Boston Braces for Potential Blizzard Dumping 2 Feet of Snow

Residents scramble to clear space as city prepares to declare snow emergency

Feb. 22, 2026 at 12:34am

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Residents in the Greater Boston area are preparing for a potential blizzard that could bring up to two feet of snow on Monday. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has warned that a snow emergency will likely be declared, allowing plows to clear the roads. Residents are struggling to find places to put all the snow, with one Winthrop resident saying their dog is looking out from a snow mound in their backyard. Hardware stores are selling out of winter supplies like shovels and ice melt as people stock up.

Why it matters

Boston's narrow streets and dense urban layout make snow removal a major challenge during major winter storms. The potential for a two-foot snowfall could overwhelm the city's infrastructure and resources, causing widespread disruption and requiring a coordinated emergency response from local authorities.

The details

The impending storm is expected to dump up to two feet of snow on the Greater Boston area on Monday. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has said the city will likely declare a snow emergency, which allows plows to clear the roads all the way to the curb. Residents are being urged to shovel their sidewalks and clear pedestrian ramps. Hardware stores are struggling to keep up with demand for winter supplies like shovels and ice melt.

  • The potential blizzard is expected to hit the Greater Boston area on Monday.

The players

Michelle Wu

The mayor of Boston who has warned that a snow emergency will likely be declared ahead of the storm.

Erik Brown

A resident of Brighton who notes the challenges of navigating Boston's narrow streets during heavy snowfall.

Norma Barrs

A Winthrop resident who is unsure where all the snow will go in her backyard.

Scott Bennett

The manager of Charlestown Ace hardware, where winter supplies are flying off the shelves.

Paul Ventura

A loader and salt truck driver who says the long hours required during storms take a toll as he gets older.

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What they’re saying

“It gets tricky because these are narrow streets, there's parking on both sides. So once the snow starts piling up, it becomes another obstacle that you have to navigate around.”

— Erik Brown, Brighton resident (CBS News)

“Friendly reminder that it is everyone's responsibility to be shoveling their sidewalk, whether in front of your business or in front of your home, all the way to the crosswalk and all of the ramps and pedestrian ramps.”

— Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston (CBS News)

“We don't even know where to put it. My dog is looking from the top of the mound in my backyard.”

— Norma Barrs, Winthrop resident (CBS News)

“Sleds, shovels, ice melt, ice chippers and everything is sold out everywhere. We're buying from independent vendors at this point.”

— Scott Bennett, ACE hardware manager (CBS News)

“As you get older, it gets a lot tougher, you get drained, you get really drained. It takes a toll on you.”

— Paul Ventura, Loader and salt truck driver (CBS News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.