Mass. Gov. Maura Healey issues travel ban in Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable counties amid historic blizzard of 2026

Todd Prussman, Boston Herald on Feb 23, 2026

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BOSTON — Gov. Maura Healey has issued a travel ban in southeast Massachusetts as the region contends with an historic blizzard that has piled over two feet of show in parts of the state and continues to endanger travel on the roads.

Healey’s executive order bans nonessential motor vehicle travel in Bristol, Plymouth, and Barnstable counties until the blizzard ends and road conditions improve. The governor announced the ban Monday afternoon.

“This is a serious storm, and there are dangerous road conditions out there, especially on the South Coast. We have reports of abandoned and stuck cars on the roads, and tow trucks are having difficulty getting to them,” Healey said.

Travel on the Mass Pike has been reduced to 40 mph.

“While this travel ban is limited to the South Coast, we urge everyone across the state to stay off the roads for your safety and for the safety of plow drivers and emergency officials who are trying to do their jobs,” Healey continued. “Thank you to everyone who has stayed home and to those who are doing this hard work during extremely challenging conditions.”

Healey’s travel ban includes numerous exceptions including public safety and health care personal delivering critical services, news media, first responders, and people working at or in support of hospitals, shelters and and other human service agencies.

The governor’s office said state highway officials are redeploying road equipment to the South Coast area as the region continues to be lashed by the brunt of the ongoing storm.

The South Coast travel ban will remain in place until Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver determines safety on the roads has improved.

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