Massachusetts Blizzard Snowfall Totals: Whitman Hits 33.7 Inches as Bomb Cyclone Paralyzes Region

Massachusetts Blizzard Snowfall Totals surged into record territory as a historic bomb cyclone on Monday dumped more than two feet of snow on parts of southern New England, produced hurricane‑force wind gusts on islands, and prompted the state’s first travel ban in over a decade. The storm is the first blizzard to hit New England since 2022 and has left widespread outages and travel restrictions as communities begin to dig out.

Massachusetts Blizzard Snowfall Totals

Whitman recorded 33. 7 inches, setting a new 24‑hour snowfall total record in Massachusetts; the previous mark was 29 inches in Natick during the April Fools’ Day storm in 1997. Logan Airport in Boston recorded 16. 9 inches, while Dighton, New Bedford, Swansea, and Taunton all reported totals of more than two feet from Monday’s nor’easter. Dozens of school districts across the state will be closed Tuesday for a second straight day as officials and residents assess accumulations and hazards.

Bomb cyclone development and storm characteristics

The nor’easter accelerated Sunday night into a bomb cyclone, undergoing bombogenesis — a rapid intensification defined by a central pressure drop of 24 millibars or greater within 24 hours. The system produced blinding snow, brutal winds, and even episodes of thundersnow, particularly impacting Cape Cod and the South Coast. Snow fell heavily for hours while high winds whipped through the region, creating whiteout conditions and dangerous roadways.

Power outages and restoration challenges

The storm knocked out power to more than a quarter‑million residents. As of late Monday night there were still more than 269, 534 power outages in Massachusetts. Winds slow to die down have delayed restoration work: crews in bucket trucks cannot safely reach downed lines until winds abate in some areas, and roads must be cleared for crews to access problem locations. State officials warned residents they could be facing a multiday power restoration and asked the public to be patient.

Travel ban, enforcement and transit impacts

Governor Maura Healey issued a travel ban in the four hardest hit counties — Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, and Plymouth — and also imposed a ban on non‑essential vehicle travel in a large section of Southeastern Massachusetts because of dangerous road conditions. Those caught violating the travel ban could face a $500 fine. State Police reported responding to more than 400 disabled vehicles on the state’s roadways through Monday afternoon. The MBTA will continue to operate Tuesday with reduced service.

Coastal winds, airport totals and regional records

The storm lashed coastal areas, with some towns on Cape Cod and the Islands reporting winds topping 70 miles per hour. Nantucket recorded a 78‑mph wind gust shortly after 10: 30 a. m., the strength of a Category 1 hurricane. The system paralyzed road travel and grounded hundreds of local flights. The storm also hit Rhode Island hard and broke records there set by the Blizzard of ’78; by 8 p. m. T. F. Green Airport had reached 37. 9 inches.

Local impacts, officials and the unanswered National Guard reference

Downed power lines, felled trees, and abandoned and stuck cars complicated the state’s response. In Scituate, residents were told to brace for multiple days without power; Town Administrator James Boudreau said, “Things are a mess. ” Jonathan Darling, a spokesperson for the city of New Bedford, noted the severity of the accumulations, saying thirty inches of snow was no joke. Governor Healey described the storm as a major event in an afternoon press conference, saying, “This storm has been a doozy. ”

The context references the National Guard, but the provided information about its role is unclear in the provided context.

What comes next

Communities across southern New England will move from response to recovery as winds ease and crews gain access to damaged infrastructure. Expect multi‑day restoration timelines for power in the hardest hit areas, continued travel restrictions where roads remain impassable, and extended school closures as municipalities continue snow removal. Road and utility access remain the primary constraints on full restoration of services.