Massachusetts School Closings and Travel Bans Following February 2026 Blizzard

TL;DR

• K-12 schools and major universities, including Boston University, closed all campuses on Monday.
• Governor Healey implemented a mandatory travel ban for the Southeastern region of the state.
• Heavy snow and high winds caused thousands of utility customers to lose power.
• The closures and bans remain in effect until emergency crews clear primary transit routes.

What Happened

On Monday morning, a powerful nor'easter designated as Winter Storm Hernando reached peak intensity over Massachusetts. School administrators across the state initiated closures late Sunday and early Monday to prevent student and staff travel during the storm's height.

Public school districts in Boston, Worcester, and surrounding suburbs canceled all classes and extracurricular activities. Higher education institutions followed suit, with Boston University closing both its Charles River and Medical campuses for the duration of the day.

As visibility dropped to near-zero levels, state officials moved from advisories to mandatory restrictions. The weather conditions included heavy snowfall rates and wind gusts exceeding 50 mph in coastal areas, leading to hazardous road conditions and infrastructure strain.

Key Developments

Governor Maura Healey signed an executive order establishing a travel ban for Southeastern Massachusetts, citing the need to keep roads clear for plow operators and emergency vehicles. This ban prohibits non-essential vehicle travel on state highways and local roads within the designated zone.

Utility providers reported that tens of thousands of residents lost power as the heavy, wet snow downed trees and power lines. Repair crews have been deployed but face delays due to the ongoing blizzard conditions and restricted road access.

Snow totals have accumulated rapidly, with several towns reporting over a foot of snow by mid-day Monday. Meteorological reports indicate that the storm is one of the most significant winter events for the state in recent years.

Why This Matters

The closure of the state's educational system affects hundreds of thousands of students and requires the activation of municipal snow emergency protocols. The travel ban is a legal measure intended to reduce the number of stranded motorists and ensure that emergency services can reach residents during power outages or medical crises.

What Happens Next

School districts are expected to announce decisions regarding Tuesday classes by late Monday evening based on the progress of snow removal. The travel ban will be lifted once state officials determine that road conditions have stabilized for safe transit. Utility companies are working to restore power as wind speeds diminish.

FAQ

Are all Massachusetts schools closed today?

Yes, the vast majority of K-12 public and private schools, along with major universities, closed on Monday due to the blizzard. Parents should check local district websites for specific reopening timelines.

Is there a travel ban in Massachusetts?

A mandatory travel ban is currently in effect for Southeastern Massachusetts by order of the Governor. Residents in other parts of the state are advised to avoid non-essential travel.

Why did Boston University close its campuses?

Boston University closed its Charles River and Medical campuses to ensure the safety of students and staff during the nor'easter. All in-person classes and administrative operations were suspended.

What is the status of power outages in MA?

Significant power outages have been reported across the state, particularly in coastal and southeastern regions. Utility crews are currently working on restoration as weather conditions permit.

When will schools in MA reopen?

Reopening depends on individual district assessments of road safety and building power. Announcements for Tuesday schedules are typically released between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM on Monday.