Governor Healey Declares State of Emergency as “Historic” Blizzard Targets South Shore
FRAMINGHAM — February 22, 2026 — Governor Maura Healey has declared a State of Emergency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and activated 200 members of the National Guard ahead of a powerful nor’easter expected to dump up to two feet of snow on the region. Speaking from the State Emergency Operations Center in Framingham, Healey warned residents that the storm presents “significant risks to public safety” and urged everyone to stay off the roads starting Sunday night to allow emergency crews to manage the high-intensity snowfall.
The Full Story
With a blizzard warning in effect for eastern Massachusetts, the Healey-Driscoll administration took decisive action Sunday afternoon to prepare for what meteorologists are calling a potentially historic weather event. The storm is projected to deliver between 12 and 24 inches of snow across the state, with the most severe impacts hitting the South Shore and coastal communities where wind gusts could reach up to 70 miles per hour.
Governor Healey emphasized that the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is now fully activated, serving as the central hub for coordination between state agencies, local municipalities, and utility companies. The governor has directed all non-emergency executive branch employees to work from home on Monday, February 23, and strongly encouraged private sector employers to follow suit to minimize traffic during the height of the storm.
“This will be a severe storm that presents significant risks to public safety,” Governor Healey stated during the briefing. “We need everyone to take it seriously. I’m declaring a state of emergency, activating the National Guard, and directing non-emergency executive branch employees to work from home. It is critical that people stay off the roads tonight and tomorrow.”
MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver joined the Governor, reporting that over 3,000 pieces of equipment are being deployed statewide. However, he cautioned that during the peak of the storm—where snow could fall at a rate of 2 to 4 inches per hour—plows will struggle to keep pace. Officials are particularly concerned about the South Shore, where heavy, wet snow combined with hurricane-force gusts increases the likelihood of widespread power outages and coastal flooding during the Monday morning high tide.
“Our teams are working hard to prepare for this storm, and I thank the public works, plow drivers, first responders and everyone who is out there keeping people safe. Please, stay home and look out for your neighbors.” — Governor Maura Healey
Why It Matters
For residents of the South Shore, this storm brings the dual threat of crippling snowfall and dangerous coastal surges. The State of Emergency allows for faster deployment of resources and National Guard assistance for high-water rescues in flood-prone areas like Scituate, Marshfield, and Hingham. With schools already announcing closures for Monday, the primary focus for homeowners should be charging essential devices, clearing exhaust vents to prevent carbon monoxide buildup, and staying indoors until the blizzard conditions subside on Monday evening.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Actions & Directives
State of Emergency: Declared effective immediately (February 22, 2026).
National Guard Activation: 200 members activated to support high-water rescue and emergency transport.
Remote Work Mandate: Non-emergency Executive Department state employees directed to work remotely on Monday, February 23.
Travel Advisory: Residents urged to be off the roads by 8:00 PM Sunday.
Public Utilities: Power restoration teams staged across the Commonwealth in anticipation of heavy, wet snow impacts.
Public Comment
While there was no direct public comment during the briefing, the administration addressed common concerns regarding food and fuel supplies. Governor Healey previously signed an emergency waiver to ensure the steady delivery of heating oil and propane to residents during this period of extreme demand.
What’s Next
Storm Peak: Expected late Sunday night through Monday afternoon.
High Tide Monitoring: South Shore residents should monitor local alerts for coastal flooding between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM Monday.
Update Briefing: The Governor’s office is expected to provide a status update on Monday afternoon regarding road conditions and power restoration efforts.
Source Video: MassGovernor Storm Briefing