Boston Public Schools Closed Tuesday Amidst Continued Winter Storm Impact

Boston Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, as the city continues to grapple with the aftermath of a significant snowstorm. The decision, announced by Mayor Michelle Wu, comes after Boston received 15 inches of snowfall in the last 24 hours, with ongoing snow and windy conditions expected to persist throughout the week [Boston 25 News].

School Closures and Service Adjustments

The closure is intended to allow crews sufficient time to clear sidewalks and main roadways for the safety of students, families, and the city’s 700-bus fleet [City of Boston]. Boston Public Library branches, senior centers, and Boston Centers for Youth & Families will reopen at 12 p.m. On February 24. All other municipal buildings and city services will operate on their regular schedules [News USA Today].

Snow Emergency and Parking Ban

A snow emergency and parking ban remain in effect until at least 6 p.m. On February 24. Residents who parked in participating discounted garages are reminded to remove their vehicles within two hours of the ban’s lifting to avoid standard parking rates. Detailed parking regulations can be found at boston.gov/snow-parking [News USA Today].

Space Savers and Sidewalk Clearing

The city reminds residents of the rules surrounding “space savers” – reserving parking spaces after snow removal. Space savers must be removed within 48 hours of the snow emergency’s conclusion. The use of space savers remains prohibited in the South End and Bay Village, and the Public Works Department (PWD) will remove any violating space savers [News USA Today].

Property owners are responsible for shoveling sidewalks to a 42-inch path of travel and are advised not to shovel or plow snow into the street. Residents have until 10 a.m. The following day to clear their sidewalks, and violations may be issued for non-compliance [City of Boston].

Trash and Recycling Schedule

Curbside trash and recycling will operate on a delayed schedule this week, with all neighborhoods experiencing a one-day delay. Residents can find the most up-to-date information at boston.gov/trash-day [City of Boston].

Emergency Shelters Available

Boston Public Health Commission’s emergency shelters are open 24/7, and amnesty is in place for those with nonviolent restrictions when temperatures are below freezing (32 degrees). Men can access shelter at 112 Southampton Street, and women at the Woods Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. Nearly 600 guests were sheltered last night, and 250 have utilized the shelters today. The BPHC has prepared close to 1,300 meals since the start of the winter emergency [City of Boston].

Reporting Concerns and Seeking Assistance

Residents are encouraged to call 911 to assist individuals experiencing homelessness or vulnerable individuals in the cold, and 311 for non-emergencies. The Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services will host citywide snow shoveling meet-ups to help clear sidewalks and curb ramps. More information on volunteer efforts can be found at boston.gov/shovel [City of Boston].

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Boston for updates, including cold-weather alerts, at boston.gov/winter [City of Boston].