Some areas south of Boston had nearly a foot of snow as of 9 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.
A winter storm bore down on the region Friday, dropping snow and wreaking havoc on the morning commute with traffic crashes reported on several highways across the state.
The latest snow map released by the National Weather Service around 9 a.m. showed about 8.5 inches of accumulation in Natick, with some areas south of Boston receiving much more – 10 inches in Franklin and 11.5 in Sharon.
As of around 10:30 a.m., the state Department of Transportation said it had over 2,500 pieces of equipment out helping with snow and ice operations all over the state. There was also a speed limit restriction on I-90 from the New York border to I-495 in Westborough.
MassDOT currently has 2516 pieces of equipment deployed in snow & ice operations throughout the state. 40mph speed limit restrictions remain in place on I-90 from NY Border to I-495 in #Westboro. #MAsnow
— Mass. Transportation (@MassDOT) January 7, 2022
Some roads are snow covered, some may have black ice, some slush covered, some wet. Be prepared for any situation as you may not know the exact conditions you’re driving in. #MAsnow pic.twitter.com/eQXTbajdyn
— Mass. Transportation (@MassDOT) January 7, 2022
Despite attempts to make the roads more passable, crashes snagged traffic on various highways and routes. On Route 140 northbound in Freetown, state police responded to a crash that resulted in a fatality when a vehicle went off the road.
Sadly, Freetown crash is a fatality. Troopers remain on scene conducting investigation. Vehicle went off road. No lanes closed. https://t.co/mUOGqyXMb7
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) January 7, 2022
Along the Mass. Pike, an MBTA bus reportedly became wedged across the highway.
Officials are advising residents to stay off the roads if possible, given the treacherous conditions.
Good morning #Boston. With the snow falling we would like to to give you some safety reminders:
-Stay off the roads if you can.
-Watch out for Pedestrians and Bicyclists
-Don’t crowd the Plow
-If you must drive (which we hope you don’t) please go slow
-Take the @MBTA pic.twitter.com/aECMhwDg1c— BostonTransportation (@BostonBTD) January 7, 2022
[8:10 am] Travel is very treacherous & slow this morning across MA, RI & CT. Snowfall rates of 1-2″ per hour is making it extremely difficult for road crews, along with poor visibility. If possible, delay travel until this afternoon when #snow ends. #MAwx #RIwx #CTwx #winter pic.twitter.com/VFGY9fx78O
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) January 7, 2022
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