'Deploy Every Resource': Boston Mayor Urges Residents To Stay Off Roads

BOSTON (CBS) – Mayor Marty Walsh urged city residents to stay off the roads as he pledged to clear Boston streets that have been ravaged by heavy snow and heavy flooding.

"We are going to deploy every resource necessary to make sure that our neighborhoods are safe," Walsh told reporters at 3 p.m. Thursday.

Boston public schools will be closed on Friday, for the second day in a row.

Several Boston streets saw heavy flooding after tides peaked at 12:38 p.m., including in the Seaport District, North End, East Boston and in Dorchester. A portion of the T's Blue Line also saw flooding.

Walsh said the city's water and sewer crews are out checking locations.

Another high tide is expected around midnight into Friday morning, but Walsh said he is not expecting it to be as high as the daytime situation.

Crews using more than 750 pieces of equipment "have been working hard" to clear Boston roads since snowfall began Thursday morning, Walsh said.

Walsh urged residents to stay indoors and to look out for elderly neighbors or members of the city's homeless population who may need help during the storm.

"We've been working very hard to make sure that no one is left out in the cold," he said.

With dangerous wind chill temperatures expected over the weekend, Walsh said "we're asking to stay inside as much as possible."

More than 700 flights were cancelled at Logan International Airport on Thursday. Walsh urged travelers to call their airline first before heading out to the airport.

Walsh also urged people who may be walking in the city to be cautious. He said it's possible plows won't see people due to whiteout conditions.

Into Friday, Walsh said the focus is cleaning main hills and bridges across Boston.

"We're going to get to every street in the city of Boston, so be patient," he said.

Residents can call 311 with questions about snow clearing or other issues.