BLIZZARD RESPONSE

This City of New Bedford meeting on February 25, 2026, focused on the city's response to a historic blizzard that dropped 37 inches of snow, the largest snowfall on record. City officials detailed the extensive multi-day snow removal efforts involving over 140 pieces of city equipment and 20 additional contractor vehicles, with further support requested from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the National Guard. The discussion highlighted challenges such as poor visibility for plow drivers, snow being blown back onto cleared streets, and the need to clear both main roads and side streets to ensure emergency vehicle access. Officials also addressed power outages, towing of vehicles, and the postponement of trash collection services by three days to avoid interference with snow removal. The city declared a state of emergency and emphasized the importance of residents staying off the roads to facilitate plowing operations. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were mentioned, but the use of contractors and coordination with state resources indicates ongoing procurement activity related to snow removal and emergency response.