Weather warnings, expected snow totals, latest forecast – Boston 25 News
BOSTON, Mass. — Massachusetts is on a winter storm warning due to a prolonged northeast that moved in Monday and strengthened overnight.
The storm could dump up to two feet of snow in some areas before ending on Wednesday. There were more than 20,000 power outages as of Tuesday morning.
Snow began to pile up in western and central Massachusetts late Monday through early Tuesday, while eastern Massachusetts saw drenched rain. The rain-snow cycle in eastern Massachusetts is expected at 10 a.m
“If you don’t see snow now, it’s coming in your town this afternoon/night. Conditions will worsen as the day progresses,” meteorologist Shiri Spear said in a tweet.
Northern Worcester, Eastern Franklin, Northwest Middlesex, Central Middlesex, Southern Worcester, Western Essex, Western Franklin, Western Hampden, Western Hampshire, Northern Berkshire, Southern Berkshire, Eastern Essex, Northern Bristol, Southeast Middlesex, Suffolk, Eastern Hampden and Eastern Hampshire counties are all under a winter storm warning through 8 p.m. Wednesday.
All winter weather warnings apply to East Norfolk, East Plymouth, North Bristol, South Bristol, South Plymouth, West Norfolk and West Plymouth.
Points along the North Shore could see 4 to 6 inches of snow everywhere, with 2 to 6 inches for the South Shore and South Shore. Up to 2 inches of snow cover is expected on the Cape and Islands. About 4 to 6 inches of snow is expected in Boston, with up to 8 inches for Metrowest and Merrimack Valley.
Worcester and points along I-495 and I-90 will likely see 8 to 12 inches of snow. The higher elevations in central and western Massachusetts might stock for 12-24 inches.
Rain, strong gusts of wind and coastal flooding are also a concern in this powerful storm. Scattered showers and snow showers set in on Monday afternoon. Storm height is expected throughout Tuesday.
Drivers will notice some delays on the roads for Monday night’s commute. Rain and snow will fill up as the evening progresses, eventually increasing in intensity Tuesday afternoon.
[ Track the storm on interactive radar ]
“Travelling can be very difficult, if not impossible. The hazardous conditions will impact both morning and evening commutes on Tuesday. Gusty winds could topple branches,” the National Weather Service said in a report.
This storm is protracted. The heaviest snow and rain will fall by Tuesday. Intensity will ease slightly into Tuesday night, but the storm will continue to drop snow and some rain into Wednesday morning.
This storm is packing a ton of moisture, which will initially result in significant heavy and wet snow for the elevations and heavy rain nearer the coast.
The elevations could easily see more than a foot of snow, possibly as much as 2 feet in the Berkshires.
Power outages are also a major concern with this storm, with high winds forecast in some areas.
A strong wind warning was issued for Eastern Essex, Eastern Norfolk, Eastern Plymouth, Suffolk, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties as of Wednesday afternoon.
Stronger wind gusts of up to 100 km/h also lead to power failure problems, especially when heavy and wet snow weighs on power lines and trees at high altitudes.
“People should avoid being outside in wooded areas and near trees and branches. If possible, stay on the lower floors of your home and avoid windows during the storm. Be careful if you must drive,” the NWS said.
Minor coastal flooding and beach erosion will also trouble the coastline.
Barnstable, Eastern Essex, Eastern Norfolk, Eastern Plymouth and Suffolk are also patrolled by coastal tides.
“The flooding is up to a foot high and is affecting more sensitive coastal roads, including Boston’s Morrissey Boulevard,” the NWS said. “Large waves can cause pockets of moderate flooding along the seafront in places like Gloucester, Revere, Hull and Scituate. Flooding could be 1 to 2 feet deep in some places and debris could wash up coastal roads. Significant beach erosion is also possible.”
Nantucket is under a coastal flood warning.
“In low-lying areas near coasts and tidal waterways, flooding of up to a foot above the ground is expected,” the NWS said.
For more information on the storm, visit the Boston 25 weather page.
This is an evolving story. Check for updates as more information becomes available.
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