Maura Healey announced an updated blizzard briefing today, confirming that the statewide travel ban has been lifted following significant progress in road clearing and emergency response operations. However, localized restrictions remain in effect for several hard-hit communities, including New Bedford, Fall River, Brockton, and other municipalities where hazardous conditions persist.
Speaking from the State Emergency Operations Center, Healey thanked first responders, public works crews, utility workers, and residents for their cooperation during what she described as a “high-impact, fast-moving storm system” that brought heavy snowfall, strong winds, and near-whiteout conditions across much of the Commonwealth.
“Thanks to the public staying off the roads and the tireless work of our crews, we’re now in a position to safely lift the statewide travel ban,” Healey said. “That said, some cities and towns are still dealing with significant snow accumulation, blocked secondary roads, and localized flooding from coastal surge. Those communities will maintain restrictions until conditions improve.”
State transportation officials reported that major highways and primary routes have largely been cleared and treated, though drivers are urged to remain cautious due to residual snowpack, black ice, and narrowed lanes. Public transit services are expected to resume on modified schedules, with full restoration dependent on continued cleanup efforts.
In southeastern Massachusetts, local leaders cited higher snowfall totals and drifting as factors necessitating continued travel limitations. Municipal officials in New Bedford and Fall River indicated that plow crews are prioritizing emergency routes and residential access before fully reopening roadways. In Brockton, emergency management teams are assessing infrastructure impacts and coordinating debris removal.
Healey also addressed ongoing power restoration efforts, noting that utility providers have made substantial progress but are still responding to scattered outages. Warming centers remain open in several communities for residents without heat or electricity.
The governor encouraged residents to check local advisories before traveling and to allow extra time for commutes as cleanup operations continue. She emphasized that while the worst of the storm has passed, recovery efforts are still underway and public cooperation remains critical.
“We are moving from response to recovery,” Healey said. “But safety remains our top priority.”
