"New England braced on Thursday for a possibly record-setting winter storm, with forecasts of up to two feet of snow prompting local officials to urge residents to prepare."
"The storm was blowing in from the Midwest where it was expected to begin dropping snow on the Chicago area on Thursday afternoon. It was due to bring light snow to the northeastern United States on Friday morning before ramping up to blizzard conditions by afternoon.
In Boston, which was expected to see some of the heaviest snowfall, Mayor Thomas Menino ordered the city's schools to close on Friday and urged businesses to consider allowing staff to stay home, to reduce the risk of commuters getting stranded on their way home.
'We are hardy New Englanders, let me tell you, and used to these types of storms. But I also want to remind everyone to use common sense and stay off the streets of our city. Basically, stay home,' Menino told reporters. 'Stay put after noontime tomorrow.'"
Scott Malone reports for Reuters February 8, 2013.
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