TRAVEL BAN LIFTED AT NOON, BUT SOUTH SHORE ROADS REMAIN HAZARDOUS — 251,000 STILL WITHOUT POWER
State of emergency remains in effect; some local travel restrictions and parking bans continue
SOUTH SHORE — Governor Maura Healey announced Tuesday morning that the travel ban affecting Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, and Dukes counties will be lifted at noon, but officials are urging residents to remain cautious and stay home if possible as cleanup crews continue working across the region.
Drivers who do venture out should expect icy, snow-covered, and slushy conditions on roadways throughout the South Shore. The state of emergency remains in effect for all counties except Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin. Several communities — including Brockton, New Bedford, and Fall River — still have local travel restrictions and parking bans in place, and residents should check with their town for specific guidance before heading out.
“While we are lifting the travel ban, the state of emergency remains in effect for some counties, and we urge people to continue using caution and stay home today if possible to allow crews to do their work,” Governor Healey said.
Power Outages a Major Concern on the South Shore
As of 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, roughly 251,000 customers remain without power across southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod, down from 290,000 the day before. Utility crews are working town by town, but officials caution that the process requires first clearing snow before repairs to downed lines can safely begin — and that the number of affected customers could still fluctuate as lines are de-energized during the repair process. The Department of Public Utilities is in close contact with electric distribution companies and is pressing them to provide estimated restoration times for all affected customers.
National Guard, Mutual Aid Supporting Recovery
Governor Healey activated up to 350 members of the Massachusetts National Guard to assist with storm recovery. Guard units have shifted from high-water rescue and mobility operations to snow and debris removal and route clearance as conditions improve. MEMA has received more than 90 requests for assistance from cities and towns in the region, and out-of-state mutual aid has been requested — snow removal crews and equipment from Vermont arrived Tuesday morning to help with the backlog.
MBTA Running on Reduced Schedules
MBTA subway and bus service continues at reduced, Sunday-level schedules. All Commuter Rail lines remain on storm schedules, and the Mattapan Line is still suspended with shuttle bus replacements. Riders should use the MBTA Go App to check live arrival times. Ferry service between Charlestown and between Hingham/Hull resumed Tuesday with modified schedules. Regular RIDE paratransit service is expected to resume Wednesday.
Road Conditions and Tips
MassDOT deployed approximately 3,000 pieces of equipment statewide during the storm and is continuing cleanup on interstate highways and local roads throughout the week. Motorists should allow extra travel time and use particular caution at intersections, ramps, and highway shoulders. All RMV road tests scheduled for today have been postponed.
Residents can check real-time road conditions at mass511.com, by calling 511, or by following @MassDOT on X.
South Shore News will continue to monitor recovery efforts and power restoration progress. If you’re experiencing an outage, contact your utility provider directly for the latest estimated restoration time.