Violators of travel ban face jail, fine

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) -- Most drivers appeared to be following the travel bans issued for the Blizzard of 2013. However, those who don't could face jail time and a hefty fine in Massachusetts.

Snow began to intensify early Friday night, and the streets of Fall River turned into a ghost town. Most people were heeding the state's travel ban and that's how the city's mayor wanted it.

• StormBeat: Minute-by-minute blizzard updates

William Flanagan said shops and businesses in the city were asked to close down. He said those that didn't would be forced to do so.

Parking bans in the city were also in effect.

As for New Bedford, Mayor John Mitchell said crews were working to keep main arteries open, including those road that lead to the city's two hospitals.

As of 9 p.m., the hurricane barrier remained open. However, the Army Corps of Engineers were monitoring the situation, and could decide to close it should the storm surge become greater than four feet.

For those needing a warm place to go, the city has opened a shelter at the church on Purchase St.