Massachusetts State of Emergency: Boston Blizzard Warning, School Closings & Everything to Know Monday Feb. 23

A major nor'easter is slamming Boston and all of Massachusetts right now. Governor Maura Healey has declared a Massachusetts state of emergency, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has issued a snow emergency and parking ban, and school closings are in effect across the state. This is Boston's first blizzard warning in four years — and forecasters say it could be historic.

Current Boston Weather Conditions

Massachusetts State of Emergency: What It Means

Governor Maura Healey has declared a State of Emergency for Massachusetts, activated the State Emergency Operations Center, activated up to 200 National Guard members, and directed non-emergency Executive Department state employees to work remotely on Monday, February 23. Widespread amounts of 12 to 24 inches of snow are expected Sunday night through Monday afternoon. Strong snow bands are expected to develop Sunday night with accumulation rates of 2 or more inches per hour. Wind gusts are expected to reach 40 to 60 mph across the state, with some reaching 70 mph for Cape Cod and the Islands.

For the first time in four years, a Blizzard Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in Massachusetts. The warning covers the entire North and South Shores, Boston, Norfolk County, Plymouth County, Bristol County, Cape Cod, and Martha's Vineyard. Parts of the state, including Boston, could receive 2 feet of snow.

Boston Snow Emergency & Parking Ban

Mayor Michelle Wu declared a snow emergency with a parking ban effective at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 22. Once in effect, vehicles parked on major roads and main arteries will be towed. Residents with a resident sticker can find free and discounted garage parking. Curbside trash and recycling collection is cancelled citywide Monday, with all neighborhoods experiencing a one-day delay.

School Closings MA: Boston & Beyond

All Boston Public Schools and central offices will be closed Monday, February 23, 2026. All BPS extracurricular activities, sports, and programs on Sunday night and Monday are also canceled. Boston City Hall, Public Library branches, and Boston Centers for Youth & Families will all be closed. Many schools across Massachusetts have already canceled class on Monday, which is the first day students were scheduled to return from winter break.

Parking Bans Across Massachusetts

Parking bans are in effect across multiple communities, including Boston (starting 2 p.m. Sunday), Brookline (9 p.m. Sunday), Cambridge (9 a.m. Sunday), Chelsea (6 p.m. Sunday), and Everett. Abington's ban runs from 8 p.m. Sunday through 6 a.m. Tuesday.

WCVB & WBZ Weather Forecast: Key Impacts

WCVB meteorologists are warning of blizzard conditions likely overnight through early Monday morning with snowfall rates of 2–4 inches per hour. The snowfall will be wet and concrete-like, especially along the coast and southeastern Massachusetts. Power outages are a top concern, as heavy, wet snow combined with 50–70 mph gusts will lead to widespread issues. Minor to moderate coastal flooding is also expected during high tides with a 2–3 foot storm surge.

What to Expect for the Rest of the Week

MassDOT has over 3,000 pieces of equipment available for deployment across the Commonwealth. Non-emergency vehicles should be off the roads beginning Sunday evening. Officials are urging all Massachusetts residents to stay home, charge devices in preparation for potential power outages, and check on elderly neighbors and vulnerable individuals throughout the storm.