Boston Schools Reopen After Massive Snow Cleanup

City's 'snow farms' handle over 4,600 cubic yards of snow removal as students return to class

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Boston schools have reopened today after a major snow cleanup effort following a blizzard that dumped 17 inches of snow on the city. The city's so-called 'snow farms' have played a key role, handling the removal of over 4,600 cubic yards of snow to clear major thoroughfares and prepare for additional snowfall expected on Wednesday.

Why it matters

The successful snow removal efforts allowed Boston schools to reopen on schedule, ensuring students could return to their studies. The city's innovative use of 'snow farms' to consolidate and manage the massive snowfall highlights its preparedness and ability to quickly respond to major winter weather events.

The details

Boston's Department of Public Works teams worked around the clock to clear snow from city streets, with the help of the National Guard shoveling at bus stops and sidewalks. The city has 14 designated 'snow farms' where dump trucks deposit the collected snow, allowing for efficient large-scale removal. Melting operations at the snow farms, which were paused during the blizzard, will now resume to create more space for ongoing removal efforts.

  • The snow emergency and parking ban in Boston were lifted on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • Boston schools reopened on Wednesday, February 26, 2026 after the cleanup efforts.
  • An additional 17 inches of snow is expected in Boston on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Michelle Wu

The Mayor of Boston who announced the updates and thanked city workers for their efforts to clear snow and keep residents safe.

Ed Flynn

A Boston City Councilor who is holding a hearing next Tuesday to discuss buying snow melting machines and other snow removal strategies.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Thank you to all our City workers for the nonstop hard work to keep everyone safe, and thank you to our residents for doing your part. Because of the intensive efforts during this extended period, including operationalizing large-scale daytime snow removal for the first time ever, we've been able to get ahead of more snow expected [Wednesday] with major thoroughfares clear and passable.”

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

“We continue to remind all property owners to clear their sidewalks so neighbors can safely navigate the streets. Thank you for continuing to be a good neighbor, and stay safe.”

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

What’s next

Next Tuesday, City Councilor Ed Flynn is holding a hearing on buying snow melting machines. Councilors will also discuss other snow removal strategies to prepare for future winter storms.

The takeaway

Boston's innovative use of 'snow farms' and coordinated citywide snow removal efforts have enabled the city to quickly recover from a major blizzard and reopen schools on schedule, demonstrating its preparedness and commitment to keeping residents safe and the city functioning during severe winter weather.