At a press conference held at Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) headquarters in Framingham, Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts effective immediately due to Winter Storm Juno.
The governor also stated that a travel ban will be enforced at midnight, and some 500 National Guard troops will be deployed to help with snow efforts.
“I can’t stress this part enough,” said Governor Baker. “Please stay off the roads.”
The following exceptions shall exist for the ban and all drivers are encouraged to remain safe and use their best judgment:
- Essential emergency response professionals
- Medical, healthcare and human service workers, including shelter personnel
- Essential public transit and support workers
- Public and private personnel supporting public works and utility operations
- Essential state employees
- Those traveling for essential medical procedures
- Vehicles and personnel delivering essential supplies to healthcare facilities.
MBTA service will be suspended on Tuesday, when blizzard conditions are expected to be at their worst. Depending on the conditions Wednesday, service could resume as usual.
Gov. Baker said that Plymouth, Bristol and Barnstable counties are at the highest risk of losing power, and some areas of Massachusetts could see wind gusts as high as 75 miles per hour.
“This is a top five historic storm, and we should treat it as such,” added Gov. Baker.
Winter Storm Juno is estimated to pile anywhere between 20 and 30 inches of snow on Boston. The most the highest official accumulation total ever recorded was in 2003 with 27.5 inches.
The City of Cambridge already plans to enforce a parking ban and it’s likely Boston will do the same.
For emergency information and preparation tips, MEMA’s website is full of resources to help you fare the storm safely and soundly.
