With a blizzard that could potentially drop as much as 20 to 30 inches on Boston and other Massachusetts cities and towns, state and local government agencies are busy doing all they can to prepare for the hazardous conditions. The storm – Winter Storm Juno – is expected to hit Monday evening.

A blizzard warning is in effect for Boston from 7 p.m Monday to 1 a.m. Wednesday morning. Governor Charlie Baker addressed the potentially dangerous conditions in a statement Sunday night:

Based on the latest weather forecasts, numerous conversations with the National Weather Service and the team at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, we anticipate a very significant storm, beginning around dusk on Monday evening. The peak of the storm is expected to occur between midnight Monday and mid-day Tuesday, but snow will continue to fall well into Tuesday night. Unless forecasts change between now and tomorrow evening, people across Massachusetts should presume that roads on Tuesday, and possibly Wednesday, will be very hard, if not impossible, to navigate, that power outages are a distinct possibility, and that most forms of public transportation may not be available. We will keep everyone up to date on the storm and the state’s preparation and response efforts tomorrow and Tuesday and ask that all take the necessary precautions for this significant storm.

State police and Department of Transportation crews – hoping to avoid a repeat of 2007 when Boston Mayor Tom Menino called state agencies underprepared – have taken to Twitter, posting updates about various preparations.

 

 

 

 

Mayor Marty Walsh said Sunday night that he has been in talks with city departments in regards to blizzard preparations and stressed that he is confident Boston is prepared for the snow:

I have been in constant communication with all City departments regarding the blizzard watch that has been issued for the City of Boston beginning Monday evening and continuing through early Wednesday. Our City has been through blizzards before and I am confident we are prepared. Public Works has 700 pieces of equipment ready, over 35,000 tons of salt on hand and snow farms are being readied for anticipated removal operations. Once the storm begins, I ask everyone to be vigilant, stay inside and off the roads or use public transportation when possible, and remember to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled. Anyone who suspects carbon monoxide poisoning should call 911 immediately. I also ask residents to remove snow, slush and ice from sidewalks, curbs and to keep fire hydrants clear.

 

Mayor Walsh is scheduled to make another statement and answer reporters questions at a 1 p.m. press conference Monday afternoon.

Below is a list of tips courtesy of the state police.

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Follow us on Social Media for Updates: Follow the Massachusetts State Police on Twitter & Facebook. We post road closures and traffic advisories on Twitter frequently, @MassStatePolice. In addition, follow Colonel Timothy Alben @TimAlben, Lieutenant Daniel Richard @DGR2564, and Trooper Dustin Fitch @DustinGFitch for informative updates. We also encourage you to follow our partners, Massachusetts Department of Transportation @MassDOT and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency @MassEMA. State and some local agencies are also using the hashtag #MAsnow and #MAwx while posting weather related updates.

Stay Informed: Anytime there is a possibility of power outages, make sure your devices are fully charged. Download the State Police smartphone app, “Mass SP” to stay up to date from all of our digital media, including real-time alerts. You can also find links to our smartphone application here: MSPnews.org/smartphone-application/

Take Note of the Local Forecast: The State Police encourage motorists to take note of local forecasts and plan accordingly for adverse weather conditions. Motorists are reminded that they can dial 511 on their cell phones for current traffic and road conditions on Massachusetts Highways.

Vehicle Preparation: With a forecast of inclement weather, motorists should ensure that their vehicles are well maintained and properly equipped for winter driving. Motorists should check the fluid levels of their vehicles, particularly washer fluid and anti-freeze, to make sure that they are at adequate levels. Tires should be inspected to ensure that they are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth. Motorists should equip their vehicles with a snow shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, flares, a flashlight and some warm clothing and blankets. Additionally, motorists are reminded to completely clear their vehicles of snow and ice prior to driving, including all lights, for visibility. Clearing vehicles of snow and ice enhances the safety of all motorists by providing an unobstructed view to the operator and prevents snow and ice from flying off vehicles at high speeds and posing a hazard to others on the road. Motorists should also carry a charged cellular phone.

Reduce Speed: Anticipate delays. Most snow- and ice-related crashes are caused by spin-outs and vehicles sliding off the road because they are traveling at speeds too great for the road and weather conditions. Posted speed limits are set for driving under optimal, dry conditions. If road and weather conditions are adverse, motorists should operate at a speed well below the posted limit.

Leave Extra Space Between Vehicles: Under optimal driving conditions, motorists should leave at least one car length for every ten miles per hour between them and the vehicle in front of them. If the road and weather conditions are adverse, that distance should be significantly increased in order to afford for increased stopping distances.

Black Ice: Transparent ice may form on the roadway. If you notice ice forming on any objects, assume that it is forming on the road surface as well. Bridges are usually the first surfaces to freeze. Drive slowly and, if possible, avoid driving on iced-over surfaces.

Buckle Up: Ensuring everyone in your vehicle is properly restrained is the single most effective thing that motorists can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe on the roads.

Dial 911 in Roadway Emergencies: In any weather conditions, motorists who become disabled or encounter an emergency on the roadways should dial 911 on their cellular phones to immediately be connected to a State Police Communications Center. Motorists should always be aware of their location, noting the route they are traveling on and the number of the exit they most recently passed.

Photo via Mass. State Police

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