Boris Johnson has defied the warnings of the Boston authorities to leave town today ahead of the worst snowstorm the city has ever faced.
Just minutes after disembarking his flight from London the Mayor joined a conference call with Boston’s City Hall and transport officials who suggested he cut short his visit.
They said his timetable later on his US tour - including visits to New York and Washington and talks with presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton – would be at risk if he didn’t leave Boston before he was snowed in. Mr Johnson decided to ignore the warnings and stay put.
Snow drifts threatened to reach seven feet in places after two weeks of heavy falls with more snow expected.
Boston mayor Marty Walsh declared a “snow emergency”, closing the city’s schools, banning street parking and urging all but essential workers to stay at home.
But the Mayor’s official spokesman said: “It was a close call but he’s here to do business for London, and that’s exactly what he intends to do.
“Clearly the weather conditions are challenging and the Mayor thought long and hard about whether to stay in Boston or head to New York early, but with significant tech and life scientists here he has reservations about pulling out.”
Mr Johnson’s flight was one of the last to arrive in Boston last night before the runway was shut to all but the most adventurous of airlines.
Mr Johnson was also due to take part in a discussion in front of an audience of 800 guests but they have been told not to turn up and he will appear on television instead.
The Mayor is expected to meet the Boston 2024 Olympic bid team and give a keynote speech on innovation at the prestigious MIT.
