WORCESTER — Here we go again.
With a winter storm warning in effect from 4 p.m. Sunday through 7 a.m. Tuesday, the city is bracing for what forecasters say could be a significant, multi-day snowstorm—and that means no school Monday and a winter parking ban that remains firmly in place.
All schools and offices in the Worcester Public Schools will be closed Monday, Feb. 23, due to the forecast of heavy snow, according to school officials. Only essential personnel are to report, and all activities, along with Head Start and preschool programs, are canceled.
The National Weather Service is predicting total snow accumulations between 10 and 20 inches across central Massachusetts, with wind gusts as high as 45 mph. Snow is expected to begin Sunday evening, becoming heavy at times overnight and throughout Monday, with hazardous conditions likely to impact both the morning and evening commutes. Forecasters warn that travel could be “very difficult to impossible,” and gusty winds may bring down tree branches.
Meanwhile, a declared winter parking ban that went into effect Feb. 18 remains in place due to the anticipated snowfall. During a declared ban, parking is prohibited on both sides of main arteries, emergency and bus routes, and downtown streets critical to traffic flow. On other streets, parking is allowed only on the odd-numbered side unless otherwise posted. Residents can search their street and review rules here.
Worcester police said they will be actively ticketing and towing vehicles to allow plows to clear streets. Residents who believe their vehicle has been towed should contact 311@worcesterma.gov or visit worcesterma.gov/311 dialing 3-1-1.
Free parking is available in municipal garages during the winter parking ban, except when special event rates apply. With multiple events scheduled this weekend, some garages charge event rates at certain times, though others are expected to operate at no cost for vehicles entering during designated hours. A full breakdown of garage availability is available on the city’s website.
Sand pick-up and recycling drop-off will be available at 1065 Millbury St., with additional sand locations at 22 Albany St. and 299 Clark St. before and after plowing operations.
City officials urge residents to limit travel during the storm, leave extra time if driving is necessary, and stay clear of plows and road treatment vehicles. Property owners have up to 10 hours after the end of the storm to clear sidewalks abutting their property and are encouraged to clear snow from around fire hydrants and catch basins. Snow should not be shoveled into the street.
More about winter parking here.
