Worcester Declares Parking Ban Due To Winter Storm

WORCESTER, MA — With classes canceled and several municipal buildings already closed, Worcester will begin enforcing a parking ban Monday afternoon with a winter storm bearing down on the region.

The parking ban begins at 2 p.m., and means that parking is not allowed on the odd side of any side street. Parking will also be prohibited on either side of main arteries, bus routes, emergency routes and downtown-area streets.

For residents who don't have access to off-street parking, the city will open municipal garages at 11 a.m. for free. The garages will be open for free for however long the parking ban is in place.

Apart from schools being closed, the Worcester Senior Center and the Roosevelt and Goddard library branches are closed Monday.

"City officials urge residents to drive with caution as temperatures drop below freezing, leave additional time for travel, and stay clear of plows," the city said in a bulletin. "Residents are reminded that they have up to 10 hours from the end of a winter storm to clear the sidewalks abutting their property of any snow and ice. Residents who are able to are also asked to clear snow around fire hydrants and catch basins in their neighborhoods. Snow should not be put in the street."

As much as 4 inches of snow will fall near Worcester throughout Monday afternoon and into early Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.