City of Boston declares snow emergency

BOSTON -- The following is a press release from the city of Boston, announcing that a snow emergency will go into effect at 10 p.m. Saturday:

"Mayor Thomas M. Menino has declared a Snow Emergency for the City of Boston that will go into effect at 10 p.m. tonight in anticipation of the forecasted snow storm expected to begin tonight and continue overnight into late Sunday morning. The National Weather Service is forecasting a potential of upwards of 15 inches of snow in Boston, with the heaviest concentration falling between midnight and 8 a.m. Sunday. Winds could exceed 30 miles per hour during the highpoint of the storm. Mayor Menino urges everyone to use public transportation when traveling, as a citywide parking ban will be in effect through the duration of the Snow Emergency.

In preparation for potential blizzard-like conditions, the City has over 600 pieces of snow removal equipment at the ready and nearly 25,000 tons of salt at depots across the city. The City’s emergency homeless shelters will be open throughout the day and evening to insure everyone has a place to stay during the storm.

Mayor Menino reminds residents of the following:

-- During a Snow Emergency, parking is prohibited on all major arteries in Boston. These streets are posted with “Tow Zone - No Parking During Snow Emergency” signs.

-- A listing of major arteries and alternate parking can be found at http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking/

-- On streets other than major arteries, do not park within 20 feet of an intersection or further than one foot from the cur, as this impedes access for both emergency vehicles and snow plows. On non-emergency streets – streets other than major arteries – there will be odd side parking.

 -- Parking space savers must be removed no more than 48 hours after a snow emergency is lifted. The City’s Department of Public Works will remove space savers left out beyond this period.

 -- Do not throw snow back into the street. “Throwbacks” force the city to remove snow from the same street twice.

 -- Shovel out fire hydrants close to your home.

 -- Property owners are reminded to shovel snow from sidewalks that abut their homes and businesses and any handicapped ramps close to your homes or business.

 -- Do not double-park.

 -- Please check on elderly neighbors and others in need.

During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at several parking lots and garages to cars that display Boston resident parking stickers. Residents are encouraged to use the City’s “Know Snow” program to be notified when a snow emergency is declared and canceled as well for access to other important storm-related information. To learn more about “Know Snow,” visit http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/.

Residents with storm-related questions or concerns should call the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at (617) 635-4500. Working with the National Weather Service, the City will continue to monitor the storm and alert the public when the Snow Emergency has been lifted."

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