UPDATE, 12:50 PM: The New York Times is reporting that that there would be a “controlled explosion” on Norfolk Street in Cambridge later this afternoon. That is the location that police identified earlier today as being the possible home of the suspect.
The State police said the controlled explosion would take place to ensure the safety of the law enforcement officers at the scene.
A reason for alerting people about this step is so that they would not be alarmed should they hear an explosion in Cambridge.
As far as transportation issues go, Logan Airport is still operational, but is operating under heightened security, airport officials told NBC News. The only way to get to and from the airport is to drive, with all the city's buses, subways commuter trains, and Amtrak ceasing operations.
Driving is also difficult: Authorities are prohibiting some street traffic and cars having to pass through police roadblocks when entering and leaving the airport. Official taxi service was suspended for several hours this morning, the Boston Police Department said.
UPDATE, 11:30 AM: The Boston Police Department is announcing that taxi service has been restored throughout the city.
Eight Marriott, Renaissance, Ritz-Carlton hotels in Boston are increasing security and restricting acces. Hotels are operational, and are working closely with the local authorities, according to a statement. In some cases, security measures may include advising guests to stay inside the hotel. Cancellation fees are waived for today, Friday, April 19, 2013. This policy will be reviewed as the situation unfolds in the Boston area.
Public transportation in the city is restricted, and all roads leading into Watertown from Newtown are closed. Amtrak has announced that its Acela Express & Northeast Regional service is suspended indefinitely between Providence, RI & Boston.
For the latest updates, visit www.cityofboston.gov and www.massdot.state.ma.us.
Earlier:
As a tumultuous week comes to a close, Boston is effectively on lockdown as police hunt for the surviving suspect in Monday's bombing. The New York Times is reporting that Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has asked people to stay indoors in Boston and in the following towns: Watertown, Cambridge, Waltham, Newton, Belmont.
According to CNN, police sealed off densely populated portions of the Boston metro area early Friday after a violent night of chasing the Boston Marathon terror suspects left one of the men and a police officer dead.
The manhunt effectively shut down a large portion of the nation's fifth-largest metro area.
Police ordered businesses in the suburb of Watertown and nearby communities to stay closed and told residents to stay inside and answer the door for no one but authorities. Boston authorities advised the same. The city's subway, bus and Amtrak train systems have been shut down. Taxi service across the city was suspended. Every Boston area school is closed.
Stay tuned to www.travelagentcentral.com for further updates.