Mayor Thomas M. Menino today declared a snow emergency to go into effect at 10PM tonight in anticipation of the forecasted snow storm arriving tonight and continuing throughout the day tomorrow.We are expecting heavy snow and near blizzard conditions. The National Weather Service is forecasting up to 14 inches of snow with the heaviest coming down during the morning commute. The Mayor urges everyone to use public transportation if they must go into work. Boston Public Schools will be cancelled.

Mayor Menino met this afternoon with all city departments to discuss preparations for the storm and every agency, will be on standby to respond. The city has nearly 600 pieces of snow removal equipment at the ready and nearly 25,000 tons of salt at eight different depots across the city. The city's emergency homeless shelters will be open throughout the day and evening to insure everyone has a place to stay during the storm.

The snow emergency and parking ban will go into effect at 10PM tonight. Putting public safety as the top priority, there will be extra Ambulances and Police on duty throughout the storm.

Mayor Menino reminds residents of the following:

Move cars from main arterials during snow emergencies. A listing of main arterials can be found at: www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking.asp

On other streets in the City - Do not park cars within 20 feet of an intersection. Parking too close to an intersection can restrict emergency vehicle access.

Do not throw snow back into the street. "Throwbacks" force the city to remove snow from the same street twice.

Shovel out fire hydrants close to your home.

Property owners are reminded to shovel snow from sidewalks that abut homes and businesses and any Handicapped Ramps close to your homes or business.

Do not double-park.

There will be NO MONDAY TRASH COLLECTION.

Please Check on elderly neighbors and others in need.

During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at several parking lots and garages to cars that display Boston resident parking stickers. A list of locations is available at www.cityofboston.gov/snow. The city's Know Snow program will be in effect to alert residents of the snow emergency. During declared snow emergencies 10 Community Centers are open 8am – 4pm.

Blackstone Community Center – South End / Lower Roxbury
Charlestown Community Center
Harborside Community Center – East Boston
Condon Community Center – South Boston
Holland Community Center – Dorchester
Curtis Hall Community Center – Jamaica Plain
Tobin Community Center – Mission Hill Jackson Mann Community Center – Allston/Brighton
Mildred Ave Community Center – Mattapan
Roslindale Community Center

The City of Boston Storm Center will open at 10PM tonight. Residents with storm-related questions or concerns should call the center at (617) 635-3050. Anyone with any questions or concerns can always call the Mayor's Hotline at 617-635-4500.