Mayor Wu Declares Snow Emergency. Parking Ban Starts at 10pm.

Updated 2/13/23: Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that the snow emergency and parking ban currently in effect will be lifted today at 4:00 p.m. Residents parked in participating discounted lots and garages must remove their cars by 6:00 p.m. to avoid being charged regular rates.

Mayor Michelle Wu declares a snow emergency ahead of the forecasted winter storm that is expected to begin early morning on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 and continue into the evening. Total snow accumulations are expected to range between 8 to 12 inches. 

The following city service changes are in effect: 

A parking ban is in effect starting at 10:00PM Monday. The parking ban will allow for snow clearing operations to take place. The Public Works Department (PWD) will have equipment to treat Boston's roads prior to the snowfall starting, and the City has the ability to put over 800 pieces of equipment on City streets. The PWD currently has 40,000 tons of salt on hand. 

Once the snow emergency goes into effect, vehicles parked on major roads and main arteries will be towed. Please move your car.  

Snow Emergency Artery / Parking Restricted: Fort Point & South Boston Waterfront

A Street
B Street
Boston Wharf Road
Congress Street
Summer Street
D Street
Northern Avenue
Seaport Blvd
W First Street

Residents may begin parking at participating garages starting at 8:00PM. Discounted parking ends two hours after the snow emergency is lifted. View complete list of restricted streets. 

Participating South Boston Garages

BOSTON CONVENTION & CIVIC CENTER
SOUTH PARKING LOT
415 SUMMER STREET
617-954-2000
NO FEE
For Fort Point, Seaport & South Boston residents only. 

CHANNEL CENTER GARAGE
116 WEST FIRST STREET
617-269-1830
$10 FOR EACH DAY
Please bring a valid driver’s license with a City of Boston address to the garage office. Oversized vehicles not allowed. 

DCR PARKING LOT AT CASTLE ISLAND
2010 DAY BLVD
NO FEE

MARINE PARK GARAGE
12 DRYDOCK AVENUE
617-482-2487
$1 FOR EACH NIGHT
The discount is only for South Boston residents. You need to have a South Boston resident sticker on your vehicle. Snow emergency parking on the fourth floor only.

SOUTH BOSTON WATERFRONT TRANSPORTATION CENTER
503 CONGRESS ST OR WORLD TRADE CENTER AVE.
(857) 350-4569
Free parking for South Boston residents starting at 6pm tonight through Wednesday, February 14th at 9am. Before exiting, please visit the parking office on the 2nd floor to validate your ticket.  You will need to show your license or documentation with your name and street address to verify residency. 

MUNICIPAL LOT #018
450 WEST BROADWAY: NO CHARGE

MUNICIPAL LOT #021
650-652 EAST BROADWAY: NO CHARGE

A full list of discounted garages is available at boston.gov.

Closures: Boston Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Boston City Hall and other municipal buildings will also be closed.

Looking out for others: Please check on neighbors. If you see individuals experiencing homelessness or vulnerable individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the weather, please call 911. 

Snow removal: 

• Property owners must fully clear snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends, or three hours after sunrise if the snow ends overnight.
• You can assist in keeping hydrants clear of snow so the Boston Fire Department can access them quickly in case of emergency. For a map of catch basins and fire hydrants, visit here.

You have 48 hours to use a space saver after the end of a snow emergency. After that, you must remove it from the street.

For more information on today's snow emergency and winter and cold weather safety tips, visit boston.gov/snow. 

To sign up for emergency alerts and parking notifications, click here.

Mayor Wu Declares Snow Emergency, Parking Ban In Effect Friday At 9 PM

updated at 3pm with South Boston Waterfront Transportation Center free parking information provided by State Representative David Biele. See below under participating garages. 

Mayor Michelle Wu today declared a snow emergency ahead of the forecasted winter storm that is expected to begin early Saturday morning and continue into Sunday. Total snow accumulations are expected to range between 18 to 24 inches, with winds as high as 40-50 mph are expected. Residents are advised that a parking ban will take effect starting at 9:00 p.m. tonight. Once the snow emergency goes into effect, vehicles parked on major roads and main arteries will be towed. The City is urging residents to abide by snow regulations and encouraging all drivers to use caution if traveling. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston and to call 311 for non-emergency related issues. For any emergency, residents should call 911.

• A snow emergency has been declared, starting Friday, January 28, at 9 p.m. A parking ban will also take effect at that time and all vehicles parked on a posted snow emergency artery will be towed to allow for snow clearing operations to take place. Boston residents with a resident sticker can find a list of free and discounted garages online, and parking at participating garages will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday. Discounted parking starts two hours before the declaration of a snow emergency, and ends two hours after lifting the emergency.

• Snow Emergency Artery / Parking Restricted: Fort Point & Seaport

• A Street
  Boston Wharf Rd
  Congress Street
  D Street
  Northern Avenue
  Seaport Blvd
  Summer Street

  Residents can find a complete list of city streets and discounted garages here and begin parking at participating garages starting at 7:00 p.m. today. 

  Participating South Boston Garages
  

  BOSTON CONVENTION & CIVIC CENTER
  SOUTH PARKING LOT
  415 SUMMER STREET
  617-954-2000
  NO FEE
  For Fort Point, Seaport & South Boston residents only. 

  CHANNEL CENTER GARAGE
  116 WEST FIRST STREET
  617-269-1830
  $10 FOR EACH DAY
  Please bring a valid driver’s license with a City of Boston address to the garage office. Oversized vehicles not allowed. 

  MARINE PARK GARAGE
  12 DRYDOCK AVENUE
  617-482-2487
  $1 FOR EACH NIGHT
  The discount is only for South Boston residents. You need to have a South Boston resident sticker on your vehicle. Snow emergency parking on the fourth floor only.
  
  SOUTH BOSTON WATERFRONT TRANSPORTATION CENTER
  503 CONGRESS ST OR WORLD TRADE CENTER AVE.
  (857) 350-4569
  Free parking for South Boston residents starting at 6pm tonight through Monday at 9am.
  Please bring license or documentation with your name and street address. 

  MUNICIPAL LOT #018
  450 WEST BROADWAY: NO CHARGE

  MUNICIPAL LOT #021
  650-652 EAST BROADWAY: NO CHARGE

• You have 48 hours to use a space saver after the end of an emergency. After that, you must remove it from the street. Please note that space savers are banned in the South End.  

• Nighttime street sweeping on main roads, arteries, and commercial roads is canceled until further notice. Updates will be provided on Boston.gov when night time street sweeping is scheduled to resume.
• As indicated in signage posted in BPS school parking lots, parking is not allowed in these lots during snowstorms. Vehicles may be towed if they are parked in BPS parking lots during the snow emergency. Towing could start on Saturday and could continue through the weekend until lots are cleared.
• Trash and recycling pick-up will continue on a regular schedule on Friday (January 28) and resume on Monday (January 31). Residents are encouraged to download the Trash Day App for more information on their trash and recycling pick-up schedule. 

All BCYF community centers and the Boston Public Library will be closed on Saturday.

The Public Works Department (PWD) will have equipment to treat Boston's roads prior to the snowfall starting, and the City has the ability to put over 850 pieces of equipment on city streets. The PWD currently has 38,000 tons of salt on hand.

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is in constant contact with the National Weather Service to receive detailed forecast updates for the City of Boston and to ensure City departments have plans in place to handle the weather. Residents can sign up to receive AlertBoston notifications by phone, text, or email. Residents can call 311 for non-emergency issues.

Rules on clearing snow:

• Property owners must fully clear snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends, or three hours after sunrise if the snow ends overnight. Curb and pedestrian ramps to the street should be cleared fully and continually over the duration of the storm to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. If the storm lasts for an extended period of time, property owners are asked to continually check and clear ramps abutting their property.
• Removal of snow and ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited.
• Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines issued by PWD's Code Enforcement Division. Fines associated with improper removal of snow can be found online.

Caring for vulnerable populations:

• If you see individuals experiencing homelessness or vulnerable individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the weather, please call 911.
• During extreme cold weather, street outreach teams operate with extended hours and provide mobile outreach vans on the streets in the evening and throughout the day. 

Safety tips:

• Keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear. For a map of catch basins and fire hydrants, visit here. You can assist in keeping hydrants clear of snow so the Boston Fire Department can access them quickly in case of emergency.

• Shoveling snow requires significant exertion; please be cautious and pay attention to signs of overexertion. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly.

• Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for pedestrians and drivers. Please take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that might limit visibility.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should use their home heating systems wisely and safely, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the home. Call 911 immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Sitting in a car while idling can be deadly if the tailpipe is blocked. Do not let children sit in an idling car while shoveling. Clear any household exhaust pipes (e.g. gas exhaust for heating systems or dryers) and vehicle exhaust pipes of snow.

For more information visit Winter Storm Tips and Cold Safety Tips. 

Stay safe and warm. 

Mayor Walsh Declares Snow Emergency. Parking Ban Starts at 6PM

 MAYOR WALSH DECLARES SNOW EMERGENCY
PARKING BAN IN EFFECT TODAY AT 6 P.M.

Total snow accumulations may range between 9 to 13 inches, with the potential to up to 15 inches in some areas, and winds as high as 45 mph are expected. Residents are advised that a parking ban is in effect starting at 6:00 p.m., when vehicles parked on the street will start to be towed. The City is urging residents to abide by snow regulations and all commuters to utilize caution when traveling during the Thursday commutes. Dry weather paired with colder temperatures and wind chill are anticipated on Thursday and Friday following the storm. 

"Boston hasn't seen a sizable snowstorm since March of 2019 -- over 21 months ago. I am urging everyone to be ready and prepared," said Mayor Walsh. "I ask all our residents and workers to be alert and remain cautious on our roads and sidewalks. Our Public Works Department (PWD) will be working hard to pre-treat and clean our roads during this snowfall, and I thank them for their hard work. We are asking residents and businesses to do their part by staying safe, shoveling their sidewalks, walkways, catch basins, and fire hydrants, and looking out for one another as neighbors. The City of Boston will continue to share updates throughout the storm."

A snow emergency has been declared. A parking ban is in effect starting today, Wednesday, December 16 at 6:00 p.m. All vehicles parked on a posted snow emergency artery will be towed beginning at 6:00 p.m. today. 

Snow Emergency Artery / Parking Restricted: Fort Point & Seaport

A Street
Boston Wharf Rd
Congress Street
D Street
Northern Avenue
Seaport Blvd
Summer Street

Residents can find a complete list of city streets and discounted garages here and begin parking at participating garages starting at 4:00 p.m. today. 

Participating South Boston Garages

THE ALYX GARAGE
59 EAST SERVICE ROAD
$10.00 PER DAY-EACH NEW DAY STARTS AT 5AM. 
No restrictions, rate available to all parkers. 

CHANNEL CENTER GARAGE
116 WEST FIRST STREET
617-269-1830
$10 FOR EACH 24-HOUR PERIOD
Please bring a valid driver’s license with a City of Boston address to the garage office.

BPDA/EDIC GARAGE
12 DRYDOCK AVENUE
617-482-2487
$1 FOR EACH NIGHT
The discount is only for South Boston residents. You need to have a South Boston resident sticker on your vehicle.
The garage only allows snow emergency parking on the fourth floor.

MUNICIPAL LOT #018
450 WEST BROADWAY: NO CHARGE

MUNICIPAL LOT #021
650-652 EAST BROADWAY: NO CHARGE

• Trash and Recycling pick-up is cancelled citywide on Thursday, December 17. Neighborhoods with a Thursday and Friday pick-up schedule will be delayed by one day. Residents are encouraged to download the Trash Day App.  

• Starting at midnight, Street Sweeping is cancelled until further notice. 

• All Boston Public Schools (BPS) school buildings will be closed. All students, including students who were scheduled to report for in-person learning, will attend classes online for a partial day that will end 2.5 hours earlier than the regularly scheduled dismissal time. There will be no in-person learning on Thursday.   

• As indicated in signage posted in BPS school parking lots, parking is not allowed during snowstorms. Vehicles may be towed if they are parked in BPS parking lots this evening.

• All BPS meal distribution sites will be open today Wednesday, December 16 until 6:00 p.m. instead of Thursday, December 17. Other meal sites in the City will also be closed on Thursday, December 17. They will be open today to distribute extra meals. Residents are encouraged to check with their meal site for hours. 

• The City-sponsored mobile COVID-19 testing sites at Washington Park Mall and 1432 Hyde Park Avenue will be closed on Thursday. For other updates on testing site availability and closures, please check hours of operation here.  

Boston City Hall and all City departments will be closed on Thursday, December 17. Boston Public Library locations will be closed, including BPL To Go services. Residents with appointments scheduled on Thursday, December 17 will be contacted by City departments to reschedule. All Boston Centers for Youth & Families are closed and in person programming is cancelled.  

The Public Works Department will have equipment to pre-treat Boston's roads prior to the snowfall starting and has the ability to put over 600 pieces of equipment on City streets. The Public Works Department currently has 44,000 tons of salt on hand.

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is in constant contact with the National Weather Service to receive detailed forecasts for the City of Boston and ensure City departments have plans in place to handle the forecast. Residents can sign up to receive AlertBoston notifications by phone, text, or email. Residents can call 311 for non-emergency related issues. 

Rules on clearing snow:

• Property owners must fully clear snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends or three hours after sunrise if the snow ends overnight. Curb and pedestrian ramps to the street should be cleared fully and continually over the duration of the storm to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. If a storm will last over an extended period of time, property owners are asked to continually check ramps abutting their property for compliance. 

• Removal of snow, ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited. 

• Failure to comply with the rules can result in fines issued by PWD's Code Enforcement Division. Fines associated with improper removal of snow can be found here. 

Caring for vulnerable populations:

• If you see homeless and vulnerable individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the cold, please call 911.

• The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) coordinates a city-wide network of emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies and first responders to assist those in need of shelter.

• Boston's emergency shelters are open 24 hours and will accept any person in need. Men can access shelter at the 112 Southampton Street Shelter, and women should go to the Woods-Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and the City work closely with shelter providers in the city to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a warm respite from the cold.

• The City brought over 200 beds for the winter spread throughout sites in Brighton, Mission Hill and downtown. Additionally, the City worked with the State to add additional capacity in locations surrounding and outside of Boston.

• The BPHC Engagement Center is open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In addition to providing an indoor heated space, it offers a range of basic amenities and comfort items, such as clean bathroom facilities, water, coffee, and light snacks.

• During extreme cold weather, street outreach teams operate with extended hours and provide mobile outreach vans on the streets in the evening and throughout the day.

Winter Storm Warning: Snow Emergency, Parking Ban & Boston Public Schools Closed

updated 3/14/18 at 1:50pm: Snow emergency and parking ban will be lifted at 5pm. You have until 7pm to move your car from a discounted garage or pay full price. 

updated 3/13/18 at 5:30pm: Boston Publics schools will be closed tomorrow. There is still a snow emergency and parking ban in the City.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning. Total snow accumulation of 12 to 18 inches is expected. Boston Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, March 13. A snow emergency and parking ban go into effect in Boston beginning at 7 PM tonight (March 12).

You may begin parking at participating lots and garages two hours before a declared snow emergency. You must remove your vehicle within two hours of the City lifting the emergency ban. If you don't remove your vehicle in time, you will subject to the standard parking rate.

Some garages only allow residents from certain Boston neighborhoods to park. Other garages allow all Boston residents to park. Please check the "fee and information" section for each garage below to make sure you qualify for the discount.

South Boston Discounted Garages & Lots

Boston Convention Center
415 Summer Street
617-954-2222

No Charge. The discount is only for South Boston residents. You'll need to provide proof of your residency. After the parking ban is lifted, you have two hours to remove your vehicle. If you don't, your car will be towed at your expense.

Channel Center Garage
116 West First Street
617-269-1830

$10 for each 24-hour period. Please bring a valid driver’s license with a City of Boston address to the garage office.

BPDA/EDIC Garage
12 Drydock Avenue
617-482-2487

$1 for each night. The discount is only for South Boston residents. You need to have a South Boston resident sticker on your vehicle. The garage only allows snow emergency parking on the fourth floor.

Municipal Lot #018
450 West Broadway
No Charge

Municipal Lot #021
650-652 East Broadway

No Charge

Space Saver Etiquette

Did you use a trash can, cone, or some other object to save your parking space on the street? Here's what you need to know:

·        You can only use a space saver when the City declares a snow emergency.

·        You have 48 hours to use a space saver after we end an emergency. After that, you must remove it from the street.

For more information on restricted streets, clearing snow and winter storm tips, visit boston.gov/winter.

Mayor Declares Snow Emergency & School Closing

updated 3/14/17: Snow emergency and parking ban ends at 7 am on Wednesday. If you parked your car at a discounted garage or parking lot, you have until 9 am to remove your car and receive the discounted rate. Boston Public Schools will be closed Wednesday, March 14th. 

Boston Public Schools will close for the fourth time this winter on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. A snow emergency and parking ban starts at 7 am Tuesday. The purpose of the parking ban is to keep major roadways accessible to plows and emergency vehicles. 

Cars parked on snow emergency routes will be ticketed and towed. In Fort Point, the following roads are subject to the parking ban: A St., Congress St., Northern Ave., Seaport Blvd. (from Atlantic Ave. to B St.), and Summer Street. 

Parking at discounted garages starts at 5 am. To receive discounted rates at selected garages you may park up to  two hours before a snow emergency and must depart within two hours after a snow emergency is lifted. Check with the garage for rates and details. Closest Fort Point garages are the BCEC parking lot (entrance Cypher St) and the Channel Center Garage. You must show proof of South Boston residency to receive discounted rate. More details at Boston.gov.

Stay warm and don't forget to check on your neighbors. 

Snow Emergency Ends 8am Monday

UPDATE: Snow emergency ends at 8am. Parkers have until 10am to move their cars at the discounted rate. 

The City of Boston closed Boston Public Schools Monday and declared a Snow Emergency and Parking Ban which went into effect at 8:00 pm Sunday.

While parking on these parking ban is in effect, those with resident stickers can park at the following garages:

·      BCEC South Lot: 1300 spots for those with resident stickers and entrance is accessible via Cypher Street

·      Channel Center Garage: entrance is accessible via 116 West 1^st Streetand residents may park at a discounted rate of $10 per day.  Must show proof of residency at garage office for validation.

·      BRA/EDIC Garage: accessible via 12 Drydock Avenue and parking is $1 per night for vehicles with South Boston resident stickers. Snow emergency parking is available on the 4^th floor of the garage.

·      Municipal Lot #018: 60 spaces accessible via 450 West Broadway

·      Municipal Lot #021: 22 spots accessible via 650 E Broadway

Stay warm and don't forget to check in on your neighbors. 

City Declares Snow Emergency For Thursday

updated 2.10.17 Parking ban lifted at 8am. If you parked in a discounted garage, move your car by 10am or pay regular rates. Boston Public Schools are closed Friday.

Boston Public Schools are closed Thursday. A snow emergency and parking ban starts at 10 a.m. on Thursday. 

Cars parked on snow emergency routes will be ticketed and towed. In Fort Point, the following roads are subject to the parking ban: A St., Congress St., Northern Ave., Seaport Blvd. (from Atlantic Ave. to B St.), and Summer Street. 

You may begin parking at discounted garages at 8 a.m. To receive discounted rates at selected garages you may park up to  two hours before a snow emergency and must depart within two hours after snow emergency is lifted. Check with the garage for rates and details. Closest Fort Point garages are the BCEC parking lot (entrance Cypher St) and the Channel Center Garage. You must show proof of South Boston residency to receive discounted rate. More details at Boston.gov. 

originally posted 02.08.17

City of Boston Snow Announcements

Update: Snow parking ban in effect until
 5:00 PM Wednesday, February 11, 2015 

Mayor Walsh declared a snow emergency parking ban in the City of Boston starting at 4pm on February 8, 2015. Residents have until 6pm to remove their cars from snow emergency routes before being ticketed. 

Discounted parking starts at 4pm at municipal lots and select private garages. Cars must enter by 6pm and depart two hours after the parking ban is lifted. The closest municipal lot for Fort Point resident parking sticker holders is the BCEC parking lot (free); entrance via Cypher St. The Channel Center Garage is offering $10/day parking starting at 4pm today. Cars parked in the Channel Center Garage must exit within 24 hours after the parking ban is lifted. The Seaport Boston Hotel is offering discounted parking rates of $10 per day to South Boston residents. Please show a valid ID at the parking office. View complete list of alternative parking choices at City of Boston.

Boston Public Schools will be closed Monday and Tuesday. All community meetings are cancelled for Monday, February 9th. 

The Governor will be making an announcement on whether a travel ban will be in effect. 

originally posted 2.8.15

Parking Ban In Effect Monday 6am

Mayor Walsh declared a snow emergency and parking ban in the City of Boston effective Monday at 6am. Illegally parked cars will be ticketed and towed beginning at 8:00am.  Boston Public Schools are closed.

Governor Declares State of Emergency

Governor Baker has declared a state of emergency for the upcoming blizzard.  As a result, a travel ban will go in effect in Massachusetts beginning at midnight Monday, January 26, 2015 until further notice.  

According to the Massachusetts State Police, there will be a $500 fine for violating this ban.

The MBTA has also canceled its services for Tuesday until further notice.

The City of Boston parking ban is in effect starting today at 6pm. Discounted parking starts at 4pm. The closest municipal lot for Fort Point resident parking sticker holders is the BCEC parking lot (free). Enter via Cypher St. Cars must exit two hours after parking ban is lifted. The Gillette lot on A Street between Binford & Necco Streets will “raise the gate” at 5 pm tonight (no charge).  You must be out prior to 7 am on Wednesday, January 28th or there will be a fee. The Channel Center Garage is offering $10/day parking. 

All City of Boston community meetings are cancelled for Monday, January 26th and Tuesday, January 27th. The FPNA Neighborhood January 27th meeting is rescheduled to Tuesday, February 10th. Other updates and rescheduled meetings will be posted.