By Tiffany Williams –
BOSTON — Massachusetts is bracing for a dangerous one-two punch of extreme cold and a powerful winter storm expected to dump more than a foot of snow across much of the state, prompting state officials to urge residents to stay off the roads and prepare for hazardous conditions.
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for western Massachusetts from 7 p.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Saturday, with wind chills plunging as low as 25 degrees below zero in some areas. A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect for the rest of the state from 10 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday, with wind chills expected to dip to 20 below zero.
Forecasters say wind chill temperatures will be in the single digits and below zero across much of Massachusetts on Saturday.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from Sunday morning through Monday evening. The storm is expected to intensify Sunday night and continue into Monday, bringing total snow accumulations above 12 inches across large portions of the state, with some communities potentially seeing up to 2 feet of snow. Slippery roads are expected statewide, with officials warning the Monday morning commute could be especially difficult.
Gov. Maura Healey has directed non-emergency Executive Department state employees not to report to work on Monday, Jan. 26, and urged private employers to allow remote work where possible.
“This weekend, we will be reminded of the extremes that winter weather can pose for us here in Massachusetts with extremely cold temperatures on Saturday and high snow totals expected on Sunday into Monday,” Healey said. “This kind of weather can be dangerous, so please take precautions to stay warm when the temperature drops, stay home to the extent possible, and look out for one another.”
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll warned that travel could be severely impacted, especially around major events.
“While we continue to monitor the track of the storm to determine its impact, it’s clear much of Massachusetts will receive significant snow that will impact travel on Sunday into Monday,” Driscoll said. “If you need to be on the roads, particularly before, during or after the Patriots game on Sunday afternoon, drivers should leave extra time to reach their destinations while leaving plenty of space for plows to safely do their jobs.”
The State Emergency Operations Center will be activated at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency headquarters in Framingham, with additional regional emergency operation centers opening in Agawam, Tewksbury and Franklin.
“MEMA is prepared to respond to any requests for assistance that communities impacted by this winter storm may have,” MEMA Director Dawn Brantley said. “It’s important to stay informed of the latest conditions and to take precautions to stay warm when outside and safe while on the roads during and after the storm.”
Transportation officials say crews are preparing for round-the-clock operations. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation plans to pretreat roadways ahead of the storm and deploy more than 3,000 pieces of snow removal equipment statewide.
“With a significant winter storm expected to bring over a foot of snow across Massachusetts, transportation crews are preparing to keep roads safe and passable,” said Interim MassDOT Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. “We urge everyone to plan ahead and limit travel, if possible. If you must travel, slow down, allow for extra time, keep a safe distance from plows and other vehicles, and be mindful of changing conditions. Public transit riders should check for service updates and official alerts. Our teams will be working throughout the storm and into recovery to support safe travel and we ask the public to do their part so everyone can get where they need to go safely.”
Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said crews will begin operations before the first flakes fall.
“MassDOT crews are fully prepared and will be working around the clock, starting with efforts to pretreat roadways before the storm arrives, and continuing throughout this weekend as the system moves across Massachusetts. Our top priorities are keeping roadways safe and responding quickly to changing conditions,” Gulliver said.
The MBTA warned that commuter rail and bus service may be reduced and operate on storm schedules, urging riders to monitor service alerts closely. Crews will work to clear snow and ice, but riders are asked to use caution on platforms and at bus stops.
Boston Logan International Airport is expected to remain operational, though many airlines are canceling flights and waiving change fees. Passengers with confirmed flights are urged to allow extra travel time due to slick road conditions.
State officials are also warning residents to prepare for possible power outages, use generators safely, check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and avoid downed power lines. The Department of Public Utilities said electric companies are monitoring the storm and readying emergency response plans, while noting the state’s winter shut-off moratorium remains in effect for eligible customers facing financial hardship.
Officials are urging residents to stay informed, limit travel when possible, and take the storm seriously as dangerous cold and heavy snow converge across the Commonwealth.