Snowstorm Is ‘as Bad as I’ve Seen It,’ Massachusetts Governor Says

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by Christina Morales and Jenna Russell

February 24, 2026

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A severe snowstorm battered Massachusetts, causing widespread power outages and road closures. Gov. Maura Healey reported nearly 300,000 residents without electricity and approximately 350 vehicles stranded on roads, some still occupied by drivers. The storm, with wind gusts exceeding 60 mph and snowfall surpassing two feet in certain areas, significantly hindered recovery efforts. Healey compared the situation to the devastating 1978 blizzard, which paralyzed the region for days and resulted in numerous fatalities. To address the crisis, the governor imposed a travel ban in severely affected regions, allowing utility crews to focus on restoring power. She also urged residents to work remotely and advised public transportation users to expect reduced services. In Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu emphasized the city’s challenges in managing accumulating snow, requiring heavy machinery to clear streets and create space for new accumulations. Local officials, like Richard J. Quintal Jr. of Plymouth, highlighted the struggle to keep up with rapidly falling snowdrifts, which overwhelmed plowing crews and led to incidents like an ambulance becoming trapped. The storm’s impact extended beyond infrastructure: dozens of school districts canceled classes, extending winter breaks. Healey acknowledged the difficulty but expressed optimism, stating, “We’ll get through this.” The situation underscores the challenges faced by emergency responders and utilities during extreme weather events, particularly when compounded by staffing shortages and equipment limitations. As the region recovers, the storm serves as a reminder of the need for

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/24/2026