Dec 31, 2008 4:38 pm US/Eastern
Bundle Up For A Snowy First Night
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Donald Chapelle works on his ice sculpture Tuesday in preparation of First Night Boston.
WBZ
A snow storm and frigid temperatures isn't stopping this year's
First Night Boston.
The celebration will go on, and many Bostonians told WBZ their plans to go out on New Year's Eve are unaffected by the snow.
"I'm from California and even 10 inches of snow I think I can handle," one woman said. "We're going out. It's New Year's Eve. We're going out for sure."
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino said this is the first time a significant snow storm has hit during First Night.
City crews plan to have the snow cleared out in time for the festivities.
EXPECT FREEZING TEMPS AND LOTS OF SNOW
WBZ meteorologists say Boston could get close to 9 inches of snow by the time the storm moves out around 7 p.m. By 2:30 p.m., the city had 6.3 inches.
The heaviest snow fell by 4 p.m. It will start to taper off in the evening hours. Meteorologists advise people to dress in layers Wednesday night because temperatures will be dangerously cold and the wind chill will drive temperatures to near zero degrees for most of the night.
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SHOW GOES ON FOR ARTISTS & PERFORMERS
"I love it. I love it," said ice sculptor Donald Chapelle. "(The snow) will make the scene really peaceful and serene."
Despite the forecast for heavy snow, spirits are high among young performers.
"You can't plan a winter event in Boston and not expect to wrestle with the weather a little bit," said Joyce Linehan with First Night Boston. "This is nothing we haven't dealt with before and we're expecting First Night to go on."
Ice sculptor Steve Rose worked through the night to complete four more sculptures.
"I understand there's going to be some snow," he said. "But this is New England so it shouldn't be too much of a shock."
COMMUTING INTO BOSTON
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend First Night.
The heavy snow has made for hazardous driving conditions on Massachusetts highways, with numerous accidents and spinouts reported.
Menino said the city is urging people to take the MBTA into the city and to leave the cars at home.
The MBTA is offering free rides after 8 p.m. with the last subway leaving at 1:45 a.m.
Check train schedules
The parade route starts on Boylston Street at Hereford Street and runs along Charles Street near the Common.
WHAT ABOUT THE FIREWORKS?
Officials say the snow won't have an effect on the fireworks display but the wind could. If the winds are more than 20 mph sustained then the show will have to be cancelled. The Boston Fire Department will be keeping a close watch on the winds later Wednesday to determine whether it's safe to set off the fireworks.
In the meantime, crews are planning for the show to go on.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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