Massachusetts’ Governor Deval Patrick declared a state of emergency this afternoon, due to the blizzard that is expected to bring up to 3 feet of snow.
CBS Boston reports, Feb. 8, 2013, that Patrick signed an executive order to ban all travel on all roads in the state starting at 4 p.m. Friday, due to rapid snowfall of 2-3 inches per hour which will make for “extremely dangerous conditions,” making “safe travel nearly impossible.”
There are some exceptions to the ban, including emergency workers, those who work in hospitals and media, and others required to be at their jobs.
If you don’t have an exemption and you’re caught on the road, the penalty could be as steep as a $500 fine or, at worst, a year in jail.
Public transportation will not be an option either. The MBTA is shutting down at 3:30 p.m.
This is the first time that a Massachusetts governor has issued an executive order like this since the Blizzard of 1978. But back then it was put in place after, instead of before, the storm.
At a news conference at the MEMA bunker in Framingham, Patrick told reporters it’s not about the punishment, they simply need the roads clear during the blizzard. “Essentially we want everyone off the road,” MEMA spokesman Peter Judge told WBZ-TV’s Jon Keller. ”We’re talking common sense here.”
Patrick did not say when the travel ban would be lifted.
Below are some readers’ reaction to the ban:
fred125 •
I will go out if I want to. If I get into trouble, I will help myself even though self-help is discouraged in this gulag of a state. Does this ban include the Police ? If they are not on the roads, It means I can go about my business without getting a jack-boot on the back of my neck.
Reverend Ken •
Everyone within walking distance of this tyrant should go sledding on his front lawn.
planeboy •
Just wondering..If your still at work when to ban takes effect then what? This looks like a test run to see who they can control… nanny state running amok…
Reverend Ken •
For sure has to be a socialist dictator !! Has he declared ‘martial law’ for the state as “The Messiah” KING OBONGO would love too for the entire country ????
John Sheridan •
Well, he IS the Governor of the Peoples Republic of Massachusetts isn’t he?
What about FOTM writers and readers in Massachusetts? Let’s hear from you!
~Eowyn
