Massachusetts political leaders and public safety officials are urging the public to take precautions and stay indoors as a major snow storm is forecast to hit the region Sunday into Monday.

Gov. Maura Healey briefed the media after touring MassDOT’s depot in Weston on Saturday, asking residents to take precautions, gather supplies and prepare themselves and their households today, before the storm hits. Healey has activated the State Emergency Operations Center and has declared Monday a remote work day for all non-essential state employees, urging the private sector to do the same.

“Here’s what I am asking of the public: First of all, if you can do it, please stay indoors this weekend. It’s just going to be way too cold. If you do have to go outdoors please dress warmly in layers, don’t have exposed skin,” Healey said during a Friday storm briefing. “We don’t want to see power outages, but it’s important that people prepare for power outages. Get what you need right now.”

Healey said that she has activated the state Emergency Operations Center “and directed all relevant agencies to deploy resources.”

“We’re taking this storm very seriously,” she said. “Our state teams have been making preparations since this forecast first emerged. We’re coordinating state agencies, working with partners, municipalities and utilities to be ready to support our residents.”

Road conditions

MassDOT has over 3,200 pieces of equipment deployed for snow removal operations. MassDOT on Saturday issued a travel restriction for all trucks beginning at noon Sunday that will last until noon on Monday. The restriction includes box trucks, tractor trailer, tandem and special permit trucks. The agency says food, fuel, and medical supply deliveries will not be subject to restrictions.

Officials are asking drivers to minimize, or if possible, avoid travel to allow snow plows the proper amount of time and space to clear the roads. MassDOT says for large storms, it typically takes about four hours after the snow stops falling to clean things up.

In Boston

Mayor Michelle Wu declared a cold emergency Thursday, which remains in effect until Sunday morning, and has activated city warming centers. Wu urged city residents to stay off the roads to allow crews the space to conduct snow removal operations

“We need your help to keep everyone safe. We are expecting whiteout conditions so please avoid driving during the snow emergency,” Wu said.

“We are encouraging everyone to go out ahead of time, plan ahead. It is cold right now, but get your snacks for the Patriots game now, before it gets toward when the snow starts falling,” she added. “Get what you need to get so you can stay inside and stay home after the game is done, and we are all celebrating.”

The Department of Public Works will be utilizing over 800 pieces of equipment to clear the roadways while also working with private contractors. The DPW has also been pre-treating the roads with a stockpile of over 40,000 tons of salt.

All City buildings have been closed for Sunday and Monday, including libraries and community centers. The mayor has also closed schools on Monday with all Sunday Boston Public Schools activities cancelled.

A parking ban will be in effect starting 8 a.m. Sunday, including at BPS parking lots. City residents with a resident parking sticker are able to access free and discounted garages starting at 6 a.m. A listing is available on the City’s website.

Residents will also have 48 hours after the snow emergency lifts to remove space savers from the road, with Wu saying trash pickup crews will remove any remaining ones. Space savers are prohibited in the South End and Bay Village due to neighborhood policies.

The forecast

Forecasts predict 12 to 18 inches of snow to fall Sunday into Monday, with the southeastern region of the state predicted to receive up to 12 inches.

In its latest update Saturday afternoon, the National Weather Service forecasted snowfall to start late Sunday morning or early Sunday afternoon. NWS says the period of heaviest snowfall will occur Sunday afternoon through midnight, with some areas expected to see over an inch of snow per hour. The snow is expected to taper off late Sunday night from west to east. In Boston

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect in Massachusetts from 7 a.m. Sunday through 8 p.m. Monday.

Beyond Massachusetts

Forecasters say over half the U.S. population could be affected by snow, ice or bitter cold as a winter storm sweeps across the county.

On Friday, schools in Chicago and other cities canceled classes due to extreme cold. Then the storm is forecast to bring snow, sleet, and ice from Texas to New England.

Forecasters warn the damage could rival a hurricane, especially in areas hit by ice. More than 1,000 flights were delayed or canceled Friday, with more expected Saturday. People are stocking up on water, food and generators as they prepare for the storm.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu during a press conference, Saturday, at City Hall about the impending snowstorm forecasted to begin on Sunday. At left is Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox. (Mark Stockwell/Boston Herald)

Doug Kunde watches as steam is seen over Lake Michigan as frigid temperatures for the day are not expected to reach zero degrees Friday in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)