Boston woke up under a gray, unsettled sky on Sunday, February 22, 2026, with raw air, temperatures hovering near 28°F, and a brisk northerly wind already hinting at what is on the way. The National Weather Service has put a Blizzard Warning and coastal flood advisories into effect as a powerful nor'easter intensifies offshore. Forecasters say heavy, wet snow and damaging winds will ramp up late tonight and continue into Monday, making travel dangerous or even impossible during the height of the storm.
Timing And Snow Totals
Rain is expected to arrive near the coastline late Sunday night before flipping to heavy snow overnight, with the worst of it on Monday, February 23, 2026. According to NWS Boston, most of the city can expect roughly a foot of accumulation. Across much of southeastern Massachusetts, 10 to 16 inches are likely, with localized 18 to 24 inch totals possible in pockets of the South Shore, Cape Cod, and the Islands. Intensifying snow bands could drop 1 to 3 inches per hour, leading to rapid accumulation and extremely limited visibility.
Winds, Travel And Coastal Flooding
Northerly winds will crank up as the storm deepens, with gusts of 40 to 60 mph inland and up to 70 mph on the Cape and Islands. That combination of heavy, wet snow and strong gusts is expected to produce widespread blowing and drifting snow, bring down branches, and create a real potential for power outages. High astronomical tides Monday morning and again early Tuesday will raise the risk of moderate coastal flooding on exposed sections of the inner harbor and South Shore, according to WCVB. Officials are warning that whiteout conditions could make driving treacherous and are urging people to keep travel limited to emergencies only on Monday, February 23, 2026.
What To Do Now
Residents are being urged to charge phones, get an emergency kit ready, move cars off low-lying roads, secure any outdoor furniture, and check on neighbors who might need extra help. If travel cannot be avoided, delay your trip until conditions improve and head out with warm clothing, food, water, and a full tank of gas. If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle and call for assistance. Keep an eye on updates from local authorities and the National Weather Service, and check for MBTA or airline service advisories before you head out the door.
