Governor Baker holds press conference on winter snow storm, MassDOT issues travel ban for tractor trailers and large trucks
BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE)- Governor Baker held a press conference Friday ahead of the expected heavy snowfall urging residents to avoid non-essential travel and be prepared.
Massachusetts is expected to receive 18-to-24 inches, with the possibility of 30 inches in certain areas.
Massachusetts Department of Transportation is implementing a tractor trailer ban from 6 a.m. until midnight Saturday.
The Massachusetts National Guard alongside the Massachusetts State Police are prepared to work together for any high water and stranded driver situations.
“We are actively monitoring this weekend’s winter storm, and we are urging residents to stay home and to allow crews to safely treat and clear roadways,” said Governor Baker. “We will keep the public informed, and we remind everyone to please check in on neighbors in need and to assist in keeping sidewalks and fire hydrants clear.”
“This storm has the potential for high winds and flooding in some coastal regions,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We will continue to collaborate with state agencies and local officials as the storm progresses, and we encourage residents to ensure they are prepared.”
Utilities crews are also ready and prepared to handle any power outages that occur during the storm.
The MBTA’s Emergency Operations Center will closely monitor rail and bus service throughout the storm and provide updates to commuters at www.mbta.com/winter. Service alerts will be posted on Twitter at @MBTA and @MBTA_CR.
According to the Governor’s office the following preparations are in place for the snow:
Highway Safety:
MassDOT has approximately 3,900 pieces of state and vendor equipment available for snow and ice operations and this includes over 1,400 plow and spreader combos, 2,100 plows, and 460 front-end loaders. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has postponed road tests scheduled on Saturday, January 29 due to the storm. Massport advises travelers to check with airlines as most airlines have already postponed flights scheduled for Saturday. MassDOT urges members of the public to stay updated on reduced speed limits, tractor trailer bans and roadway conditions.
Public Safety:
The State Emergency Operations Center at Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Headquarters will activate Saturday for the duration of the storm to monitor its impacts, coordinate response efforts and support impacted communities. MSP will have increased staffing for storm patrols and will offer additional support as needed statewide, and MSP Marine Unit assets and equipment will be pre-positioned to assist in flood-rescue efforts if needed. Residents are encouraged to check with their local public safety officials for shelter and other resources available during and after a storm, and can call 2-1-1 for any non-emergency storm questions.
DCR Closures:
This evening, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will implement parking bans for agency-managed parkways. Parking bans will be consistent with local municipal bans in which the parkways are located, and are expected to be lifted shortly after the completion of snow clearing operations. All coastal DCR-operated parking lots, as well as some agency-managed recreational facilities, will also be closed. Please check DCR’s website and Twitter @MassDCR for updates.
The Baker-Polito Administration remains in close contact with MEMA, National Weather Service, MassDOT and MSP to monitor the forecast and will work to alert the public with important updates or notifications. Please visit mass.gov/snow to learn what you should do before, during and after a winter storm.
