Frank DePaola of DPW on conditions, driving advice

BOSTON (WHDH) -- Part of the reason Friday morning’s commute was so bad, centered around the fact that they couldn't pre-treat any of the roads because there was rain to start off this storm.

Frank DePaola of the Department of Public Works had more on road conditions and what the DPW was doing throughout the morning.

“We currently have over 2,500 trucks on the road state-wide and we were out since early yesterday evening trying to keep the roads clear,” said DePaola.

Intense snowfall during the morning commute hampered operations and a power outage at the Tobin Bridge toll plaza caused additional issues.

The cause of that outage was still under investigation. Cars were waved through the gates to keep a back-up from forming. One toll collector was stuck in an elevator when the power went out but emergency personnel were on hand to address that.

The Massachusetts State Police closed Morrissey Boulevard Friday morning due to flooding.

“A section of Morrissey Boulevard just south of UMass Boston campus on very high tides will get flooded with the storm surge. It is typical in high tide the water will flood the road and they have to close it just due to the elevation on the road,” DePaola explained.

As for the snow-covered roads, DePaola had a few words of advice to commuters.

“A couple things, if people can take public transportation, I urge them to do so. If they can stay home, so much the better - but if you do have to drive, just keep your speeds down, and if you come across a group of plows, please try not to pass them or weave through them. Just stay behind them, they will probably leave the road at the next exit. It's much better conditions behind the plow group than it is in front of it,” said DePaola.

The snow was expected to last throughout the morning and taper off in the afternoon.