A messy morning: Slick roads, multiple crashes and freezing rain

Freezing rain mixed with overnight snow is making travel difficult and slow Thursday morning, especially in areas where temperatures are below freezing, but a warm-up is on the way for the afternoon. Winter Weather Advisories are in effect until about 7 a.m. Freezing rain should last until about 8 a.m. and light rain will continue until about 9 a.m. Several schools have announced delayed start times.

This afternoon will be much more pleasant, with clearing skies, sun and highs in the 40s and 50s.

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Live Updates: 

8:00 a.m.:

Crews continue to work to clear the roads, which continue slick and dangerous even after the snow has moved away and freezing rain has settled.

According to MassDOT, 1,206 crews have been deployed across the state to clear and treat the wet, slush-covered roads.

There are currently major delays on I-93 north due to a 4-car crash in the Wilmington area.

Officials opened up the HOV lane on I-93 north in Quincy just in time for the morning rush hours.

Don't forget to clear the snow off your vehicle before hitting the roads this morning!

6:00 a.m.-

Traffic on I-90 east in Blandford is being diverted at exit 2 due to a fatal crash involving two tractor-trailers and a box truck.

5:22 a.m. -

MassDOT says the Quincy to Boston HOV lane will be closed this morning with no estimate as to when it will reopen.

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4:20 a.m. - 

The roads are super slick this morning and already, lots of crashes have been reported. It's a good morning to take it slow or leave a little later if you can.

Stay Informed:

Utilize Massachusetts Alerts to receive emergency notifications and information from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service.  Massachusetts Alerts is a free app that is available for Android and iPhones. Click to learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone.

Utilize MEMA's real-time power outage viewer to stay informed about current power outages in your community and region, and across the state, including information from utility companies about restoration times.

Utilize MEMA's live weather radar and forecasting tools.

Online Resources:

For additional information and resources, visit:
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency at www.mass.gov/mema
MEMA's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA
MEMA Twitter: @MassEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.fema.gov
National Weather Service/Taunton at www.weather.gov/boston
National Weather Service/Albany, NY at www.weather.gov/albany
National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center: http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov
National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center:  http://www.spc.noaa.gov/
Mass211 at www.mass211.org

Live Traffic Conditions | MassDOT | Mass511 | MBTA | Logan Airport | Amtrak

Winter driving tips from MassDOT: 

• Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights, even the hood and roof, before driving, (start with the tailpipe).
• Leave plenty of room for stopping.
• Remember that the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.
• Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
• Bridge decks freeze first. Due to the difference in the exposure to air, the surface condition can be worse on a bridge than on the approach road.
• Exit ramps are an even greater challenge during the winter since they may have received less anti-icing material than the main line.
• Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows – stay back at least 200 feet and don't pass on the right.
• Seat belts should be worn at all times – it's the law.
• Most importantly please remember to slow down.

ADDITIONAL SNOW CONTENT:

Ice safety tips for safe winter fun
How and when to protect your pipes from freezing
How to shovel, remove snow safely
Here's what to have in your snow emergency kit
Tips, warning signs for frostbite, hypothermia

Cox Media Group