Walsh: ‘Stay Indoors,’ Parking Ban in Effect ‘Until Further Notice’
A somber Mayor Marty Walsh asked residents to stay in their homes and off the streets until the latest winter storm passes. He also said the city’s parking ban would stay in effect “until further notice’’ during a Sunday morning press conference.
“I just ask people to stay off the roads today,’’ said Walsh. “Even if you’re walking, don’t walk on the main streets.’’
Walsh said the snow emergency parking ban will remain in place in the city until further notice. 395 vehicles have been ticketed, and 266 were towed overnight.
“Everybody’s getting aggravated being in the house, but I ask you to stay calm and stay focused,’’ he said. “Stay off the roads, stay indoors, and stay safe as best you can for the entire day today.’’
City plows will continue to run over the next 72 hours, said Walsh. But with whiteout conditions and winds reaching up to 50 miles per hour later today, the mayor cautioned that streets plowed by the city may end up looking like they have not been touched, and shoveling may become a longer process. Full snow removal will continue tomorrow night, he said, and snow melting at the snow farms will continue day and night.
Walsh asked for patience, but urged residents to contact the city about streets that have not been plowed.
“Let us know,’’ he said. “We’re doing our best.’’
Numbered streets in South Boston have been changed to one way streets to help with snow removal, a change that is effective until April 1st. Walsh said similar opportunities are being looked at in other parts of the city.
Walsh said he’s been in contact with the MBTA and Governor Charlie Baker as the strained transit system’s leaders assess operations for Monday and Tuesday.
Throughout the press conference, Walsh said his main concern is for public safety. He urged people to check heating vents and tail pipes to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, shovel carefully with the cold temperatures and amount of snow, and check on neighbors who may need assistance.
“This is historic,’’ he said. “We’ve never seen this type of snow in this type of period in the history of this city.’’
All in all, he said, everyone has to be patient.
“It’s going to be a slow process,’’ he said.
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