Mayor Menino,
City Agencies Monitoring Potentially Heavy Snow Storm
Winter Weather Advisory
Issued
(Boston, MA, Jan. 21, 2013) Mayor Thomas M. Menino and
agencies around the City of Boston are monitoring a potentially
serious winter weather event.
A preliminary forecast indicates that from after 4 p.m. Monday into
Tuesday morning, the storm could bring 2-6 inches of snow, with some
periods of heavy snow squalls possible.
Additionally, temperatures over the next week are not expected to
rise above freezing, making road clearing a top priority for public
safety. Temperatures will hover around 20 degrees all week, with
lows in the single digits.
Mayor Menino continues to monitor the situation to determine if a
Snow Emergency and Parking Ban need to be declared. Members of the
Mayor's Snow Team met again today to discuss the latest storm
related information and response plans for the weekend. The Snow
Team will continue to monitor the forecast throughout the weather
event, and will continue to receive updated forecasts.
"With several inches of snow expected in parts of the City, and
freezing temperatures forecast for the next week, it’s important
that residents and visitors be mindful of the conditions, especially
as our crews work to treat and clear the roadways as efficiently as
possible,” Mayor Menino said. “I have directed the Snow Team to
continue to monitor this unpredictable storm. I would advise anyone
traveling into and around the City to use public transportation
whenever possible.”
Boston Public Works crews are prepared for the snow event, and will
have approximately 300 pieces of equipment active on City streets by
1 a.m. Tuesday. Crews will work through the night to clear roadways,
but are urging pedestrians, bikers and drivers to exercise caution
and pay special attention to narrowed roadways. Boston Emergency
Medical Services have arranged for additional staffing, and Police
will be stationed at major intersections around the City.
The Mayor's 24-Hour Hotline will have additional staff on-hand
throughout the duration of the storm, 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.
Boston EMS reminds residents that shoveling snow, particularly when
it is heavy and wet, can pose a serious health safety risk to
persons with heart disease and senior citizens. Residents should
consider seeking the assistance of a family member, a helpful
neighbor or hire someone to help. Additional cold weather safety
tips can be found here: http://www.cityofboston.gov/cold/safety.asp.
Mayor Menino also reminds residents of the following:
• Use public transportation whenever possible and avoid driving
vehicles on slippery roads to keep roadways clear for plowing
equipment and emergency vehicles.
• Property owners are reminded to salt and sand sidewalks, stairs
and pedestrian ramps to prevent slippery surfaces.
• Residents are encouraged to shovel out hydrants and catch basins
near or abutting their property to assist our public safety agencies
and protect against flooding.
• Please check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may need help.
• Use caution when walking near buildings that may have falling snow
or ice.
The City will continue to monitor the latest weather models and
forecasts and will update the public with further information as it
becomes available.
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 you can follow us: @NotifyBoston.
