Winter Storm Preparedness Press Conference

The City of New Bedford held a Winter Storm Preparedness Press Conference on January 24, 2026, to discuss the upcoming significant snowstorm expected to bring 8 to 13 inches of snow, the largest since 2015. City officials outlined their operational plans, including pre-storm road treatment with salters, deployment of approximately 120 plows, and enforcement of a mandatory parking ban to facilitate snow removal and emergency vehicle access. They emphasized the importance of public compliance with parking restrictions and sidewalk shoveling to ensure safety and efficient snow clearance. The city also announced closures of city offices, libraries, and schools on Sunday and Monday, with trash collection schedules adjusted accordingly. Emergency shelters and warming centers will be available if needed, though major power outages are not anticipated. The city highlighted improvements in storm forecasting and snow removal techniques since previous storms, aiming for cost-effective and effective response primarily using city resources rather than contractors. No new procurement contracts or vendor selections were discussed during the meeting.