WORCESTER—The city is again activating a warming center this weekend as frigid temperatures and snowfall are expected to impact the region, while a citywide winter parking ban will also go into effect Friday night.
That means that the Worcester Senior Center serves as a warming center on Saturday, Feb. 7, and Sunday, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
A declared winter parking ban takes effect at 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6. During the ban, parking will be prohibited on both sides of main arteries, emergency routes, bus routes, and certain downtown streets critical to traffic flow. On all other streets, parking will be allowed only on the odd-numbered side unless otherwise posted.
To accommodate residents during the ban, all municipal parking garages will be free of charge for vehicles entering after 6 p.m. Friday until the parking ban is lifted, according to the city. Event rates will still apply for special events.
City Manager Eric Batista said crews are preparing roads while continuing to address impacts from a recent major storm. “With several inches of snowfall in the forecast, we want to assure residents that crews will be pre-treating roads and clearing the snow while still dealing with the aftermath of the recent storm that dumped more than 20 inches on the city,” Batista said in the announcement.
Batista urged residents not to shovel snow back into the street after plows have passed and reminded motorists that the parking ban is necessary to allow equipment to move safely through neighborhood streets. “If residents are experiencing any issues, please utilize Worcester 311 to submit your concerns,” Batista said, adding that cooperation helps city operations function more effectively.
Residents are encouraged to use municipal garages during the ban, including the Major Taylor Garage, Federal Plaza Garage, Pearl & Elm Garage, Worcester Common Garage, and the Union Station Garage.
The city also announced that sand pickup and recycling drop-off will be available at 1065 Millbury St., with additional sand pickup locations at 22 Albany St. and 299 Clark St. before and after plowing operations.
City officials said towing and ticketing may be enforced to keep streets clear. Residents with questions, concerns, or who are attempting to locate a towed vehicle are advised to contact Worcester 311 by phone, email, app, or through the city’s website.
Officials are urging residents to limit travel during the storm, use caution when driving, and allow extra time for transit. Residents are reminded they have up to 10 hours after the end of a winter storm to clear sidewalks abutting their property, and those who are able are asked to clear snow from around fire hydrants and catch basins.
The city also encouraged residents to take precautions during extreme cold, including dressing in layers, heating homes safely, preventing frozen pipes, keeping pets indoors, and checking on neighbors and elderly residents.
Updates will be shared through the city’s website and social media channels as they become available, the announcement said, while ALERTWorcester remains offline.
