Boston Public Schools on Storm Watch as Near 20 Inches of Snow Blankets the City
Boston woke up under a deep, heavy snowpack, and the school day is on the line. I am tracking totals that are closing in on 20 inches in parts of the city, with drifts higher on side streets. Crews are plowing main roads, but many intersections and sidewalks remain narrowed and slick. The district is evaluating street safety, building access, and bus routes now. An official decision on closures or delays is expected early, as is standard for a storm of this size.
What is happening right now
Snow bands strengthened overnight as colder air locked in above a very moist storm. That combination made the flakes dense, which piles up quickly and is harder to clear. Visibility has improved with the last batch of snow moving offshore, but cleanup will run through the morning. Temperatures are holding near freezing, so packed snow can glaze into ice on untreated surfaces.
Expect common ripple effects. Bus yards need extra time to free and pre-trip vehicles. Crosswalks may be blocked by piles. School steps and entrances require careful clearing. After school programs and athletics are likely to be canceled if the day is shortened or called off.
Snowbanks cut sight lines at corners. Keep kids off plow piles, and remind drivers to slow well below the limit.
How BPS makes the call
The district weighs more than snowfall totals. Neighborhood variation matters a lot. Some areas of Dorchester and West Roxbury can sit under a heavier band, while East Boston may see lighter amounts. That means a districtwide decision must look at the entire network, not just a single school.
Timing and criteria
Leaders typically lock in a decision early morning. They review road reports from Public Works, transit status from MBTA, and updates from bus contractors. Custodial teams report on roof access, heating, and doorways. If side streets stay narrow or sidewalks are not passable, a closure or delay becomes more likely.
Families should watch official channels. The BPS website, district texts and calls, and local TV and radio will carry the final word. Check again around first light, since conditions can change fast after plows make a pass.
Enable phone, text, and email alerts now. Refresh official BPS updates after 5 a.m for the final decision. ❄️
Transportation and safety
School buses face the toughest challenge after a big snow. Routes depend on tight turns and curb space. When cars are snowed in and plows leave a wall of snow at corners, buses cannot clear the turn. That ripple can cascade across the route, leading to long delays.
Walking routes also change in a storm like this. Snowbanks push students closer to traffic. Crossings can ice over, even after salt. Give extra time, and choose wider, better lit streets.
If schools open on delay, expect adjusted pickup times. Special education transportation will update riders directly, but many vans move slower on snow covered roads. MBTA service may run on modified schedules, with some bus stops still buried.
Why this storm hit so hard
This is classic New England winter, but there is a climate twist. Warmer Atlantic waters feed extra moisture into coastal storms. When the air overhead is cold enough, that added moisture turns into heavier snow. That is why we can see intense snow bursts in a relatively short window. We are living with a wetter atmosphere, and that raises the ceiling on snow totals during cold outbreaks.
The result is a cleanup that takes longer, and a school system that has to be cautious. Buildings are older in many neighborhoods, and loading docks, ramps, and emergency exits must be fully cleared. That work is slower with concrete heavy snow.
What families should do right now
Here is the fastest way to stay ahead of today’s call and the rest of the week:
- Check the BPS website and your phone alerts before you head out.
- Assume after school programs and athletics are off if there is a closure or delay.
- Pack extra layers and dry socks for students if schools open on delay.
- Leave earlier for bus stops, and stand back from plowed snow edges. 🚌
Snow days are added to the end of the school year in Massachusetts. Plan for the last day to shift later if today becomes a closure.
The bottom line
Boston is digging out from a high impact winter storm, with near 20 inch totals in spots and dense snow that slows everything down. BPS is in decision mode right now, weighing road access, sidewalks, and building readiness across all neighborhoods. Expect a closure or delay announcement early, then a second round of updates on after school activities and transportation. Keep your alerts on, give crews room to work, and travel with care. The snow will end, but the safety work continues long after the flakes stop.
