Boston prepares for powerful nor’easter

SOUTH BOSTON — As a parking ban went into effect on major roads across Boston Friday night, congested streets in Southie became even tighter, hours before a powerful nor’easter was set to pound the region.

Local leaders declared a snow emergency, calling on residents to stay home or take public transportation if travel was needed.

The parking ban began at 9 p.m., to create room for plows to clear snow and ice.

“Little bit stressful,” said Kyle Santorine. “You’ve got to be worried about parking and snow emergency routes and everything like that if your car’s going to be okay in the snow.”

In a neighborhood that’s tough to find parking year-round, the potential for up to two feet of snow forced residents to get their parking plans in place.

“I have not moved my car all week in anticipation of the storm, because I didn’t want to have to find a parking spot,” said Kelly Jacobsen.

But the real fun starts when the snow stops: digging out and then saving a hard-earned and shoveled parking spot.

Residents get creative with their space savers, from a variety of chairs and stools to buckets, pizza boxes, an air conditioner, even paint can that became a mess for one driver during a past storm.

“I think the hardest time is if people use a trash or something for a space saver, to not know if it was the wind or if it was a space saver,” said Danielle Rafferty. “So, when in doubt, don’t park if it’s not your spot.”

Those parked in restricted areas during the ban will be ticketed and towed.

The City of Boston has posted on its website a list of restricted streets and options for alternate parking, including free municipal lots and discounted rates at private garages.

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