Mayor Wu Declares Snow Emergency and Parking Ban for Boston Today
Mayor Wu Issues Emergency Declarations as Major Winter Storm Hits Boston
Mayor Michelle Wu has officially declared a snow emergency for the City of Boston, effective today, Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. This executive action comes as the National Weather Service issues a blizzard warning for the region, with forecasters predicting a significant accumulation of 12 to 20 inches of snow through Monday. The Mayor’s declaration triggers several citywide protocols designed to ensure public safety and facilitate efficient snow removal operations.
A central component of today’s emergency measures is the implementation of a citywide parking ban. As of 8:00 a.m., vehicles parked on major arteries and designated snow routes are subject to ticketing and towing. To assist residents, the city opened several municipal lots and offered discounted rates at participating garages starting at 6:00 a.m. today. Officials are urging all residents to move their vehicles immediately to avoid obstructing plow crews as snow rates are expected to reach two to three inches per hour during the peak of the storm this evening.
In addition to the snow emergency, the city remains under a cold emergency declaration through the end of today. Mayor Wu noted that wind chills are expected to drop significantly, reaching as low as -10 degrees in some areas. Consequently, Boston City Hall and other municipal buildings, including all branches of the Boston Public Library and BCYF community centers, are closed today. All scheduled extracurricular activities and programs for Sunday have also been canceled to keep residents off the roads.
City departments are currently operating around the clock. The Boston Police Department and the Street Outreach Unit are conducting wellness checks on vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those experiencing homelessness. Warming centers have been activated at various locations to provide shelter from the extreme cold and heavy snowfall. Residents are encouraged to check on their neighbors and to report any concerns regarding public safety or non-emergency issues to the city’s 311 line. For life-threatening emergencies, the public is instructed to call 911 immediately.
Looking ahead, Mayor Wu confirmed that all municipal buildings and Boston Public Schools will remain closed on Monday, January 26, to allow for continued cleanup efforts. Trash and recycling collection will experience a one-day delay for most neighborhoods. Residents are asked to clear snow from fire hydrants near their homes and to ensure that sidewalk clearance is completed following the storm to maintain accessibility for pedestrians and emergency responders.