It’s brutal out there, right now. And – as expected – Hercules is taking its toll on travel plans in and around Boston, and throughout the Northeast.

[UPDATE: 12:20 a.m.] Barring any major developments, this will be the last update. Traveling was hardly a walk in the park tonight, but, at least it seems, complete fails were avoided. And, whether you like it or not, the MBTA played a major part in helping the City function (somewhat). Oddly enough, people took notice, extending thanks to the transit agency for operating in blizzard conditions:

When asked about the praise, MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo told BostInno, shortly before midnight, in an email: “Thanks to a great effort by a lot of hard working, dedicated employees, we were able to keep the system fully operational while confronted with some very harsh conditions. It’s a credit to the workforce’s commitment and professionalism.”

Of course, there were plenty of Twitter complaints about the MBTA’s service – there always will be, I suppose. But, overall, it was a pleasant surprise to see people thanking the T, I must admit. *writer says through gritted teeth.*

[UPDATE: 11:35 p.m.] Alright, MBTA: Fingers up! Fourth Quarter. FOURTH QUARTER!

(Change “The night they played the Titans” to “The night they rode the MBTA,” and we got something)

[UPDATE: 11:00 p.m.] Moderate delays on the Blue Line, and minor Green Line delays occurring. Hang in there, MBTA trains. Only a few more hours.

[UPDATE: 10:32 p.m.] Back to business: City Hall will be open Friday and essential personnel will be on staff. Normal parking meter rules will be in effect. And trash will be collected at 6 a.m. Friday morning. Visit the City of Boston for additional details.

[UPDATE: 10:25 p.m.] Admittedly, I’m starting to hit an update wall. Just to restart my engine, loosen up the old fingers, it’s time to play the contrarian for a minute: This picture has been making the social media rounds…

Not a fan. This storm isn’t about you, sir. Now, I get that he probably didn’t coordinate the photo-op, so, it’s not necessarily an attempt at local internet fame. That said, what else was going to happen? Also, way to promote “toughness,” sport; it’s common knowledge that the body’s heat flows towards the torso, away from the extremities. Next time, ditch the gloves and the hat, then go viral.

 

 

[UPDATE: 9:46 p.m.] The MBTA has issued another series of delays, including one along the Blue Line. By the way: Bruins won 3-2 in overtime, thanks to Brad Marchand’s dangle-snapshot-combo.

 

 

[UPDATE: 9:13 p.m.] Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market will be closed tomorrow.

[UPDATE: 8:50 p.m.] State Police report flooding in the Ted Williams Tunnel. The left lane has been closed.

[UPDATE: 8:41 p.m.] MassDOT is reporting some impressive work done by snow removal crews. Thus far, almost 3,400 roads have been plowed, cleared of snow. Remember: Governor Patrick doesn’t want anyone traveling tonight. Let the crews do what they do.

[UPDATE: 8:24 p.m.] Red Line southbound service delays occurring, thanks to a signal problem.

Also, it appears the authority is tired of Hercules and has moved on to the next one, as they say.

[UPDATE: 7:47 p.m.] MBTA delays are ramping up. Continue to monitor the MBTA website.

 

 

[UPDATE: 7:20 p.m.] Boston Police remind residents that there is a Cold Weather Advisory in effect, and other reports note that snow could accumulate up to 24 inches. The MBTA is not expected to close.

 

 

[UPDATE 6:50 p.m.] The MBTA has made an adjustment along the Providence/Stoughton Line.


[UPDATE: 6:32 p.m.] The 6:45 Fairmount Line train 775 out of South Station has been cancelled.

[UPDATE: 6:30 p.m.] Governor Patrick is asking people to stay off the roads and has announced voluntary evacuations in Duxbury and Scituate. State Government will be closed tomorrow, and Patrick has urged private employers to do the same.

Heavy snow is expected to start around 7 p.m.

[6:20 p.m.] Naturally, updates are pouring in rapidly. Here’s what we can report thus far: Governor Deval Patrick will provide an update during a press conference at 6:15 p.m. tonight; All Boston Public Schools will be close tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 3; the MBTA is replacing commuter trains with shuttle buses along the Mattapan branch, but has yet make widespread service cancellations; Fox 25 is reporting that Logan flights will be cancelled tonight and through midday Friday, and flight change fees will be waived; and, lastly, temperatures could fall to -20 tonight, once the windchill kicks in.

Be safe tonight, and avoid leaving the house unless it’s absolutely necessary.

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