Key Takeaways
- Winter storm warnings, watches, and advisories are in effect for several counties in the Boston area
- Travel could be very difficult, especially during the Tuesday morning and evening commutes
- Significant accumulation of wet, dense snow could cause trees and powerlines to be downed
- Snowfall totals have been updated, with the best chance for accumulation at elevations and points to the north
- A second round of snow and rain is possible this weekend
Introduction to the Winter Storm
The Boston 25 Weather Team has issued a WEATHER ALERT due to winter storm warnings, watches, and advisories in the area. Several counties, including Eastern Franklin, Northern Worcester, Northwest Middlesex County, Western Franklin, Western Hampshire, Western Hampden, Northern Berkshire, and Southern Berkshire, are under a winter storm warning through 7 a.m. Wednesday. The National Weather Service has warned that travel could be very difficult, especially during the Tuesday morning and evening commutes, and that hazardous conditions could impact road conditions.
Winter Storm Warning and Watch Areas
A winter storm watch is in effect for Eastern Franklin, Northern Worcester, Northwest Middlesex, Western Franklin, Western Hampshire, Western Hampden, Eastern Hampshire, Eastern Hampden, Southern Worcester, Central Middlesex, and Western Essex counties. Additionally, a winter weather advisory is in effect for Central Middlesex County, Western Essex, Eastern Hampshire, Eastern Hampden, and Southern Worcester. The Boston 25 Weather Team has updated their expected snowfall totals, with the best chance for accumulation at elevations and points to the north. There is a possibility of a coating of snow in Boston, but it won’t be until the tail end of the storm.
Updated Snowfall Totals
According to Boston 25 Meteorologist Shiri Spear, the storm is "trending later and milder," which has led to updated snowfall totals. The initial forecast called for snow with totals in the range of 3 to 7 inches for interior towns north and west of I-495, but those areas will now likely see 1-3 inches. Northern Massachusetts towns along the New Hampshire and Vermont borders could see 3-7 inches of snow, while northern New England is also in for up to 7 inches. The South Shore, South Coast, Cape Cod, and the Islands will likely see just plain rain due to warmer temperatures.
Travel Delays and Road Conditions
Travel delays are not expected during the early morning commute, but road conditions are expected to deteriorate starting midmorning through the Tuesday evening commute. The Boston 25 Weather Team warns that significant accumulation of wet, dense snow weighing on trees and powerlines could cause them to be downed, leading to hazardous travel conditions. It’s essential to stay informed about current power outages in your community and region, and to utilize resources such as MEMA’s real-time power outage viewer and live weather radar and forecasting tools.
Additional Resources and Updates
For the latest updates, follow the Boston 25 Meteorologists on Twitter, including Kevin Lemanowicz, Shiri Spear, Tucker Antico, and Vicki Graf. Additionally, utilize online resources such as the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, MassDOT, MBTA, Logan Airport, and Amtrak to stay informed about travel conditions and power outages. A second round of snow and rain is possible this weekend, so it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest forecast and weather alerts.
Conclusion and Preparations
In conclusion, the winter storm warning, watch, and advisories in effect for the Boston area require attention and preparation. With significant accumulation of wet, dense snow possible, it’s essential to prioritize travel safety and stay informed about current power outages and road conditions. By utilizing the resources and updates provided, individuals can take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others during this winter storm event.