Governor Charlie Baker continues to ask people to stay off the roads tonight and into Sunday morning if they can, citing “hazardous conditions” and a tough cleanup ahead as Massachusetts continues to deal with snow.
“MassDOT crews have been working to treat and clear roads, and currently still have approximately 3,000 pieces of equipment out there. Crews have obviously been out there all day, but the conditions are making it really difficult to keep the roads clear for any significant period of time” Governor Baker said in a news conference, Saturday.
On Friday, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation put into place a ban on tractor trailer trucks from 6 a.m. Saturday until midnight. Around 9 p.m. Saturday, MassDOT updated the ban saying that it will continue until 2 a.m. for “tractor trailer trucks, tandems, [and] special permit haulers” for any travel on highways east of Springfield. The ban will be lifted at midnight for any travel on highways west of Springfield.
POWER OUTAGE ISSUES:
In addition to the snow, many in the Bay State are dealing with power outages as a result of the storm. “Over 100,000 customers are without power at this time” according to a release sent out by the Governor’s office. Most of the outages are located in “southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Island.”
Electrical companies are working to restore power to these customers, but according to the Governor’s office, “winds must subside to 35mph or less in order for utility crews to be able to enter bucket trucks and address powerline issues.”
MEME announced that warming centers are being opened to assist residents during the storm.
MBTA and Commuter Rail
The MBTA announced the “suspension of the Green Line D train” will continue Saturday. There will be replacement buses between Reservoir and Kenmore Stations as a result.
“The Mattapan Line remains suspended with replacement buses. Ferry service between Charlestown and Long Wharf continues to be suspended,” according to the MBTA.
The MBTA said that any decision to suspend bus service “will be made on a route-by-route basis.”
The MBTA’s Emergency Operations Center will continue to closely monitor rail and bus service throughout the storm and provide updates to commuters at www.mbta.com/winter. Service alerts will be posted on Twitter at @MBTA and @MBTA_CR.
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Highway Safety
MassDOT has approximately 3,900 pieces of state and vendor equipment for snow and ice operations. They also urge members of the public to stay updated on roadway conditions, reduced speed limits, and tractor trailer bans.
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has also announced that all road tests scheduled on Saturday, January 29 have been postponed due to the storm.
Public Safety
MEMA headquarters remain activate Saturday to support impacted communities.
“Nearly 30 communities have stood up local Emergency Operation Centers to coordinate with MEMA. Ten local and regional shelters and five warming centers have opened in eastern and southeastern areas of the state.” According to a release issued by the Governor’s office following his news conference, Saturday.
You can call 2-1-1 for any non-emergency storm questions.
DCR Closures
The parking bans that the Department of Conservation and Recreation implemented Friday night, remain in effect. These bans are expected to be lifted shortly after the completion of snow-clearing operations. All DCR-operated parking lots, as well as some agency-managed rec facilities, are closed. Please check DCR’s website and Twitter @MassDCR for updates.
The Baker-Polito Administration remains in close contact with MEMA, National Weather Service, MassDOT and MSP to monitor the forecast and will work to alert the public with important updates or notifications. Please visit mass.gov/snow to learn what you should do before, during and after a winter storm.