By What’s Up Worcester Staff
WORCESTER The City of Worcester has declared a Winter Weather Emergency effective as of 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, in response to a forecasted storm expected to bring heavy snow and high winds. Forecasts predict 18 to 31 inches of snow alongside blizzard conditions and near zero visibility.
Municipal officials are asking all residents to avoid driving on city streets beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 22.
Due to the severity of the expected conditions, several closures and delays have been announced for Monday, February 23. Worcester Public Schools, all branches of the Worcester Public Library, Worcester City Hall, and the Residential Drop-Off Center will be closed. Trash and recycling collections scheduled for Monday will be delayed by one day, pushing all collections for the remainder of the week back by one day.
The Declared Winter Parking Ban that went into effect on Wednesday, February 18, remains active. During this ban, parking is prohibited on both sides of main arteries, emergency routes, bus routes, and specific downtown streets. On all other streets, parking is restricted to the odd numbered side of the street unless posted otherwise. Residents can look up their specific street regulations on the city’s Winter Parking Information page.
Vehicles in violation of the parking ban are subject to ticketing and towing. Residents who need to locate a towed vehicle should contact Worcester 311.
To assist residents during the ban, free parking is available at municipal garages. However, special event parking rates will apply during certain times this weekend for vehicles entering the facilities. The schedule for free entry is as follows:
Saturday, February 21
- Union Station Garage: No charge at any time.
- Worcester Common Garage: No charge before 5 p.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Pearl Elm Garage: No charge before 4 p.m. or after 10 p.m.
- Federal Plaza Garage: No charge after 9 p.m.
- Major Taylor Garage: No charge before 4:30 p.m. or after 10 p.m.
Sunday, February 22
- Federal Plaza Garage: No charge after 7 p.m.
- All other municipal garages: No charge at any time.
City officials noted that the ALERTWorcester emergency notification system is currently down. All storm updates will be communicated through the City of Worcester website and official municipal social media channels.
City Manager Eric D. Batista asked for cooperation from the public as public works crews and private contractors begin the clearing process. Batista stated that the anticipated length of the storm and existing snow on the ground will require time for streets to become safe for travel.
Residents should report downed power lines by calling 911. Downed tree branches that do not pose an immediate safety risk should be reported to Worcester 311. The 311 service can be reached by dialing 3-1-1, emailing 311@worcesterma.gov, or visiting the Worcester 311 website.
Property owners are required to clear sidewalks abutting their properties of snow and ice within 10 hours after the storm ends. The city also requests that residents clear snow around neighborhood fire hydrants and catch basins if they are able. Snow must not be shoveled into the street.
Further details on local snow removal policies can be found on the city’s Snow Removal page. General winter safety preparation guidelines are available at Ready.gov.
🔍 The W.U.W. Verification Box
- Project / Topic: Winter Weather Emergency and Parking Ban
- Current Status: Active
- Key Dates or Decisions: Emergency declared Saturday, February 21 at 3 p.m.; Street avoidance requested by Sunday, February 22 at 4 p.m.; Municipal and school closures on Monday, February 23.
- Estimated Cost (if applicable): Not applicable
- Timeline (if known): Parking ban and emergency declaration will remain in effect until further notice.
- Immediate Next Steps: Residents must adhere to the odd side parking rules or use municipal garages and avoid street travel by Sunday afternoon.
- Primary Sources: City of Worcester official press release; City of Worcester website
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