The travel ban for nonessential motor vehicles across four Massachusetts counties was lifted at noon Tuesday, allowing residents to begin digging out from a blizzard that dumped nearly three feet of snow in some areas. While the immediate threat has passed, officials are urging continued caution as cleanup efforts continue and significant hazards remain. The ban had been in effect for Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable and Dukes counties.
Governor Maura Healey announced the lifting of the ban, but stressed that travel should still be limited to essential purposes. “Residents are still advised to use caution and stay home if possible to allow crews to continue their cleanup efforts,” she said. “Those who need to travel should prepare for icy, snow-covered and slushy conditions on the roadways.” The state of emergency remains in effect for all counties except Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin, providing resources for ongoing response and recovery.
The storm brought widespread disruption, leaving over 250,000 customers without power as of Tuesday morning. Utility companies are working to restore service, but officials warn that full restoration may take multiple days, hampered by ongoing dangerous conditions. Utility workers are limited in their ability to operate bucket trucks when winds exceed 35 miles per hour.
Local Restrictions and Transit Impacts
Even with the statewide travel ban lifted, many communities are maintaining their own local travel restrictions and parking bans. Cities including New Bedford, Fall River, and Brockton continue to enforce these measures to facilitate snow removal. In Boston, the snow emergency has been extended until at least 6 p.m. Tuesday, according to Mayor Michelle Wu. “The hope is that, at that point, the weather, the snow, the cleanup looks OK, but we will, at closer to that time, give official word as to when it will be lifted,” Wu stated.
Residents in South Boston are employing the traditional practice of using “space savers” – furniture and other items – to reserve parking spots they have cleared. These space savers must be removed within 48 hours of the snow emergency’s official end.
Public transportation is also experiencing disruptions. The MBTA is operating Red, Orange, Blue, and Green Line trains on a reduced schedule, comparable to Sunday service levels. Bus routes are following snow routes, and Commuter Rail lines are running on reduced Storm Schedules. Ferry services on the Charlestown and Hingham/Hull routes have resumed with modified schedules. Regular RIDE paratransit service will resume Wednesday.
Power Restoration and National Guard Support
The scale of the power outages is significant, impacting hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses across eastern Massachusetts. Governor Healey acknowledged the hardship and thanked residents for their patience while utilities work to assess damage and restore power. “We know that We find still many households without power, and the utilities are working hard to assess damage and restore power as quickly and safely as possible,” she said. “We thank the people of Massachusetts for their patience and caution while we work to get back to normal, and we are especially grateful for all of the workers who continue to be out here around the clock to deliver for our communities.”
To support the recovery efforts, Governor Healey activated 200 members of the National Guard prior to the storm’s arrival. Their assistance is focused on supporting local communities and ensuring access to essential resources.
One resident, Connor Whalen of South Boston, shared his experience, saying, “Last snowstorm I made the mistake, went out one time at the very end, and then it took a couple of hours, so, didn’t want to make that same mistake again.” This sentiment reflects the widespread caution among residents as they navigate the post-storm conditions.
Staying Informed and Prepared
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about evolving conditions and local restrictions. Alerts, Futurecast, Map Room, Radar, Closings, and Snowfall totals are available through StormTeam 5.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will continue to provide updates on the recovery efforts. Residents are advised to check with their local authorities for specific information regarding parking bans and other restrictions.
Looking ahead, officials will continue to monitor conditions and assess the remaining challenges. The focus will remain on restoring power, clearing roadways, and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents as the state transitions from response to recovery. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
Have your say: Share your experiences and thoughts on the storm’s impact in the comments below.
