UPDATE: Governor Closes State Offices in 9 Counties for Non-Emergency State Employees

Originally posted on Sunday, Feb. 7. Updated

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Governor Charlie Baker announced that state offices in Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth and Suffolk counties will be closed Monday, Feb. 8.

Non-emergency, executive branch employees working or living in these counties will not report to work tomorrow.

The administration is urging everyone to stay off roadways as many parts of the state will experience blizzard conditions throughout the day.

“We encourage employers to consider allowing employees to work from home to reduce traffic volume and allow our road crews to clear roads,” tweeted Baker.

“This storm will create hazardous driving conditions as many parts of the state, particularly the South Shore, Cape and Islands, will experience blizzard conditions for most of the day and we urge all residents to refrain from travel unless absolutely necessary,” said Baker. “State offices will be closed to reduce traffic volume and allow our road crews to clear roads and sidewalks. We encourage employers to consider allowing employees to work from home if possible and ask folks to help clear the driveways and sidewalks in their communities and assist neighbors in need. The MBTA plans to run a regular schedule, but commuters are encouraged to check MBTA.com/winter for scheduling updates.”​

The Baker Administration remains in close contact with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in Framingham, MassDOT, and State Police HQ in Framingham to monitor the forecast and will work to alert the public with important updates or notifications.

The MBTA Storm Desk will continue to monitor rail service throughout the storm and provide updates to commuters at MBTA.com/winter.

State Office Closures: State offices will be closed in Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Suffolk counties. Non-emergency, executive branch employees living or working in those counties will not report to work on Monday, February 8, 2016.

MBTA: The MBTA will operate on a normal schedule tomorrow with winter routes in effect for buses. Commuters are encouraged to be patient, allow plenty of time for travel, and plan ahead by checking MBTA.com/winter for updates.