A substantial winter storm hit much of Massachusetts on Sunday, delivering what forecasters termed “double-digit jackpot snowfall” ranging from 12 to nearly 22 inches. This storm, the most significant in four years, moved across the state, creating hazardous travel conditions and affecting communities from west to east. While most areas dealt with lighter, fluffier snow, Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island witnessed heavier, wet bursts along with brief wintry mixes.
Tragically, the storm’s impact included at least one reported death when a plow truck backed into a married couple in an MBTA parking lot in Norwood, resulting in the death of a 47-year-old woman. Her husband sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and the truck driver remained at the scene.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey addressed the severity of the storm during a press briefing at the State Emergency Operations Center in Framingham, urging residents to stay home and look out for one another. “It’s going to snow until Monday night… hunker in,” she advised, highlighting ongoing dangerous conditions.
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, anticipating an accumulation of an additional 10 to 14 inches of snow throughout the night. Winds were expected to gust up to 28 miles per hour, contributing to challenging conditions, with snowfall rates reaching up to 2 inches per hour. By late Sunday, Logan Airport recorded 10.5 inches of snow, while several locations across the state saw even higher totals.
Officials have expressed particular concern for the South Coast and Cape and Islands, where the potential for heavier snow could lead to power outages. Fortunately, as of Sunday night, reported outages were minimal, with National Grid indicating just 17 outages affecting 238 customers.
State Police reported 145 vehicle accidents, with seven injuries but no fatalities. Meanwhile, over 745 flights at Logan International Airport were canceled due to the storm, stranding travelers, including Joshua Duncan from Dallas, who had intended to fly home after attending a wedding.
In Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu declared a snow emergency and implemented a parking ban on major roads to facilitate snow removal. The Boston Public Works Department mobilized 850 pieces of equipment and has 40,000 tons of salt ready for use. Residents are encouraged to limit travel due to treacherous conditions on roads, particularly bridges and overpasses.
Public transportation has been affected as well. The MBTA activated its winter weather plan, suspending some services and modifying others to accommodate the snow. Emergency services have ramped up efforts to help those experiencing homelessness, with shelters remaining open around the clock to provide support during the storm.
As the region braces for continued snowfall into Monday, with a risk of minor sleet and ice, residents are urged to stay safe and warm during this severe weather event. The community’s response has been commendable, with extensive measures in place to ensure the safety and support of those in need.