Near whiteout conditions Thursday brought heavy, blowing snow this morning, causing road conditions to be treacherous for the first half of the day.
The nor’easter brought significant snowfall across the state and New England, with some areas seeing up to 14 inches by the time it’s all over.
Please stay home. The roads are bad. There's a ton of snow coming. Be safe. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/HDCrsWPrIl
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) December 17, 2020
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Kevin Lemanowicz | Shiri Spear | Vicki Graf | Jason Brewer
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Live updates for Thursday, Dec. 17:
Winter Storm Warning drops
1 p.m.: The Winter Storm Warning for Massachusetts has dropped, although it remains in place for area of New Hampshire through 4 p.m.
The Winter Storm Warning has been dropped for MA, but remains in place through 4 PM across parts of NH. pic.twitter.com/wAXAPCe37k
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) December 17, 2020
Boston sets new snowfall record as the storm continues
Record snow already in Boston! Logan Airport has measured 9.6” so far today, the previous record was 6.4” set in 2013. ❄️⚠️ pic.twitter.com/450Hr4EkQR
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) December 17, 2020
It’s a real snow day for Mendon students
"A REAL SNOW DAY" | Joseph Maruszczak, Superintendent of the Mendon-Upton Regional School District, released this video announcing that students would not need to log on for remote learning. He encouraged students to enjoy the snow and time with families. https://t.co/6bwjyy3oHw pic.twitter.com/QlA10F9jyR
— Boston 25 News (@boston25) December 17, 2020
Storm continues to dump snow, power outages tick up
8:30 a.m. - The storm is not letting up yet, with heavy snow continuing to fall and several towns nearing a foot of accumulation. Power outages are also starting to creep up, with over 7,000 customers without power.
These snow totals are rising so quickly! Keep 'em coming! @boston25 pic.twitter.com/sJOMiEA2JA
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) December 17, 2020
Winds are picking up on the Cape and blowing snow is making travel difficult in Marblehead. Coastal flooding is possible along the coast later today during high tide.
Some intense wind and waves at the coast today! 🌬🌊❄️ pic.twitter.com/YjgSfhGC5v
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) December 17, 2020
Share your snow photos and videos with us
7:50 a.m. - We’re waking up to a winter wonderland this morning as the snow keeps falling. Share your snow day photos with us and you might see them on Boston 25 News.
Snow falling fast
3:53 a.m. - Snow and wind are stirring up a winter wonderland out there. Visibility is poor, and if you can, stay off the roads this morning.
LOTTTTTS more to go... @boston25 #mawx #snow pic.twitter.com/w4AwjVjXuG
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) December 17, 2020
Pulled into rest stop to take a breather, because this has been my 128 commute this AM (mounted phone cam) Disorienting and snow-covered. Stay home. Highways in rough shape @boston25 pic.twitter.com/zIdVRt7M6J
— Catherine Parrotta (@CatherineNews) December 17, 2020
Wednesday, Dec. 16
Snow has started falling in Boston
Flakes falling in Boston! #Boston25 #SnowStorm2020 pic.twitter.com/rqducASYCu
— Drew Karedes (@DrewKaredes) December 17, 2020
It’s started snowing at Boston 25
Everyone stay safe out there, and make sure to tune in to Boston 25 News to find out about the season’s first nor’easter and how much snow your community is seeing!
The weather outside going downhill here @boston25 HQ right now!💨❄️ @KevinBoston25 has constant updates at 10&11! #noreaster2020 pic.twitter.com/QyfH7Gnook
— Mark Ockerbloom (@ocktalks) December 17, 2020
MassDOT implementing tractor-trailer ban on limited-access highways
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is implementing a ban on tractor-trailers, tandem trailers and special permit vehicles for limited-access highways from Wednesday night through Thursday morning, Jacquelyn Goddard of the department announced on Twitter.
The ban goes into effect at 9 p.m. Wednesday and is set to last through 9 a.m. Thursday.
NEW: @MassDOT implementing tractor trailer, tandem trailer & special permit vehicle ban on all limited access highways 9pm tonight thru 9am Thursday @WBZTraffic @WBZTraffic @WCVB @deskon7 @boston25 @NECN pic.twitter.com/nXQ3mVAA2N
— Jacquelyn Goddard (@JacqueGoddard) December 17, 2020
Boston 25 Meteorologists INCREASE snow totals
The Boston 25 Weather Team has updated expected snow totals for Thursday. Most of our area could see up to 12-18 inches of snow.
Don’t forget to download the FREE Boston 25 app to stay informed.
UPDATED SNOW MAP! https://t.co/2ErZCjvjOf
— Boston 25 News (@boston25) December 16, 2020
City of Boston declares snow emergency
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced a snow emergency, parking ban in effect starting Wednesday at 6 p.m. due to the forecasted nor’easter.
Don’t forget to shovel your sidewalk, walkways, catch basins, and fire hydrants after the snow stops.
Mayor @marty_walsh declared a snow emergency starting at 6 p.m. today ahead of the forecasted winter storm. Total snow accumulations may range between 9 to 13 inches, with the potential to up to 15 inches in some areas, and high winds are expected: https://t.co/6iy60c5xBc pic.twitter.com/4kBdkMtOKe
— City of Boston (@CityOfBoston) December 16, 2020
Boston Public Schools announces remote learning day, early dismissal
Due to the upcoming nor’easter, Boston Public Schools announced all students will have a remote learning day on Thursday, December 17. All students will attend classes online with an early dismissal from remote learning, the district announced in a tweet Wednesday.
Check your district in our closings list.
All @BostonSchools school buildings will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 17.
— BostonPublicSchools (@BostonSchools) December 16, 2020
All BPS students, including students who were scheduled to report in-person, will attend classes online with an early dismissal from remote learning. ❄️ Winter weather info: https://t.co/egrMFL4Itv pic.twitter.com/WhCaTp96Va
Gov. Baker holds press conference ahead of storm
Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito and transportation officials held a press conference on Wednesday afternoon to address the nor’easter.
MBTA and Keolis have begun storm preparations including tree trimming to help prevent downed wires.
.@MassLtGov Polito: MBTA & Keolis have done storm preparations, inc tree trimming to prevent branches falling on wires & tracks in severe weather; 80 miles of tree management done on commuter rail corridors
— Jacquelyn Goddard (@JacqueGoddard) December 16, 2020
Testing sites announcing Thursday closures
9 a.m.: If you have a COVID-19 test scheduled for Thursday, check with the testing provider or your city or town to make sure they will be open. Lowell and Framingham have already announced site closures for Thursday, and the City of Boston said it will make a decision Wednesday on if their sites will open.
Related:
- Massachusetts Nor’easter: When will snow arrive in your area?
- Mobile COVID-19 testing sites may close due to storm
- How the vaccine shipments will be shepherded through the storm
Stay Informed:
Use Massachusetts Alerts to receive emergency notifications and information from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service. Massachusetts Alerts is a free app that is available for Android and iPhones. Click here to learn more.
MassDOT | MBTA | Logan Airport | Amtrak
Online Resources:
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency - on Facebook and Twitter
Federal Emergency Management Agency
National Weather Service/Boston
National Weather Service/Albany, NY
Winter driving tips from MassDOT:
- Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights, even the hood and roof, before driving, (start with the tailpipe).
- Leave plenty of room for stopping
- Remember that the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.
- Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
- Bridge decks freeze first. Due to the difference in the exposure to air, the surface condition can be worse on a bridge than on the approach road.
- Exit ramps are an even greater challenge during the winter since they may have received less anti-icing material than the main line.
- Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows – stay back at least 200 feet and don’t pass on the right.
- Seat belts should be worn at all times – it’s the law.
- Most importantly please remember to slow down.
Additional snow content:
- Ice safety tips for safe winter fun
- What is wind chill and how can it hurt you?
- How and when to protect your pipes from freezing