Boston buries under 4.3 inches of snow as winter storm hits

In the United States, a winter storm tracked across New England, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Storm Watch for Massachusetts. The storm began affecting the region on Saturday night, with the majority of snowfall occurring between midnight and 7 a.m. on Sunday. Boston and nearby towns were considerably impacted, with official reports indicating several inches of snow accumulation. As local authorities prepared for the harsh weather, numerous towns declared snow emergencies and implemented parking bans to ensure safe conditions on the roads. Additionally, residents were encouraged to familiarize themselves with safety measures, such as recognizing hypothermia and best practices for shoveling snow. Multiple municipalities communicated their strategies to manage snow removal and ensure that public safety was prioritized throughout the duration of the storm. The storm further compounded the challenges posed by prior weather disturbances that had already created hazardous road conditions across much of the state. In Boston, snow accumulation totaled approximately 4.3 inches at Logan Airport, contributing to a seasonal total of 21.1 inches for the winter thus far. This contrasts sharply with the previous winter's snow levels, which measured only 9.2 inches at the same point last year. The city's average snowfall for this timeframe is pegged at 28.6 inches, highlighting the current deficit of 7.5 inches compared to the seasonal norm. While the snowstorm was significant, forecasts suggested additional storms could develop in the coming days, applicable for the safety planning of residents and local authorities alike. Across various regions of Massachusetts, reports indicated varying levels of snowfall, with areas like Gloucester receiving up to 7 inches and other towns reporting lesser amounts between 3 to 6 inches. The storm caused disruptions, leading to the cancellation of service in some local churches and impacting a range of activities. With many residents now accustomed to dealing with winter storms, local officials emphasized the importance of preparedness and safety during this winter season.