Massachusetts braces for season's first plowable snow Tuesday
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Massachusetts will likely face the season's first significant winter storm Tuesday, with plowable snow piling up in central and western regions.
- Boston and eastern Mass. might get away with primarily rain.
Why it matters: Don't expect a blockbuster blizzard from this nor'easter.
- Forecasters don't expect much coastal flooding or significant winds.
By the numbers: Northern New England, northern Worcester County and the Berkshires could get 6–12 inches.
- Northwest of Route 495, including Worcester to Leominster, could see 3–6 inches.
- 495 through Route 128 will likely get 1–3 inches, and expect a coating along the coast and North Shore.
- On the Cape, Islands and South Shore, just pack an umbrella.
What to expect: Precipitation is set to begin after dawn in central and western Mass., and around 8 or 9am around Boston.
- Roads north and west of 495 could become snow-covered quickly, and travel could get hairy throughout the afternoon.
- The heavy rain in eastern Mass. won't make things much nicer.
State of play: Winter storm warnings are covering southern New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and elevated areas of Massachusetts like the Berkshires and Worcester Hills.
- Winter weather advisories are in place along the Route 495 corridor.
The big picture: The first storm of the year is always exciting, but the experience quickly turns sour when you realize there are three or four more months of this to come.
- Travel impacts west of the city are expected during the endless morning commute, as it just transitions into the evening commute anyway.
What's next: Temperatures will drop and Boston could get a coating overnight.
- More cold air arrives Thursday. Expect temps in the 20s by Friday.