Massachusetts school closings surge as heavy snow halts buses, blocks sidewalks, and keeps plows moving. Boston Public Schools are closed today, Tuesday, January 27, to protect students and staff while crews dig out. Districts across the state are following with closures or delays as wind-driven drifts and narrow side streets slow cleanup. This is the biggest winter hit in years, and it is not done shaping the week.
What is closed today and what it means for you
I have confirmed that Boston ended its snow emergency and parking ban last night at 8 p.m. Streets are open, but school remains closed today because sidewalks, crosswalks, and bus stops are not yet safe. Several other districts have issued no-school notices or delayed starts. Expect changes to continue through the morning as conditions are reassessed.
Travel remains tricky in spots. Piles of snow push traffic into single lanes. Corners are blind. Gusts still lift powder, which cuts visibility near open lots and bridges. If you must drive, give plows room and avoid sudden stops. If you walk, use bright gear and treat every curb like black ice.
Slick roads and hidden ice are still common. Assume shaded areas are icy. Stay clear of downed wires and call 911 if you see hazards.
Why this storm hit so hard
This was a classic nor’easter, loaded with Atlantic moisture and powered by a tight pressure gradient. Air rose fast, clouds grew deep, and snow bands parked over I-95 for hours. Strong winds compacted the snow, then stacked it again into tall drifts along east-west streets.
Warmer ocean water played a role. The Gulf of Maine has been running warmer than average in recent winters. Warm water adds moisture to the air. That extra moisture falls as heavier snow when surface air stays below freezing. Climate change does not cause a single storm, but it raises the ceiling on how much water a storm can wring out. The result, more intense bursts of snow, stronger winds, and higher odds of disruptive days like this.
How to confirm your school status and move safely
Most districts will post final decisions by early morning. Notifications may also arrive by text or robocall. If you are unsure, check official channels before you head out.
- Visit your district website and official social feeds
- Call 311 in Boston for city updates and snow questions
- Check boston.gov for parking rules and plow progress
- Use mass.gov for statewide advisories and road alerts
Parking rules matter today. The city’s ban has lifted, but winter rules still apply on many narrow streets. Keep fire hydrants clear. Do not bury storm drains. Do not shovel snow into the road. These simple moves speed up plowing and reduce flood risk when temperatures rise.
Set alerts now. Add your district’s text and email notifications, plus city 311. Fast updates help you plan rides, meals, and childcare.
Cleanup with care and with the planet in mind
Shovel early and often to prevent ice layers. Take breaks. Lift with your legs, not your back. Use ice melt sparingly, and sweep up excess once it works. Chloride runoff harms pets, streams, and soil. Sand helps with grip, and a little goes a long way. Clear a path to your trash and recycle bins, and keep sidewalks accessible for neighbors with strollers or wheelchairs.
Avoid car idling. It wastes fuel and adds pollution that lingers in cold air. If you can, delay nonessential trips or use transit where service is restored. Bundle deliveries to cut extra truck miles in tight neighborhoods.
The rest of the week, and a weekend risk to watch
We are tracking a second coastal system late week that could strengthen near the benchmark south of New England. The exact track will decide who gets heavy snow versus a wintry mix. If the low hugs the coast, winds could gust again and snowfall rates could spike for several hours. If it slips east, totals will drop. Either way, cold air will be in place, so slick roads and new closures are possible.
Families should plan for shifting schedules. Refill ice melt. Charge devices. Review pickup plans with your school. Expect updates from districts as early as Thursday if weekend impacts look likely.
What to watch in the next 48 hours
Road salt and sun will work on main roads today, but side streets and sidewalks will lag. Watch temperatures at dusk and dawn. Any melt will refreeze. If you live near a storm drain, clear it. This reduces street flooding when daytime highs nudge above freezing midweek.
Conclusion
Today’s school closings are a smart pause after a pounding nor’easter. Cleanup is underway, but hazards remain off the main roads and along tight city blocks. Warmer seas, loaded skies, and sharp winds turned a routine winter system into a high impact event. Stay tuned to your district and city channels, help your street by clearing drains and sidewalks, and keep an eye on the late week storm. Winter is not done with Massachusetts yet ❄️.
