Boston Mayor Marty Walsh: Weekend Storm Will Bring Another 18 Inches of Snow

Boston's mayor says heavy equipment is coming from out-of-state ahead of this weekend's storm that will likely bring the snow-weary city another 18 inches of snow along with blizzard conditions for Saturday night into Sunday.

In a press conference Thursday afternoon, Mayor Marty Walsh said 10 different snow farms are being used in Boston, with snow melters being used at the Tide Street and Franklin Park locations. Snow piles are a safety concern, and New York City and the state of Connecticut will be sending more heavy equipment and snow melters to help remove snow in Boston, according to Walsh.

Nick Barka has lived in South Boston all his life, and while parking is rarely convenient in the neighborhood, this winter's snow hasn't made it any easier.

"It was good until about four weeks ago," he said. "We just got hit all at once."

Boston has seen more than 77 inches of snow over the last three weeks. Crews have removed more than 13,000 truck loads of snow so far, Walsh said Thursday.

The storm have cost the city about $31 million so far. And as drivers dig out, snow banks grow, making it difficult to see around corners for both drivers and pedestrians.

It's creating a safety hazard for city officials.

"Snow removal is our top priority in the city of Boston right now," said Mayor Walsh. "We're looking at how we take down those snow banks."

Officials also need residents to do their part, which includes not shoveling snow into the roads and clearing sidewalks in front of businesses.

Already, the city has written more than 2,000 snow violations and more could come if people don't comply.

As for people who don't shovel out their car, the mayor says they'll learn the hard way.

"I know that when the owners finally gets to their car, their battery's going to be dead," said Walsh. "That's going to be the owner's responsiblity."

The storm, which will hit on Valentine's Day, may interrupt the plans of couples around the city. Mayor Walsh is encouraging residents to shop and dine locally, adding that all of the snow has impacted businesses.

Walsh also said there will likely be a snow emergency and parking ban over the weekend, but did not say when it would take place.

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