(WHDH) — A winter storm warning has been issued for parts of Massachusetts as residents brace for a powerful nor’easter that is projected to dump up to a foot of snow in some areas.
RELATED: Track the storm in interactive radar
The winter storm warning goes into effect Saturday morning into Sunday morning for parts of Worcester and Middlesex counties.
A winter storm watch has also been issued for parts of Essex, Middlesex, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Berkshire counties.
Winter storm watch up northwest of Boston for the potential of heavy, wet snow tomorrow afternoon. pic.twitter.com/g6GuRZ25S2
— Chris Lambert (@clamberton7) December 4, 2020
Spots showers will move through the Bay State on Friday night before transitioning to rain on Saturday morning.
No snow tomorrow morning, soaking in the chilly rain for a while. pic.twitter.com/t2Kdox52mH
— Chris Lambert (@clamberton7) December 4, 2020
The storm is expected to rapidly strengthen, bringing with it cold air and heavy snow during the afternoon hours on Saturday.
As the low rapidly intensifies, the air in the intense precip bands on the northwest side of the storm cool. Rain flips to heavy snow. Initially inland early tomorrow afternoon. pic.twitter.com/RfuuUcYUJ3
— Chris Lambert (@clamberton7) December 4, 2020
Rain/snow line moves east in the afternoon. Snow rates for a few hours of 1-2"/hr is possible in the heavier bands on the west/northwest side of the low. pic.twitter.com/DcDsV8jO0w
— Chris Lambert (@clamberton7) December 4, 2020
Central Massachusetts is projected to get about 4 to 8 inches of snow, with up to 12 inches possible in the higher terrain of Worcester County.
Western Massachusetts, the Boston area, and parts of the North Shore could receive between 2 to 4 inches of snow, with a coating to 2 inches expected on the South Shore, Cape Cod, and the Islands.
Projected totals could be higher in some areas due to the possibility of thunder snow, according to Chief Meteorologist Jeremy Reiner.
“This is a powerhouse storm and it’s going to be formidable,” Reiner said. “Metrowest and Worcester County, we may be talking thunder snow. That’s when we’re talking two, three, four inches of snow per hour for a short time.”
⬇️⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/mfJ1PYNEji
— Jaisol Martinez (@JaisolWX) December 4, 2020
A high wind warning has also been issued for parts of Essex, Barnstable, Dukes, Plymouth, and Nantucket counties.
Most of the Bay State will see peak wind gusts of 20-30 mph, while points closer to the coast are expected to get 30-40 mph gusts. Gusts could reach 60 mph on Cape Cod and the Islands.
Scattered power outages are possible in areas where heavy snow accumulates.
This is a multiple impact storm on the way for Saturday:
– Snow. Heavy at times & will impact travel. Winter Storm watch posted — will become a warning or advisory later today.
– Wind. Gusts 45-55 mph on the coast.
– Rain. Widespread 1.5-2".
– Likely to see power outages. pic.twitter.com/C6ThliMwe4
— Josh Wurster (@joshwurster_) December 4, 2020
For more information, visit the 7Weather page.
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