Snowstorm hits Massachusetts: Up to 20 inches of snow causes school closures, travel disruptions, and power outages

A winter storm swept across much of the United States over the weekend, leaving Massachusetts and New England with massive snow while spreading freezing rain, ice, and bitter cold in southern, central, and eastern states. With over a foot of snow since Sunday, several Bay Staters are using shovels and snowblowers for the second or third time. Some towns could view almost 2 feet of snow by the storm’s end. Meteorologist Danielle Noyes states that the snow is likely to end between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., while temperatures will continue to be in the teens and 20s before reducing further. Wind chills might reach 10 degrees below zero, featuring a frigid week ahead.

Highest Snow Totals Across Essex and Worcester Counties

Communities in Essex County and Worcester County reported the huge snow deposits , with some places getting around 20 inches. Southern New England continues to be in a winter storm warning through 8 p.m., with an extra 1–5 inches of snow expected. Around 2,100 residents were without power early Monday, according to Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) details. Most of the snow has been powdery, so widespread tree destruction is not anticipated.

State Officials Warn Residents and Close Schools

Gov. Maura Healey recommended people in coastal regions to brace for the largest precipitation Monday, warning of possible power interruptions. Authorities urged staying off the roads. Schools and businesses in the state remained shut, and non-essential state staff were asked to work from home. Phil Eng, head of the MBTA, stated trains ran overnight to make the tracks clear. The state opened 40 warming shelters with a combined capacity of approximately 2,000 individuals, according to MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. The storm impacted almost two-thirds of the U.S., resulting in snow, freezing rain, and record-shattering cold. Thousands of flights were canceled, vehicles slid off icy roads, and almost 1 million power outages were reported in the South.

Power Outages and Icy Roads

Freezing rain resulted in widespread icing on roads and downed power lines in areas of the Midwest, South, and Mid-Atlantic. Over 1 million electricity customers initially in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas, lost power. A Mississippi utility reported “catastrophic damage” that could take weeks to fix. In Nashville, Tennessee, ice caused almost 200,000 residences and businesses to lose power. Millions of Americans continued to be indoors, with more than 12,000 flights canceled this past weekend. The National Weather Service predicts up to a foot and a half of snow in parts of New England through Monday. While the heaviest snow has passed, slick roads and continued deposits remain a hazard.

FAQs:

Q1. What caused the winter storm?
A powerful low-pressure system blended with Arctic air led to heavy snow, freezing rain, and extreme cold. The storm moved across much of the central and eastern U.S., impacting millions.

Q2. How much snow fell in Massachusetts?
Some towns and cities reported almost 2 feet of snow, with Essex and Worcester counties viewing the highest totals. Most regions received over a foot of deposists.