Boston Closes Schools, Declares Snow Emergency Ahead of Major Storm

City officials urge residents to stay off roads as powerful nor'easter approaches New England

Feb. 22, 2026 at 4:48pm

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The city of Boston has announced the closure of all public schools, city offices, and community centers on Monday as a major winter storm is set to hit the region. A snow emergency and parking ban have been put in place starting at 2 p.m. today, and residents are being advised to stay indoors and off the roads to allow plows to clear the streets.

Why it matters

Boston is no stranger to powerful nor'easters, but this storm is expected to be particularly severe, with heavy snow and strong winds forecast. The city is taking proactive measures to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions, but the storm could still have significant impacts on transportation, power, and daily life for residents.

The details

Boston Public Schools, city hall, libraries, and community centers will all be closed on Monday. Online services will remain available, and city workers will be working remotely. A snow emergency and parking ban are in effect starting at 2 p.m. today, and residents are being urged not to park in school or library lots to allow for snow clearing. Trash and recycling pickup will be delayed by one day, and nighttime street sweeping is canceled until further notice.

  • The snow emergency and parking ban go into effect at 2 p.m. today, February 22, 2026.
  • Boston Public Schools, city offices, and community centers will be closed on Monday, February 23, 2026.

The players

Michelle Wu

The mayor of Boston who has declared the snow emergency and closures.

Nick Gove

The interim Chief of Streets for the city of Boston.

James Hooley

The Chief of EMS for the city of Boston.

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What they’re saying

“Boston is no stranger to nor'easters, but this is going to be one.”

— Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston (boston25news.com)

“We really need your help moving cars for this storm. This slows us down and prevents us from clearing to the curb.”

— Nick Gove, Interim Chief of Streets (boston25news.com)

“It's odor less, it's colorless, and it can overcome people pretty quickly if it's in high concentration.”

— James Hooley, Chief of EMS (boston25news.com)

What’s next

The city will be enforcing the parking ban and clearing any space savers left on the streets. Residents are advised to stay indoors and off the roads during the storm to allow plows to clear the streets effectively.

The takeaway

This major winter storm is a stark reminder of Boston's vulnerability to powerful nor'easters, and the importance of the city and its residents working together to prepare for and respond to severe weather events. The proactive measures taken by the city, such as school and office closures and the parking ban, aim to keep residents safe and minimize disruptions, but the storm could still have significant impacts on the community.