Dozens of Vehicles Abandoned During Massachusetts Blizzard

State police report helping over 500 motorists during the storm, with many cars left behind on roads.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Dozens of vehicles were abandoned on Massachusetts roads during Monday's blizzard, with drivers either getting stuck or being unable to see due to the severe weather conditions. State police reported helping over 500 motorists and towing several dozen abandoned vehicles, while local police departments also dealt with cars left behind on the roads. Tow companies have been working to retrieve the abandoned vehicles, but many owners have yet to claim their cars.

Why it matters

The abandonment of vehicles during major winter storms can create significant challenges for road crews trying to clear the streets, as well as for tow companies tasked with retrieving the cars. It also raises questions about driver preparedness and decision-making during extreme weather events.

The details

According to authorities, there were two main reasons for the abandoned vehicles - drivers either got stuck in the snow, or the visibility was so poor that they simply stopped and called for help. Massachusetts State Police said they assisted over 500 motorists during the blizzard and had to call in tow trucks to remove several dozen abandoned cars. Local police departments, such as in Bridgewater, also dealt with vehicles left stranded on the roads. Tow companies like Lynch's Towing Service in Brockton reported taking in over 100 cars during the storm, with most owners still needing to claim their vehicles.

  • The blizzard hit Massachusetts on Monday, February 26, 2026.
  • Two days after the storm, some abandoned vehicles were still sitting on tow lots waiting for owners to pick them up.

The players

Massachusetts State Police

The state police agency that responded to over 500 calls for assistance from motorists during the blizzard and coordinated the towing of several dozen abandoned vehicles.

Andy Beaudry

A driver who got stuck on Route 24 during the blizzard and had to leave his car behind, later being reunited with it after it was towed.

Christopher Delmonte

The Bridgewater Police Chief who dealt with abandoned vehicles on local roads during the storm.

Sean Bastis

A manager at Lynch's Towing Service in Brockton, which retrieved over 100 cars during the blizzard.

Andrea Joy Campbell

The Massachusetts Attorney General whose office oversees regulated tow rates during snow emergencies.

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What they’re saying

“There was a snowplow stuck. There was a car stuck behind him, and I got stuck behind him. State police told us to all leave our vehicles there and get into a National Guard truck and took us to the rest area on Route 24.”

— Andy Beaudry (nbcboston.com)

“We've got to make sure the roads are as passable as possible. Some of it is vehicles getting stuck in the snowbank or getting caught on a patch of ice they can't get off. We did have some abandoned vehicles, so we had to tow them.”

— Christopher Delmonte, Bridgewater Police Chief (nbcboston.com)

“Once we take possession of it, it goes back to our yard, it goes back to the legal registered owner only. We can make exceptions with emails and whatnot to help them to get their cars back, but for the most part, registered owner only.”

— Sean Bastis, Manager, Lynch's Towing Service (nbcboston.com)

“Yeah, I wouldn't have gone to work that day. I'm an essential worker, but I'm not that essential.”

— Andy Beaudry (nbcboston.com)

What’s next

The office of the Massachusetts Attorney General will continue to monitor tow rates and ensure they are in compliance with regulations during snow emergencies.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of heeding weather warnings and avoiding unnecessary travel during major winter storms, as abandoned vehicles can significantly impede snow removal efforts and create additional challenges for emergency responders and tow companies.