Mayor Wu Declares Snow Emergency and Parking Ban Ahead of Blizzard

Mayor Wu Schedules Emergency Press Conference to Address Blizzard Preparations

Mayor Michelle Wu has scheduled an emergency press conference for 9:30 a.m. this morning, Sunday, February 22, 2026, to coordinate the city’s response to a significant winter storm forecast to arrive later today. The session aims to outline a citywide snow emergency and a mandatory parking ban that will go into effect at 2:00 p.m. as Boston prepares for a potential blizzard expected to drop up to two feet of snow.

The Mayor’s announcement follows a series of updates from the National Weather Service indicating that the most intense snowfall will occur between Sunday evening and Monday morning. In response, the Mayor’s Office and the Streets Cabinet have activated emergency protocols to ensure that main arteries and emergency routes remain clear for plows and emergency services. The press conference will serve as the primary briefing for residents on logistical changes affecting the next 48 hours.

Emergency Measures and Mandatory Parking Ban

The citywide parking ban is the central component of today’s government action. Starting at 2:00 p.m., all vehicles parked on designated emergency arteries will be subject to ticketing and towing. This measure is intended to allow the Public Works Department to clear snow effectively from curb to curb on major roads. To assist residents, the city has opened several partner garages that will offer discounted rates for the duration of the emergency.

• Towing Operations: Enforcement will begin promptly at the 2:00 p.m. deadline for all vehicles on major routes and main arteries.
• Parking Alternatives: Residents are encouraged to move vehicles to off-street parking or participating discount garages before the snow begins.
• Public Safety Directives: Mayor Wu is expected to urge residents to avoid all non-essential travel once the storm commences to assist plow crews and emergency responders.

Infrastructure and Government Coordination

During the 9:30 a.m. session, the administration will review the status of public utilities and transportation. Special attention will be given to the MBTA and the city’s fare-free transit program, as high winds and heavy snow may necessitate service adjustments. While Boston City Hall is typically closed on weekends, essential personnel from the Office of Emergency Management and the Public Works Department are currently on high alert.

This emergency session caps a busy week of government activity, including the recent announcement of the winning projects for the 2026 Participatory Budgeting Initiative. However, the current focus remains entirely on safety and infrastructure. Residents are encouraged to use the 311 system to report downed trees, power lines, or other non-emergency storm issues as the blizzard approaches.