A travel ban for nonessential motor vehicles in four Massachusetts counties was lifted Tuesday as the state continues to recover from a blizzard that dumped nearly 3 feet of snow in some areas. The ban was lifted at noon for Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable and Dukes counties, according to Gov. Maura Healey.
Massachusetts Blizzard Recovery Efforts Underway
Residents are still advised to use caution and stay home if possible to allow crews to continue cleanup efforts. Those who must travel should prepare for icy, snow-covered and slushy conditions on roadways.
The state of emergency remains in effect for all counties except Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin. Several communities, including New Bedford, Fall River, and Brockton, still have local travel restrictions and parking bans in place.
The snow emergency in Boston has been extended until at least 6 p.m. Tuesday. Mayor Michelle Wu stated officials will provide an update closer to that time regarding when the emergency will be lifted.
Residents in South Boston are utilizing space savers to reserve parking spots they have cleared. These space savers must be removed within 48 hours after the snow emergency ends.
Gov. Healey previously declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm, and 200 members of the National Guard were activated.
Power Outages Persist
As of Tuesday morning, over 250,000 customers across eastern Massachusetts were without power. Officials warn that power restoration may take multiple days.
“We know that there are still many households without power, and the utilities are working hard to assess damage and restore power as quickly and safely as possible,” Healey 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.”
Restoration efforts have been slowed by dangerous conditions, as utility workers in bucket trucks can only operate when winds are below 35 miles per hour.
MBTA Service Changes
Red, Orange, Blue and Green Line trains are operating at reduced levels, comparable to Sunday schedules. Bus routes are following snow routes and operating on a similar reduced schedule. All Commuter Rail lines are operating on their reduced Storm Schedules.
Charlestown Ferry and Hingham/Hull Ferry services resumed Tuesday with a modified schedule. Regular RIDE paratransit service will resume Wednesday, with trips bookable as usual Tuesday.
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