Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and other officials said Wednesday morning that the city is prepared to handle the upcoming winter weather.
"Our winters as we know, in the city, can be tough. But the people of Boston are even tougher than the winters," said Walsh at the Public Works Department on Frontage Road in Boston. "We've lived through winters that seemed like they would never end — certainly in 2015 — that winter we set a record for snow."
As part of the Boston's winter preparedness, Walsh said the city's fleet of snow and ice equipment would be expanded to 200 pieces this year. The city also has 44,000 tons of salt to start with.
"We're working to make sure we are prepared for whatever is thrown at us this year," he said.
In addition to the extra equipment, a new GPS system will be used to better track snow activity in real-time.
"So as people call us to tell us their streets haven't been plowed, we'll be able to see what the situation is and why they haven't been plowed," Walsh said.
And the rule for space savers will be the same as last year. Walsh says they're only allowed for 48 hours after a snow emergency has been declared. In the South End, they're not permitted at all.
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Due to snow last year, city officials canceled school five times. The mayor says this year, officials will let families know about cancellations as soon as possible so they can plan for daycare.
The city is urging to sign up for social media alerts and take advantage of Boston 311 - the city's hotline number you can call to get information during storms.
NBC Boston meteorologists offer their predictions on the upcoming winter here.
