Gov. Maura Healey Requests Major Disaster Declaration After Massachusetts Blizzard

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey requested a Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government on April 9, 2026, to provide financial relief for communities impacted by a historic blizzard that occurred on February 22 and 23, 2026.

The request seeks federal reimbursement for storm response, recovery, and snow removal costs. If approved, funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would support state agencies and local governments in six hard-hit counties: Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, Norfolk, and Plymouth.

According to the Healey administration, these six regions reported storm-related expenses that exceeded the federal thresholds required for assistance through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

Targeted Assistance and Snow Removal

Beyond general recovery costs, the administration noted that Barnstable, Bristol, Norfolk, and Plymouth counties may be eligible for additional snow assistance. This is based on the fact that these areas met or neared record historical one-day snowfall totals as maintained by the National Climatic Data Center.

Governor Healey stated on April 9, 2026, that first responders and local crews worked continuously to maintain public safety and clear roads, but noted that these extraordinary efforts resulted in a significant cost to communities.

I saw first-hand the devastating impacts this record-breaking blizzard had on communities across Massachusetts, especially in the southeast. First responders and local crews worked around the clock to dig out residents, keep roads open, and protect public safety. Those efforts were extraordinary but came at a significant cost to communities. We are requesting federal assistance to help our cities and towns recover and make sure they have access every available resource to support recovery moving forward.

Governor Maura Healey

Storm Impact and Severity

The February 22–23 blizzard brought extreme weather conditions to the eastern part of the state, including whiteout conditions and hurricane-force wind gusts. In some areas, snow totals reached approximately three feet.

The severity of the storm led to widespread infrastructure failure and public safety emergencies. At its peak, more than 290,000 customers were left without electricity after high winds toppled power lines. The storm conditions made travel virtually impossible, forcing communities to shut down for several days and requiring emergency crews to perform rescues of motorists stranded in the snow.

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll characterized the event as a once-in-a-generation storm, comparing its scale and impact to the Blizzard of 1978 and the 2015 storm known as Snowmagedon. Driscoll noted that while the snow has since melted, the financial burden on the state and its municipalities remains.

Coordination and Legal Framework

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) managed the state’s response efforts during and after the storm. MEMA reported fielding more than 200 requests for assistance and has been working in coordination with FEMA to assess the total damages.

A major disaster declaration can be issued by the president under the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. This legal mechanism is used for natural events that cause damage exceeding the capabilities of state and local governments to respond independently.

While the state has appealed for federal aid to cover the recovery, officials have not yet specified the exact total amount of money spent by the state and its municipalities on the storm response.