Snow Emergency Declared: Main Arteries Subject to Towing as Winter Storm Fern Hits Boston

Emergency Travel Advisory: Winter Storm Fern Impacts

Boston is under a City-wide Snow Emergency and parking ban effective Sunday, January 25, 2026. Mayor Michelle Wu and city officials have urged residents to stay off the roads as Winter Storm Fern moves into the region. Weather forecasts indicate that the most intense snowfall will occur between 2:00 PM today and 3:00 AM Monday morning, with total accumulations expected to reach between 12 and 25 inches. Due to these hazardous conditions, travel is strongly discouraged for all non-essential personnel.

Road Conditions and Parking Bans

As of 8:00 AM this morning, a snow emergency and parking ban are in full effect. Commuters and residents should be aware of the following road restrictions:

• Main Arteries: Vehicles parked on major roads and designated snow emergency routes are subject to immediate towing to allow for plow access.
• Discounted Parking: To assist residents, several city-authorized garages began offering discounted rates at 6:00 AM today.
• Visibility: High winds and heavy snowfall are expected to create near-zero visibility on major highways, including I-90 and I-93, starting early Sunday afternoon.
• Roslindale Closure: The Canterbury Street Bridge remains closed to all vehicular traffic following a previous inspection; detours are in place but may be difficult to navigate in snowy conditions.

MBTA and Public Transit Alerts

Public transportation is operating under significant constraints today. While the MBTA is aiming to maintain service, the following disruptions are confirmed:

• Blue Line Suspension: Service is suspended between Bowdoin and Orient Heights for essential maintenance. Free, accessible shuttle buses are operating between Orient Heights and Haymarket, though riders should expect at least 40 minutes of additional travel time.
• Bus Snow Routes: Multiple bus routes are transitioning to their designated Snow Routes to avoid steep hills and narrow streets. Riders are advised to check the MBTA website for specific route deviations.
• Alternative Ferry: The East Boston Ferry is running fare-free today from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM to provide an alternative for Blue Line passengers.
• Safety Warning: The MBTA urges those who must travel to use extreme caution on platforms and at bus stops, which may be slippery as the storm intensifies.

Logan Airport and Regional Travel

Travelers heading to Logan International Airport should prepare for widespread flight cancellations. Massport and major carriers, including Delta and JetBlue, have issued travel waivers for the weekend. Most airlines recommend rescheduling flights until Tuesday, January 27. If you must go to the airport, please utilize the Silver Line or the Logan Express, as roadway conditions toward the Ted Williams Tunnel are expected to deteriorate rapidly by mid-afternoon.