City of Worcester, MA

WORCESTER, Mass. – As snow removal efforts continue, the Winter Weather Emergency declared by the City of Worcester on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 will stay in effect until further notice. The Declared Winter Parking Ban that went into effect at 1 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25 will also stay in effect as crews continue to work to clear the streets. 

On Sunday, Jan. 25 at 7:30 a.m., the city went into general plow operations with 72 municipal vehicles and 295 private contractors treating the roads. They worked through the night and continued to clear the roads until 4 p.m. on Monday Jan. 26, during which time 19 inches of snow accumulated. Three additional inches of snow fell from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday. 

From 3 to 11 p.m. Monday a second shift of plow operators were working to clear the streets and at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, the city went back into general plowing operations and 40 municipal vehicles and 210 private contractors were actively clearing the roads. 

The 250 pieces of equipment began clearing and salting the main arteries of the city and  are now transitioning into clearing and treating residential and side streets. The crews are also focusing on clearing snow piled up at intersections and near schools. 

With nearly two feet of snow falling during this weather event and 460 miles of public roads and 80 miles of private roads in the city, it is expected that crews will be working throughout the week to ensure the roads are safe. At the end of the week, crews will work on snow relocation. 

“I’m very proud of the team that we’ve assembled,” said Department of Public Works (DPW) Commisioner John Westerling. “They worked under the worst of conditions to keep our city open and safe and they will continue to work tirelessly through the week.”

Some of the biggest challenges to the clean up efforts are residents shoveling or snowblowing snow into the street and cars parked on the streets, impeding plows. Residents are reminded to avoid moving snow into the streets and that they, along with businesses and property owners, are responsible for clearing and treating sidewalks to ensure they remain safe and accessible, especially when Worcester Public Schools reopen. 

Worcester’s Sidewalk Snow Removal Ordinance requires that owners and occupants of any residential or business property are required to clear and treat sidewalks adjacent to their property within 10 hours after snow ceases to fall. Snow and ice must be removed to a width of no less than 4 feet for the entire distance of abutting sidewalks. Crosswalks and curb ramps that abut properties must be cleared as well. Residents who do not comply with this ordinance are subject to a $75 fine daily. Complaints can be reported to Worcester 311.

Residents are also encouraged to help clear snow around fire hydrants, catch basins, and along curbs to help melted snow drain as temperatures rise.

All municipal garages remain free of charge during the Declared Winter Parking Ban. If you haven’t done so already, we ask you to move any cars parked along the street into one of the municipal garages listed below:

Major Taylor Garage – 30 Major Taylor Blvd.

Federal Plaza Garage – 570 Main St.

Pearl & Elm Garage – 20 Pearl St.

Worcester Common Garage – 3 Eaton Place

Union Station Garage – 225 Franklin St.

The Worcester Police Department has been ticketing and towing residents who are not in compliance with the ban and as of 1 p.m. Tuesday, the department has issued approximately 720 tickets, and 400 cars have been towed.

During the Declared Winter Parking Ban, parking is prohibited on either side of main arteries, emergency and bus routes, and streets in the downtown area critical to the flow of traffic. On all other streets, parking is only permitted on the odd numbered side of the street, unless otherwise posted. Residents can search their streets online at worcesterma.gov/streets/winter-weather/winter-parking.

For questions, residents should contact Worcester 311 by dialing 3-1-1, emailing 311@worcesterma.gov, or visiting worcesterma.gov/311. Residents can submit requests through the 311 app and email 24/7. Residents looking to locate a vehicle that has been towed are advised to contact Worcester 311.

For more details about Worcester’s Winter Parking Bans and affected streets, please visit worcesterma.gov/streets/winter-weather/winter-parking.

Residents are reminded that trash and recycling is delayed one day this week as a result of the storm, with pickup starting this morning. 

During the storm, Worcester 311 processed 1,336 winter-related requests, with staff members arriving early and staying late to assist with calls and being supported by employees from other departments. 

On Monday, Jan. 26, Worcester 311 handled 924 calls, 11 chats, 72 reports from the 311 app, and 40 emails. On Tuesday, Jan. 27, 311 had fielded 935 calls as of 2 p.m. 

Due to the storm and the frigid temperatures, it brought with it, the municipality opened an emergency winter overflow shelter/warming center at Worcester Technical High School on Friday, Jan. 23. During the height of the storm the shelter served 95 people. The shelter remained open until 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27 and those who were still at the shelter were transported to St. John’s Food Pantry for further assistance. 

“I want to sincerely thank everyone that helped keep the city going during this storm from the DPW workers and contractors working over 30 hour shifts to the 311 workers answering the phones to the police officers helping get cars off the roads to the volunteers at the shelter who made sure people were warm and fed,” City Manager Eric D. Batista said. “It took everyone to help get Worcester through this and I know some people are still digging out, so I encourage you to check on your neighbors, friends, and family and offer help if you are able.”