The city of Boston has declared a snow emergency and canceled school ahead of Tuesday's nor'easter.
"The best projections right now estimate that we will likely get between 8 and 12 inches of snow total," said Mayor Michelle Wu Monday. "That it'll come down pretty heavily during the morning commute, starting earlier in the morning and potentially continuing all the way through the afternoon tomorrow. That means that we are making the call today that Boston Public Schools will be closed tomorrow."
The snow emergency will go into effect at 10 p.m. Monday.
"That means that parking bans will be in effect on posted roadways and major arteries to ensure that we can keep streets clear of snow and available for emergency vehicles," said Wu.
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For residents who normally park on those streets and have a resident parking sticker, Wu said a list of free or discounted garages can found the city's website. The garages will open two hours before the snow emergency starts, Wu said.
Residents were reminded that parking in Boston Public Schools parking lots during snowstorms isn't allowed. Cars will be towed, Wu said.
"I know this is an inconvenience when that happens, but our goal is to make sure that we can get out there as quickly as possible, be as efficient as possible in clearing off snow, so that we're back and ready to go Wednesday morning," said Wu. "We want to make sure that kids are back in schools on Wednesday morning."
Wu urged residents to stay off the roads on Tuesday "wherever possible" and to "make plans to be indoors."
"This nor'easter will be quick, but it will pack a punch. In addition to snow and wind, the storm does align with astronomical high tides, so there is also the potential for some coastal flooding risk as well," said Chief of Streets Jascha Franklin Hodge.
Boston has about 38,000 tons of salt ready to go, said Wu. The Department of Public Works will be treating the roads ahead of any snow, she said. In addition, there are 850 pieces of snow clearing equipment "ready to get on the streets to clear that snow."
Boston Centers for Youth and Families centers, Boston Public Library branches and city buildings will be closed Tuesday.
Wu said emergency shelters will be open 24 hours during the storm and will accept walk-ins.
When you have a winter like this one with not a lot of storms, any snow can be a big deal. However, Boston hasn't seen more than four inches of snow in over two years.
"While this is more snow than we've had this season, our teams are ready to make sure that all of our residents make it through the pending storm safely," said Wu.
Massachusetts is expecting upwards of a foot of snow in some areas, including Boston. Strong winds are expected along the coastline, near-blizzard conditions on the South Shore and the potential for power outages.
Residents in Scituate were gearing up Monday for the pending snow and high winds. Beach erosion and flooding will be a problem this time around.
Nearly a foot of snow and up to 60 mile an hour winds are expected with the storm system. In the past, that wind speed has led to downed power lines and tree debris for neighbors, affecting commutes and forcing people to stay home.
It's an all-out effort to brace for inclement weather but residents say that in this coastal town, they're used to it.
"And yeah, you get some storms five days a year, but you prepare for it and you go on with your life," said George Simmons, Scituate resident.
