The last time Boston saw four inches of snow or more was on February 25th, 2022. That’s 716 days ago and counting.
This is the longest streak on record without four inches of snow in Boston and climate scientists are saying we’re losing snow faster than anywhere else in North America. But that record streak is expected to be broken this week with the arrival of a Nor'easter on Tuesday that could bring up to a foot of snow to southern Massachusetts.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu confirmed city officials have already started planning for the heavy snowfall with meetings scheduled into Monday. Whether or not to close schools Tuesday is also on their radar.
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“It is at this point looking like a significant snow event and we’re doing everything that we can do be ready for it,” she said.
Wu and other city officials will provide an update Monday morning ahead of the forecasted winter storm and share information with residents about the city's preparations.
Around this time two years ago, most places got six to eight inches of snow, in stark contrast to the warm temperatures we’re seeing this weekend. We’re in for another round of weather whiplash here in New England.
Studies show the region is warming a lot faster than the rest of the continent, resulting in significant snow loss and exacerbating global warming. Some scientists say this could mean the end of classic New England winters over the next twenty years.
A widespread 6-12 inches of snow is in the forecast, and there are also concerns for the coastline.
The National Weather Service has put out a coastal flood warning for Tuesday afternoon during high tide. Low-lying areas along the South and North shores are the most vulnerable with a potential for some roads to become impassible.
"It’s just one of those things, you never know what’s going to happen," Nantasket resident Tish Collins said. "I’m sure plenty of people around here are going to batten down the hatches.”
Many coastal residents, like those in Hull, say people have learned to live further back from the water. Others will take precautions like boarding up -- not wanting to test Mother Nature.
"They kind of moved inland if you can picture Hull being inland,” Collins said.
“If you live on the water you’re going to have to expect at least a storm once a year to bring up surf, especially if it’s a full moon,” one man said.
Our First Alert weather team is expecting the snow to impact traffic Tuesday.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests preparing your car for winter storms like this by making sure your lights and windshield wipers are working properly, filling up your gas tank and having those ice scrapers handy.
