New Bedford Calls in National Guard for Snow Emergency

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — The Massachusetts Army National Guard is being called in to help with snow removal efforts in New Bedford, as Governor Maura Healey has announced a travel ban for all non-essential personnel on the SouthCoast.

According to a release from the City of New Bedford, more than 30 inches of snow has already fallen in the city as of this afternoon, with the snow expected to continue for a few more hours.

Currently, New Bedford has more than 120 pieces of city-operated equipment and 15 privately-owned pieces of equipment out conducting snow removal operations. However, Mayor Jon Mitchell has requested assets from the Massachusetts Army National Guard and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to assist in the snow removal effort.

To report snow removal issues on city streets, contact the Department of Public Infrastructure at (508) 991-6150.

New Bedford Parking Ban Remains in Effect

As snow removal efforts continue, the city’s snow emergency parking ban will remain in effect until further notice.

READ MORE: New Bedford Issues Snow Emergency Parking Ban

Get our free mobile app

Governor Issues Travel Ban for Bristol County

Governor Maura Healey signed an executive order Monday afternoon banning non-essential motor vehicle travel in Bristol, Plymouth, and Barnstable counties due to the blizzard and dangerous road conditions. The travel ban will be lifted when Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver determines conditions are safe.

READ MORE: Governor Healey Declares State of Emergency for Blizzard

A list of the allowed essential personnel can be found on Mass.gov.

New Bedford Closures Continue

New Bedford Public Schools and New Bedford City Offices will both be closed on Tuesday, February 24. The New Bedford Regional Airport is also expected to be closed on Tuesday.

Eversource Bringing in More Resources

According to the City release, approximately 10 percent of Eversource customers in New Bedford were without power as of 4 p.m. on Monday. Eversource is “surging” crews into the city as storm conditions subside, the release stated.