By Tiffany Williams –
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is pulling every lever ahead of what officials are calling a severe winter storm, declaring a State of Emergency across Massachusetts, activating the State Emergency Operations Center at Massachusetts Emergency Management headquarters, mobilizing up to 200 National Guard members and ordering non-emergency executive branch employees to work remotely on Monday.
The numbers are staggering: 12 to 24 inches of snow expected statewide from Sunday night through Monday afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for central and western Massachusetts and a Blizzard Warning for eastern Massachusetts. Snowfall rates could exceed 2 inches per hour. Wind gusts are forecast at 40 to 60 mph across the state, with some reaching 70 mph for the Cape and Islands.
Residents are being told to stay off the roads beginning Sunday night.
“This will be a severe storm that presents significant risks to public safety. We need everyone to take it seriously,” said Governor Healey. “I’m declaring a state of emergency, activating the National Guard, and directing non-emergency executive branch employees to work from home. I urge all private employers to do the same. It is critical that people stay off the roads tonight and tomorrow. Our teams are working hard to prepare for this storm, and I thank the public works, plow drivers, first responders and everyone who is out there keeping people safe. We’re going to stay on top of conditions as they develop and will continue to provide updates as the storm progresses.”
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll reinforced the urgency.
“Now is the time to prepare,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Make sure to have all your devices fully charged in case of power outages. Keep all your home’s outdoor vents cleared of snow. This will be a significant storm, so check in on your neighbors, and let’s help each other get through this safely.”
NATIONAL GUARD ON STANDBY
Up to 200 Massachusetts National Guard members are being activated. High-water rescue vehicles are being readied for flood-prone areas. Equipment is being pre-positioned across the Commonwealth in coordination with MEMA.
“The Massachusetts National Guard is preparing to provide up to 200 service members to support our interagency partners to response to the upcoming winter storm,” said Maj. Gen. Keefe, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard. “The Guard’s unique and dynamic skillset, including debris removal, transportation support, and specialized rescue capabilities, will further augment the already robust winter response capabilities of our civil authorities. Our priority is the preservation of life and property across the Commonwealth, and we stand ready to assist our communities if called upon.”
The SEOC at MEMA headquarters will activate Sunday night. Regional emergency operations centers in Agawam, Tewksbury and Franklin will activate Monday.
“While many of us wish that winter and snow would be over, it’s important to stay vigilant with a storm like this,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “The safest place to be throughout the storm is at home if possible. MEMA is ready for any requests for assistance from communities impacted by this winter storm. State public safety and transportation teams are prepared to respond.”
TRANSPORTATION BRACES FOR IMPACT
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is deploying more than 3,000 pieces of snow removal equipment statewide. Road pretreatment is underway. Officials are blunt: non-emergency vehicles should be off the roads beginning Sunday evening.
“With a significant winter storm expected with heavy snow fall and blizzard like conditions across Massachusetts, we urge the public to avoid unnecessary travel until the storm has passed. Our transportation crews at MassDOT and MBTA will be working around the clock to keep our roads safe and passable and ensure our transit system is available for those that must travel,” said Interim MassDOT Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. “We urge everyone to plan ahead, use extreme caution and allow for extra travel time whether walking, driving or using public transit. With a storm of this magnitude, the public can expect that cleanup efforts will continue after the storm ends. I’m proud of our workforce for their efforts to keep everyone safe throughout the year and especially during times of inclement weather conditions.”
All RMV offices will be closed Monday. In-person service appointments are canceled. Driver license hearings will continue virtually.
“Blizzard-like conditions are expected at times, and travel will be very difficult as this storm moves through the region,” said MassDOT Undersecretary and Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “Our snow and ice crews are preparing ahead of the storm and will be out in full force treating roadways. We are asking drivers to stay off the roads if possible, slow down if travel is unavoidable, and give plows and emergency crews plenty of space to do their work safely.”
The MBTA will operate on reduced service similar to Sunday schedules. The Mattapan Line will be replaced with shuttle buses. All Commuter Rail lines will run on reduced Storm Schedules. Ferry service is suspended Monday. Paratransit riders should expect delays. Service disruptions could extend into Tuesday.
Massport is warning of potential delays at Logan due to snow clearing and deicing.
POWER OUTAGES EXPECTED
Heavy, wet snow and wind gusts up to 70 mph on the Cape and Islands raise the risk of downed trees and power lines. Officials warn restoration could take multiple days. Electric Distribution Companies are pre-staging additional line and tree crews in vulnerable areas.
If you see a downed wire, contact 911. If you lose power, contact your utility.
BUSINESSES URGED TO GO REMOTE
Governor Healey has directed non-emergency Executive Department state employees not to report to their workplaces on Monday, February 23. She is urging private employers to allow remote work where possible.
The message from Beacon Hill is clear: minimize movement, protect workers, keep roads clear for emergency crews.
From transportation to utilities to public safety, the Commonwealth is shifting into storm-response mode. The financial cost of cleanup, lost productivity and potential infrastructure damage remains to be seen. But the operational posture is already aggressive.
The clock is ticking toward Sunday night. State government is mobilized. The private sector is being asked to follow suit. And Massachusetts is bracing for what officials are calling a severe storm with significant risks to public safety.