BOSTON (WHDH) — A powerful nor’easter moving through New England Tuesday is bringing blizzard conditions to many areas. It could dump more than a foot in many cities and towns across Massachusetts.
The National Weather Service has issued blizzard and winter storm alerts as much of the Northeast prepares for a late-winter beating. Snowfall rates could reach four inches an hour at times.
The NSW confirmed a blizzard in the city of Worcester Tuesday afternoon but later changed the report to say a blizzard was instead confirmed in Lawrence. Up to 20 inches of snow is expected to fall in the area, in addition to howling winds and frigid temperatures.
Storm closings & delays: View an updated list
A blizzard warning is in effect for western, northern and central Massachusetts, with isolated amounts of up to two feet of snow possible across northeastern Massachusetts.
Areas near the cities of Springfield and Fitchburg could see 16-20 inches. Thunder snow was reported in Leominster.
The Boston area could get 6-12 inches of snow. A blizzard watch is in effect for Boston, extending down through the south shore and along south coast. In the Plymouth area and across southeastern Massachusetts, 3-6 inches of snow is expected.
Related: Gov. Baker to Mass. residents: Stay off roads, don’t crowd plows as snow moves through
Cape Cod and the Islands is under a winter storm watch and 1-3 inches of snow is expected. Damaging wind gusts are expected, especially for the coastline.
Cape Cod and the Islands could see gusts of up to 65 mph. Coastal flood warnings and watches are in effect as well.
Track the storm: View an interactive radar
The heaviest snowfall is expected to hit Tuesday morning around 10 a.m. and last through the afternoon, before tapering off during the evening hours. Snowfall rates of as much as 2-4 inches per hour should be expected.
Reduced visibility is a strong likelihood, making travel impossible at times. High winds and heavy snow could cause power outages in many areas.
Related: Boston declares snow emergency as major winter storm approaches
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