The city of Boston is currently working like a machine to clean up after one of the biggest snowstorms in its history. Since Sunday morning, a powerful winter storm has covered the city in a thick white blanket. In some areas, the snow is nearly two feet deep.
On just Sunday alone, Boston recorded 16.7 inches of snow. To give you an idea of how big this is, it is the highest snowfall the city has seen in four years. Records going back to the year 1891 show that this was the 9th snowiest day in Boston’s history. It is a historic moment, but also a very difficult one for the residents.
Mayor Michelle Wu: ‘The Snow Came Down Too Fast’
Mayor Michelle Wu has been monitoring the situation closely. She explained that the biggest problem wasn’t just the amount of snow, but the speed at which it fell. When snow falls very fast, it creates “whiteout” conditions where drivers and plow crews cannot see anything in front of them.
The city’s cleaning crews worked all through the night. Right now, their main goal is to widen the roads. They have cleared the middle lanes for emergency vehicles, but now they are trying to push the snow all the way to the curb so that normal traffic can start again.
Parking Crisis: Cars Buried in Neighborhoods
If you live in crowded areas like East Boston or the South End, you are likely facing a “snow grave” for your car. While the city cleans the main big roads first, the small side streets are still blocked. Many cars are completely buried under mountains of snow left behind by the plows.
The Parking Emergency is still active. This means you cannot park on major streets. If you do, your car will be towed. The Mayor has asked for a few more hours of patience before they lift this ban. It is a tough time for car owners, as digging out a car from two feet of snow can take hours of physical labor.
Will Schools Reopen on Tuesday?
Parents and students are waiting for one big answer: Is there school tomorrow? Mayor Wu mentioned that the city is working very hard to make sure children can go back to classes by Tuesday.
However, this depends on how clean the sidewalks and bus stops are. If the “walking paths” are still icy and dangerous, the schools might stay closed for one more day. A final decision is expected by Monday evening. For now, the city remains quiet as most people stay indoors.
Community Spirit: How to Help Your Neighbors
The Mayor has given some simple advice to everyone. First, do not throw snow back into the street after you shovel your sidewalk. This makes the work of the plow trucks useless.
Second, the snow this time is “light and fluffy,” which means it is not very heavy to lift. This is good news for older people. The city is encouraging young neighbors to help the elderly shovel their driveways. In times of big disasters like this, “community power” is what helps a city recover faster.
Our Opinion: The Danger of ‘Hidden’ Ice
In our view, even though the snow looks beautiful and “fluffy,” the real danger starts now. When the sun goes down on Monday, the melted snow will turn into Black Ice. This is a thin layer of ice that you cannot see, but it is as slippery as glass.
We believe the city’s decision to keep people off the roads on Monday is 100% correct. Even if you have a big SUV, you cannot fight physics on ice. It is better to wait until the city “salts” the roads properly before taking your family out.
Conclusion
Boston has survived a monster storm, but the “cleanup phase” is just as important as the storm itself. With nearly 20 inches of snow on the ground, life cannot return to normal in just one hour. The Mayor and the city crews are doing their best, but the citizens must also do their part by staying safe and helping those in need. Hopefully, by Tuesday morning, the “City on a Hill” will be moving again.
FAQs
How much snow did Boston get exactly?
The official measurement for the city was 16.7 inches in a single day, but some surrounding areas reported nearly 24 inches (2 feet).
Is it okay to drive my car now?
The Mayor has requested that residents stay off the roads for the rest of Monday. This gives the plow trucks enough space to finish clearing the streets for Tuesday morning.
What happens if my car was towed?
If you parked on a main road during the snow emergency, your car was likely moved to a city lot. You will have to pay a fine and a towing fee to get it back.
Is the snow heavy to shovel?
No, officials say the snow from this storm is “light and fluffy.” It is easier to move than “wet snow,” but it can blow back into your face very easily with the wind.
Why are some streets still not plowed?
The city follows a priority list. Main roads (near hospitals and fire stations) are cleared first. Small residential streets are cleared last.