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| 麻州州長Maura Healey 提醒州民座仿預防風雪準備。 |
(Boston Orange 綜合報導) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 今 (12)日下午3點，率同相關人員在高速公路營運中心召開記者會，向麻州人民報告州政府的因應風雪相關說明，並宣佈麻州政府非必要員工，13日不要到州政府上班。
奚莉州長指出，這場風雪並不會是個破紀錄的大風雪，但根據氣象局預測，會對地方有不小衝擊，很可能會有淹水、停電等情況，希望居民們在非必要情況下別出門，做好預防風雪的準備。
國家氣象局已經發出，從13日星期二的凌晨一點起的冬日暴風雪警告。
麻州緊急管理局主任Dawn
Brantley，交通廳廳長Monica Tibbits-Nutt，能源及環境事務廳廳長Rebecca
Tepper，麻州地鐵總經理伍偉華 (Phil Eng)，麻州交通廳高速公路主管Jonathan
Gulliver等人，隨同州長一起出席了記者會。
奚莉州長表示，13日麻州地鐵將照常運行，只有麥特潘 (Mattapan) 輕軌 (trolley
line)的穿梭銜接巴士會暫停服務。但是當然情況可能有變，民眾出門前最好先查詢一下地鐵的營運狀態。
麻州政府稍後也發出新聞稿，提醒州民如何防範暴風雪，包括出門路上小心，開車前及早清除車上積雪，在前後車輛之間，保留足夠空間，以防車輛滑行。手機、電腦，以及醫療設備等電器用品先充滿電，準備好一套急救包，額外預備冬天的衣服及毛毯，親自檢查
一下一氧化碳偵測器是否運作正常等。
麻州緊急管理局主任Dawn
Brantley表示，該局東西部區域緊急營運中心 (REOCs)將於13日啟動外展功能，隨時因應地方資源需求。
麻州交通廳促請民眾，13日如需出門，應及早做準備。該局將在@MassDOT的推特帳號上，實時更新天氣對道路影響的相關狀況。
多人共乘車輛車道將關閉，所有的汽車監理處
(RMV)服務中心也將關閉，需本人親自出席的聆訊或路考，將重新排期。網上的駕照聆訊預約將仍照常辦理。
麻州交通廳廳長Monica Tibbits-Nutt鼓勵民眾嚇在Mass511手機應用程式，或上網到www.mass511.com，藉由州政府的相機，查察實時路況，或者撥打511，在挑選一條路線來聆聽路況。
麻州地鐵
(MBTA)鼓勵民眾訂閱該機構在推特 (X) 上的T-Alert
(地鐵提醒)，包括@MBTA, @MBTA_CR, 和@MBTA_CR_Alerts，或者上網mbta.com/winter，以獲取最新服務資訊。 (更新版)
Healey-Driscoll
Administration Issues Safety Reminders Ahead of Anticipated Winter Storm
Weather experts anticipate a high-impact winter storm;
Non-emergency state employees have been directed to work from home; RMV sites
will be closed Tuesday
BOSTON – In anticipation of the winter storm expected to bring 8-12" of snow across much of the state, the Healey-Driscoll Administration invites Massachusetts residents to plan ahead and review storm safety tips. Information from the National Weather Service Boston/Norton Office indicates a winter storm will impact the region beginning early Tuesday morning, bringing the possibility of hazardous travel, scattered power outages, and coastal flooding. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning beginning at 1 a.m. Tuesday. With the heaviest precipitation expected during both the Tuesday morning and evening commutes, the administration encourages public preparedness.
Additionally, Governor Healey has directed that non-emergency state employees working in Executive Branch agencies should not report to their workplaces on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.
“Although we don’t anticipate a record-breaking snowfall, our administration has been taking early steps to ensure we are prepared to keep the people of Massachusetts safe – and we encourage everyone to do the same,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Recognizing that we’re no strangers to snowy winters, I'm asking Massachusetts residents to take steps to protect yourselves and your loved ones by making sure your homes stay safely heated and traveling on roads with extra care. Please also take some time to check in on your neighbors to make sure everyone stays warm and safe.”
“While the details of this storm are still coming into focus, the Governor and I have been in close communication with our partners in government to address any impact on our cities and towns,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We appreciate essential frontline workers who are going above and beyond to ensure the state can safely function in weather events like this and ask members of the public to do their part in that effort this weekend.”
How Residents Can Prepare
Plan ahead and take care when traveling on the roads. Clear snow and ice from your vehicle’s windows, lights, hood, and roof before driving. Utilize safe winter driving practices, including leaving extra room for braking and stopping in slippery travel conditions. Don't crowd the plow or maintenance vehicles. Stay back at least 200 feet and don't pass on the right. Prepare for possible power outages. Fully charge your cellphone, laptop, and any essential electronic devices before the storm. Ensure you have extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices. Take stock of your emergency kit and ensure it includes seasonal supplies, such as extra winter clothing and blankets.
Manually check your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors to make sure they work correctly and have fresh batteries. During and after the storm, check your outside fuel exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice.
Additional tips on what to do before, during, and after a winter storm can be found at Mass.gov/Snow.
“MEMA held a coordination call with Governor Healey and state partners this morning, and we remain in close contact with the National Weather Service Boston/Norton as we monitor the impending weather,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “We are prepared to facilitate any requests for assistance that may arise from communities impacted by this winter storm and encourage residents to stay informed of conditions and follow instructions from public safety officials.”
MEMA's Eastern and Western Regional Emergency Operations Centers (REOCs) will activate tomorrow to facilitate outreach to communities as the storm progresses through the Massachusetts and respond to any local resource requests.
MassDOT
MassDOT is advising the public to plan ahead if traveling Monday night through Tuesday afternoon as snowfall in most regions will make for challenging driving conditions and poor visibility. MassDOT has made necessary preparations for snowplows and snow removal staff and will deploy equipment as necessary across the state. For real-time updates on roadway impacts, follow @MassDOT on X
(formerly known as Twitter).
The HOV lane will be closed on Tuesday. In addition, all RMV service centers will be closed, and in-person hearings and road tests will be rescheduled. Online Driver License hearing appointments will still be held.
“With a severe winter storm approaching, we’re encouraging everyone to make preparations ahead of time to avoid unnecessary trips on the road,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “If you must travel during the storm, plan to allow for extra time, travel at reduced speeds,
anticipate slippery conditions, and monitor MassDOT resources to stay updated on roadway conditions.”
For information on traffic conditions travelers are encouraged to:
· Download the Mass511 mobile app or visit www.mass511.com to view
live cameras, travel times, real-time traffic conditions, and project
information before setting out on the road. Users can subscribe to receive text
and email alerts for traffic conditions.
· Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions.
MBTA
The MBTA and Keolis Boston are prepared for Tuesday’s winter weather and will continue to coordinate with meteorological experts and other teams as necessary. Riders are encouraged to subscribe to T-Alerts or to follow the MBTA on X (the site formerly known as Twitter) @MBTA, @MBTA_CR, and @MBTA_CR_Alerts for up-to-date service information. Riders can also visit the T’s Winter Travel Guide at mbta.com/winter.
Service details are below:
· Subway: Mattapan Line service will be suspended and replaced with shuttle buses from start to end of service tomorrow, February 13, in order to accommodate expected accumulated snowfall and to protect the nearly 80-year-old trolleys from potential damage.
With the exception of the Mattapan Line, regular weekday service is expected to
operate on all other subway lines on Tuesday.
Riders are reminded of the current Red Line shutdown between Alewife and Harvard and the evening extension to Park Street (meaning evening Red Line service beginning at
approximately 8:45 PM is suspended between Alewife and Park Street).
The most up-to-date service information will be listed on T-Alerts at mbta.com/alerts and on
Twitter/X @MBTA.
· Bus: Regular weekday bus service is expected to operate on Tuesday.
If weather conditions worsen, some bus routes may operate on their Snow Routes and
will be re-routed to avoid steep hills, tight corners, and narrow streets. More information on Snow Routes is at mbta.com/winter.
The MBTA will post a T-Alert at mbta.com/alerts for each bus line that runs its Snow Route.
· Commuter Rail: All Commuter Rail lines are expected to operate a regular weekday schedule. However, as storm conditions continue, there may be delays or other unanticipated impacts to service.
Passengers are reminded to be careful when boarding/alighting trains, accessing stations,
and approaching railroad crossings.
The most up-to-date service information will be listed on T-Alerts at mbta.com/alerts and on
Twitter/X @MBTA_CR and @MBTA_CR_Alerts.
· Ferry: Disruptions to ferry service are possible tomorrow due to inclement weather. The most up-to-date service information will be available on T-Alerts at mbta.com/alerts.
· The RIDE: RIDE services will be unaffected and will operate as planned.
While crews will be working to clear snow and ice throughout the system on Tuesday, riders are asked to use caution on platforms and at bus stops.
The MBTA will operate non-passenger trains to assist in keeping tracks clear and to look for any trees or branches that pose a threat to overhead wires. Generators are deployed at key locations to mitigate the risk of potential power outages. MBTA emergency crews are on standby throughout the storm to respond to rail issues, issues affecting power systems, potential switch problems, and any flooding issues that may occur. Power crews will be on hand to inspect overhead wires on the Blue and Green
lines for ice buildup on catenary wires. Crews will use ice cutters, installed on vehicles, to safely remove ice from impacting power lines. Increased staffing will be on-site throughout the duration of the weather event to respond to weather-related issues, and rail-borne snow-fighting equipment will
be pre-deployed at key locations around the rapid transit network. The T also has contractors at the ready for snow clearing along key bus routes and T facility/employee parking, freeing up T personnel to concentrate on core system functions.
Regarding the Commuter Rail, the MBTA and Keolis have more than 1,000 pieces of snow fighting equipment,including snow blowers, salt trucks, plows, and other equipment, that are deployed across the Commuter Rail network ahead of storms. To mitigate risk impacts to rail infrastructure from snow and ice, Keolis also deploys specialized equipment across the network such as snow jets and switch heaters that help keep rail switches clear of ice and snow and properly functioning. Ahead of the storm these switch heaters will be activated to ensure normal flow of train traffic. During the storm, Keolis personnel clear snow, apply sand and salt to passenger areas and MBTA parking lots managed by Keolis, and responds to any incidents, such as downed trees.
Massport
Boston Logan International and Worcester Regional airports could see possible delays due to the storm. Passengers flying over the weekend should check with their airline for the most accurate information about flights and allow themselves extra time to get to and from the airports. Both airports are fully staffed with specialized snow removal equipment and will be prepared for the storm.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is monitoring the forecast and preparing its snow removal equipment for its roadways and properties in anticipation of a plowable event. DCR is also preparing for potential power outages and downed trees and will have emergency crews staged to assist as needed. The agency has activated its statewide storm center.
In preparation of the storm, DCR will close the Winthrop Parkway as of 9 p.m. tonight with an expected reopening on Wednesday; public skating will be canceled at Boston area rinks tomorrow until 3 p.m., when they will open to permitted groups; Kelly Rink will be closed for the duration of the day tomorrow with an expected reopening on Wednesday; and all DCR visitor centers across the state will be closed for the day tomorrow to encourage people to remain off the roads during the storm. Please check DCR’s website and social media for up-to-date information on closures and reopenings at DCR
properties.
DCR will follow the lead and timing of any municipal parking bans on our urban parkways. Currently, the City of Boston has implemented a parking ban as of 10 p.m.tonight and we will continue to work closely with our municipal partners to implement any necessary parking restrictions throughout the storm.
Department of Public Utilities
The Department of Public Utilities and the Electric Distribution Companies (EDCs) continue to monitor the weather forecast. The DPU and EDCs remain in close communication as the storm develops. The EDCs conduct daily storm planning calls and provide regular updates to the DPU regarding storm preparation activities.
Department of Environmental Protection
To address the handling of excessive snowfall amounts, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) provides Snow Disposal Guidance to local governments and businesses. The online guidance assists with snow disposal site selection, site preparation and maintenance, and emergency snow disposal options that are protective of wetlands, drinking
water, and waterbodies. MassDEP also has an online mapping tool to help communities identify possible snow disposal options locally.
