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The timing and impacts of Tuesday's storm, as snow moves east

A snowplow clears snow from Storrow Drive. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)
A snowplow clears snow from Storrow Drive. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from WBUR's daily morning newsletter, WBUR Today. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here


Happy Pi Day! It’s great weather to stay in and bake some recipes from WBUR’s pie fest — assuming you have power. 😬

Massachusetts is getting another winter storm that looks pretty different depending on what part of the state you’re in. Meteorologist Danielle Noyes reports that the rain/snow line will continue to wobble around Worcester through mid-morning, before it moves east. That means Boston and other areas may not see snow until this afternoon, while the flakes have already been coming big and heavy in western parts of the state. Read here for Noyes’ full forecast and to learn about something called a “mesolow” that’s enhancing the heavy precipitation.

  • Snow map: The National Weather Service is forecasting Boston to get around 4 to 6 inches of snow. Meanwhile, the Berkshires and areas north of Worcester could get 1 to 2 feet. (Some areas have already surpassed the one-foot mark.) Check out the latest snowfall map here.
  • Prepare for power outages: WBUR’s Miriam Wasser reports that the strong winds and heavy, wet snow are a recipe for downed trees and power outages. Already, state officials are reporting over 24,000 outages, mostly in western Massachusetts. But the NWS says outages “will become increasingly common” as the rain transitions to snow across more of southern New England.
  • School is still on today in Boston, but all afternoon and evening activities have been canceled. Worcester, Fitchburg, Lynn and dozens of other districts have snow days. Read the full list of school closings here.
  • Travelers, beware: MassDOT says the rain-to-snow transition makes it difficult to pretreat the roads, so conditions could be extra slippery. The storm has also led the MBTA to cancel ferry service and replace the Mattapan trolley with shuttles. T officials warn riders to be ready for additional service disruptions.
  • There are also over 100 cancellations at Logan airport, so remember to check your flight status.

While it may be alluring to hunker down, Newton residents have 15 million reasons to brave the weather today. The city is holding a vote on whether to increase residents’ property taxes to build new schools and stave off educator layoffs. WBUR’s Samuele Petruccelli reports that the measures — which are split into three separate questions — would bring in an additional $15 million, if they pass.

  • Why is it necessary? Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller told Petruccelli that the school district is facing a $6 million budget shortfall due to funding for student mental health needs, rising utility costs and the limits of federal COVID relief funds. The city says the additional money is also needed for major construction work on three aging elementary schools, as well as repairing roads, improving parks and meeting carbon neutrality goals.
  • If it passes: Officials estimate that the median Newton homeowner would see their $12,000 tax bill rise by $290 next year — and eventually by another $183 by 2030. (It’s worth noting that the median Newton home is worth $1.2 million.) Residents can use this online calculator to see how much the tax hike would be for them.
  • If it fails: Newton school officials say they would be forced to make serious cuts to extracurricular activities and eliminate nearly 40 staff positions. Officials added they would move forward on its school and infrastructure projects “much more slowly.”

After the storm: MBTA interim General Manager Jeff Gonneville says riders should see “some incremental improvements” in service over the course of this week, but it’s still “too soon to say” when the T will lift the widespread slow zones it implemented last week. In an interview yesterday with WBUR’s Samantha Coetzee, Gonneville said it will takeseveral more days” for crews to reinspect the entire subway system for track defects. In the meantime, here are your options:

  • Stick to the subway: If it’s easiest to just endure the slow ride and longer waits, Gonneville suggests giving yourself an extra 20 minutes for your commute.
  • Changeover to the commuter rail: Gonneville also said the T is allowing riders to hop on the commuter rail on their way into the city by simply showing their CharlieCard at certain stations.
  • Try the bus: Riders can use the T’s trip planner to see if there are other lines or bus routes that might serve them faster.

P.S.— Come celebrate Pi Day tonight at CitySpace with someone who also loves pies and puns. Lauren Ko, the author of the New York Times bestseller “Pieometry,” will dive into next-level pie design with Here & Now host Scott Wong at 6:30 p.m. Not only will Ko demonstrate her eye-catching piemaking technique, but in-person attendees will enjoy a bite. Get tickets here before they’re gobbled up.

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Headshot of Nik DeCosta-Klipa

Nik DeCosta-Klipa Newsletter Editor
Nik DeCosta-Klipa is the newsletter editor for WBUR.

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