Mayor Wu declares Boston snow emergency; Parking ban begins Sunday at 2 P.M.

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East Boston residents take note.

BOSTON — Mayor Michelle Wu has declared a Boston snow emergency ahead of Sunday’s winter storm. The snow emergency and citywide parking ban take effect at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Vehicles parked on posted snow emergency arteries will be towed to allow for snow removal operations.

Boston Public Schools and City Buildings Closed

All Boston Public Schools and central offices will be closed Monday, February 23. Extracurricular activities are canceled Sunday night and Monday.

Boston City Hall and municipal buildings, including Boston Public Library branches and Boston Centers for Youth & Families locations, will also be closed Monday. Online city services remain available.

Boston Parking Ban and Trash Delays

During the snow emergency:

  • Parking is prohibited on posted snow emergency routes.
  • Vehicles parked illegally may be towed.
  • Resident-sticker holders may use participating garages for free or discounted parking beginning at noon Sunday.
  • Trash, recycling, and food waste collection are delayed one day citywide.
  • Bulk pickup is canceled.
  • Night street sweeping is suspended.
East Boston
Cones serving as parking savers after a winter storm, January 31, 2025. Photograph by Frank Conte for EastBoston.com.

Space savers are allowed for 48 hours after the emergency ends, except in the South End and Bay Village.

Storm Preparation and Safety

Boston Public Works will deploy more than 900 pieces of equipment during the storm and has over 35,000 tons of salt ready.

Residents are urged to stay off the roads if possible and use public transportation when necessary. Property owners must clear sidewalks and curb ramps within three hours after snowfall ends.

Call 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergency issues.

Emergency shelters remain open for individuals experiencing homelessness.

For updates, visit boston.gov/snow or sign up for AlertBoston notifications.