News Summary
Boston is facing severe winter weather, prompting city officials to issue over 1,200 citations for uncleared sidewalks. Mayor Wu emphasizes the community’s responsibility to keep walkways safe amid frigid temperatures and increased snowfall. This season has seen about three times more snow than last year, as neighboring towns also grapple with similar challenges. Residents are urged to act quickly following snowfalls to avoid fines, while stores report a spike in demand for ice melt products. Forecasts suggest a brief respite from the cold with the possibility of a coastal storm bringing a wintry mix.
Boston Battles Winter Woes with Stringent Sidewalk Enforcement
Boston is currently dealing with some serious winter weather, leaving many residents feeling the sting of the cold. With multiple winter storms and freezing temperatures sweeping through the city, walking conditions have become quite treacherous. City officials are taking a firm stance on the issue of uncleared sidewalks, emphasizing the community’s role in snow removal.
Over 1,200 Citations Issued
From Sunday to Wednesday, the city issued more than 1,200 citations for uncleared sidewalks. This could really put a dent in your pocket, as fines for non-compliance can range dramatically. Mayor Wu is calling for a sense of collective responsibility among residents and business owners, urging them to clear snow and ice from sidewalks within three hours of snowfall ending or within three hours after sunrise following any overnight snowfall.
A Cold Winter Like No Other
This winter has been notably frigid, with Boston experiencing about three times the snowfall compared to the previous year. Meteorologists are indicating that this winter could be on track to be the coldest in seven years, with a remarkable 45 days of freezing temperatures recorded already. The city hasn’t seen conditions like these since 2015!
Mayor Wu pointed out the lurking dangers that come with uncleared sidewalks. What might start as freshly fallen snow can quickly turn into unforgiving patches of ice as temperatures drop, creating additional hazards for pedestrians. It’s not just Boston feeling the chill; surrounding areas are also reporting slippery conditions.
Neighboring Towns Tackling the Same Issues
In neighboring Cambridge, city workers conducted 262 inspections and issued 105 violations for uncleared sidewalks from Monday to Wednesday alone, bringing the winter total to 444 violations this season. Meanwhile, Brookline has been proactive, issuing 300 tickets and receiving over 1,134 complaints about uncleared sidewalks from December through February, with fines ranging from $100 to $250 each day for non-compliance. Over in Somerville, residents haven’t been left out, with 894 tickets written since November and 1,552 complaints about unshoveled sidewalks.
High Demand for Ice Melt Products
As Boston residents brave the cold, there’s been a noticeable rise in demand for ice melt products. Local stores are struggling to keep these items in stock, although the city has assured that there have been no disruptions in their supply of salt for winter operations.
Weather to Bring Some Relief
On a brighter note, forecasters predict a return to cooler temperatures in the low to mid-30s by Friday, and perhaps even hitting the 40-degree mark over the weekend. Thankfully, no major storms are expected in the immediate future, prompting a welcomed thaw through midweek, potentially reaching mid-40s. It’s around this time of year when the normal high temperature hovers around 39 degrees, making the current subpar highs even more noticeable.
Looking ahead, there is a possibility of a coastal storm bringing a wintry mix along the coast, including areas like the South Shore and Cape & Islands, with favorable conditions for snow showers.
Community Responsibility in Adverse Weather
As the city continues to tackle snow and ice issues, residents are reminded of their vital role in maintaining safe sidewalks. With the winter storms affecting not only Boston but the entire region, it’s important to understand the responsibilities that come with snowy weather. Community cooperation is key to making sure that everyone can get around safely.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Winter Weekend Events in Boston: Snowboarding and More
Brookline Shaken by Partial Apartment Building Collapse
Residents in Massachusetts Struggle with Rising Gas Bills
Boston’s Winter Wonderland: Annual Children’s Winter Festival
Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Coldest Winter in Seven Years
- Wikipedia: Winter Weather
- Boston 25 News: Snow and Cold Weather Update
- Google Search: Boston Weather News
- NBC Boston: Dry Weekend and Upcoming Storm
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impact
- NBC Boston: Major Winter Storm Expectations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter
