Blizzard brings travel bans, local state of emergency, extended school closures

Gov. Maura Healey enacted a travel ban for Bristol, Plymouth and Barnstable counties, which started at 3 p.m., restricting travel to essential vehicles only. 

Essential vehicles include first responders, plow operators and other authorized essential personnel.

Healey enacted this ban because these areas were hit the hardest by the storm and it is necessary for emergency services to be able to travel freely. 

“Anybody who doesn’t need to be on the road, should not be on the road,” said Healey. 

Town Administrator Cody Haddad and the Select Board also declared a local state of emergency. Many roads have not been plowed and are not safe to travel and thousands across town have lost power.

Fire District 1’s general business line is down because of the storm. In the case of an emergency, dial 911. 

Dartmouth Public Schools will also be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 23. 

The parking ban has been expanded through Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 3:30 p.m. Solid waste and recycling will be on a two day delay.

Additional updates can be found on the Town’s website at dartmouthma.gov or on the Town’s Facebook page.