Massachusetts Travel Ban Lifted, Residents Urged to Stay Home as Blizzard Recovery Continues

Governor Maura Healey lifted the ban on non-essential motor vehicle travel Tuesday for Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, and Dukes counties following a historic blizzard that dumped up to three feet of snow across parts of Massachusetts. Despite the lifting of the ban, residents are still urged to exercise caution and remain home if possible to allow crews to continue snow removal operations.

Travel Ban Lifted, State of Emergency Remains

The travel ban was officially lifted at noon on Tuesday, February 24th, as progress was made in digging out the state. Still, a state of emergency remains in effect for some counties, and local travel restrictions and parking bans persist in several communities, including New Bedford, Fall River, and Brockton.

Ongoing Concerns: Power Outages and Road Conditions

As of 12:15 p.m. On Tuesday, approximately 251,000 customers were still without power, a decrease from 290,000 on Monday. The Cape and southeastern Massachusetts remain the most affected areas. Utility crews are working to assess damage and restore power, but the process will take time. Governor Healey emphasized the demand for continued caution due to icy, snow-covered, and slushy road conditions.

State and National Guard Response

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is coordinating with cities and towns to assess needs and deploy resources. More than 90 requests for assistance have been received, primarily for Massachusetts National Guard support and snow clearing equipment. Governor Healey has activated up to 350 members of the Massachusetts National Guard to aid in storm recovery. Snow removal crews and equipment from Vermont arrived Tuesday morning to provide mutual aid.

MassDOT Efforts and Continued Cleanup

MassDOT crews deployed approximately 3,000 pieces of equipment statewide, with resources redeployed to the South Coast to assist municipalities. Snow removal operations will continue throughout the week on interstate highways, secondary roads, and local streets. Motorists are advised to expect snow removal equipment on the roads and to allow for extra travel time, exercising caution at intersections, ramps, and shoulders.

“While we are lifting the travel ban, the state of emergency remains in effect for some counties, and we urge people to continue using caution and stay home today if possible to allow crews to do their operate,” Governor Healey stated. “Our teams continue to be out in full force to support cities and towns after this storm, providing equipment and personnel to help with snow removal and other efforts.”

“We know that there are still many households without power, and the utilities are working hard to assess damage and restore power as quickly and safely as possible,” Healey added. “We thank the people of Massachusetts for their patience and caution while we work to acquire back to normal, and we are especially grateful for all of the workers who continue to be out here around the clock to deliver for our communities.”