Winter Blast Bears down on Boston

BOSTON – The City of Boston is bracing for a winter blast. Up to a foot of snow is expected, along with cold temperatures over the next twenty-four hours. A major snowstorm is moving through the Midwest and Northeast, bringing several inches of snow and windy conditions. Cold air behind the storm will send wind chills well below freezing for a wide swath of the United States from the Upper Midwest through New England.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino this afternoon convened his snow team for an update on the City’s first major snow storm of 2014. Tomorrow, City Hall will be OPEN for business, Boston Public Libraries will be closed, and Boston Public Schools will be closed. Boston Centers for Youth & Families will open four centers regionally for children ages 7 and older. Essential City employees will report to work. A Snow Emergency and parking ban remains in effect.

The latest forecasts indicate the storm is expected to result in more than a foot of snow in the City, with heaviest snow fall beginning tonight at 9 p.m.Blizzard-like conditions are expected tomorrow morning.

Boston Mayor’s Hotline Buzzing

Mayor Menino’s hotline has been filled with triple the normal call volume. The Hotline has additional staff on-hand and residents with weather-related questions or concerns, including down power lines, down trees or icy conditions, should call (617) 635-4500. The City’s Shelter Commission asks that any resident who sees a potential medical emergency involving a homeless person dial 9-1-1. The City’s shelters have activated emergency procedures today.

Residents are encouraged to use the City’s “Know Snow” program for access to other important storm-related information. To receive notifications, register for the city’s Alert Boston network at http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/. If you would like to receive updates on the storm on Twitter, follow #bosnow, @NotifyBoston.

Huge Impact on Travelling Public

Flights out of Logan International Airport and New Yorks JFK International Airport are being impacted. There have been 2500 flight cancellations already. The flight cancellations and delays are going to impact hundreds of thousands of travellers, many making their way home after the New Year’s holiday.

It is also expected that many major highways will be closed.

In Boston and cities across Massachusetts, authorities are suggesting people stock up on supplies with at least a three day supply of food, water, batteries and be prepared for possible power outages due to the storm.