A winter storm is set to impact New England starting this Friday, with significant snowfall and a mix of wintry precipitation expected in various regions. As the storm system approaches, residents are advised to prepare for challenging travel conditions, particularly during the evening commute.
The storm will enter New England from the southwest by mid-morning, reaching Boston by early afternoon. In Boston and areas south of the Mass Pike, temperatures are expected to remain warm enough to produce a wintry mix or cold rain throughout most of the day, while regions north of the Pike will likely experience plowable snow. As temperatures drop into the evening, areas currently seeing rain may transition to snow, particularly after sunset.
Forecasts suggest that Boston could accumulate between 1 and 3 inches of snow by noon on Saturday, while northern New England could see totals reaching 6 to 8 inches. Minor ice accumulation is also anticipated across Southern New England, particularly away from the coast.
Storm Timeline and Impact
Here’s when the storm is expected to arrive in various areas:
- 6 to 8 a.m.: Southwestern Connecticut
- 8 to 11 a.m.: Western Massachusetts, much of Rhode Island, Southern Vermont, and Central and Eastern Connecticut
- 11 a.m. To 2 p.m.: Eastern Massachusetts, including Boston, Cape Cod, and the islands; most of New Hampshire and portions of Central and Northern Vermont
- 2 p.m. To 5 p.m.: Northern New Hampshire and most of Maine
As precipitation begins, it will intensify throughout the afternoon and evening, tapering off overnight. The formation of a secondary low over or near the Gulf of Maine by Friday night may increase snow and rain totals, particularly for those in areas experiencing snow.
Expected Snow Totals
Temperature highs for Friday are projected to reach the mid- to upper 30s, which will keep areas along the Mass Pike, including Boston, under a wintry mix or rain for most of the day. Snowfall is expected to accumulate after daylight hours, with forecasts indicating:
- 6 to 8 inches: Central Vermont and New Hampshire, including Concord and Plymouth; Rutland, Vt., and Western Maine
- 3 to 6 inches: North of Route 2 and I-495 in Massachusetts; Portland, Manchester, Keene, and Bennington, Vt.; Augusta, Maine area
- 1 to 3 inches: Greater Boston, the South Shore to about Scituate, Worcester, Springfield; northern Rhode Island and Connecticut; Bangor, Maine area
- Coating to 1 inch: South Shore, Providence, Hartford, Outer Cape
- Rain or wintry mix: Entire southern coast of New England, including most of Cape Cod and the islands
Travelers are urged to exercise caution, particularly during the evening commute on Friday, as steady precipitation is expected to complicate road conditions.
Looking Ahead: Another Storm on the Horizon
Following Friday’s storm, attention will shift to a potential coastal storm forming off the Carolina coast early Sunday. This system may brush New England, impacting areas from Providence to Boston, though whether it will deliver significant snow remains uncertain. There is a possibility of the storm being pulled closer to shore, depending on the interaction with another low-pressure system moving into New England from the west.
Current models indicate varying outcomes for this storm, with some suggesting a near miss while others project a more impactful event. The European model suggests a complete miss, while the GFS model indicates a potential direct hit, bringing heavy snow to Southeastern New England. However, expectations should remain tempered as forecasts can change significantly as the storm approaches.
As of now, the most likely scenario suggests light accumulations for Boston, ranging from 2 to 4 inches, while Cape Cod may see totals between 4 to 8 inches. It is essential for residents to stay updated on the latest forecasts as this situation evolves.
Stay tuned for further updates on both storms as weather conditions change. Your safety is paramount, so please consider sharing your experiences and any tips for navigating winter weather in the comments below.
