.
- 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/. - 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.
- 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 for access to other important storm-related information. For more information, visit http://cityofboston.gov/snow
The City’s Shelter Commission asks that any resident who sees a potential medical emergency involving a homeless person dial 911.
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