Healey and Wu issue Sunday storm briefings as blizzard warning expands across Massachusetts through Tuesday morning

State and city officials move to limit travel and prepare for outages as heavy snow and high winds near

Massachusetts is preparing for a major winter storm expected to intensify Sunday night and continue into Monday, with forecasts calling for heavy snowfall, dangerous wind-driven visibility reductions and localized coastal impacts. Gov. Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu were scheduled to deliver winter storm updates Sunday as emergency managers, transportation agencies and local public works departments mobilized crews and equipment across the region.

By midday Sunday, the blizzard warning footprint had expanded to cover nearly the entire state, with the most severe conditions expected from late Sunday through Monday. In eastern Massachusetts, forecasters warned that snowfall rates could reach levels capable of quickly overwhelming roadways, while wind gusts strong enough to knock down tree limbs and power lines could complicate response operations.

What’s expected: timing, snowfall and travel impacts

Forecasts for much of Southern New England called for widespread accumulations exceeding a foot, with the potential for localized higher totals where heavier bands set up. The combination of wet, heavy snow and strong northeast winds increases the risk of downed trees and scattered power outages, especially in coastal and exposed areas.

• Snow was expected to develop Sunday evening and become heaviest overnight into Monday morning.
• Strong winds were forecast to produce periods of near-zero visibility and drifting snow.
• Travel disruptions were anticipated, including delays and cancellations at airports and on regional transit systems.

Boston’s posture: closures and snow operations

City officials said Boston would approach the storm with a focus on keeping primary routes passable for emergency vehicles, coordinating snow removal, and communicating parking and street-management rules as conditions evolve. Wu’s Sunday briefing was expected to address municipal readiness, plowing and treatment plans, and public safety guidance for residents.

Officials warned that the most hazardous travel window would likely be overnight into Monday, when snowfall rates and wind could peak at the same time.

State response: coordination and public safety guidance

At the state level, Healey’s administration has previously used major storm briefings to emphasize minimizing non-essential travel, preparing for outages, and coordinating with utilities and transportation agencies. With blizzard conditions possible across large parts of Massachusetts, Sunday’s update was expected to focus on situational awareness, resource staging, and steps residents can take to reduce risk.

Emergency managers reiterated standard storm precautions: charge devices, check heating and backup plans, keep critical medications and supplies on hand, and avoid travel during the height of the storm to allow plows and first responders to operate. Residents were also urged to monitor official announcements for any updates on closures, transit adjustments, and localized emergency measures through Monday and into early Tuesday.