Light snow coming to central, western Massachusetts while Boston area gets rain
By Terry Eliasen, WBZ-TV Meteorologist, Executive Weather Producer
BOSTON -- We continue to track a storm system making its way towards New England Tuesday night. The WBZ-TV Weather Team has issued a NEXT Weather Alert for a period of rain, snow and ice for parts of the region, the first "winter storm" of its kind this season.
For those looking to see the first flakes of the year, it is all about location, location, location.
If you are anywhere in eastern Massachusetts, you may be out of luck. Your best shot would be just as the storm arrives between 9 and 11 p.m. I think any wet flakes that do fly in those first couple hours will quickly change to rain anywhere east of Route 495. Those of you living in western Middlesex County, Worcester County and southern New Hampshire will have a much better chance of seeing some snow late Tuesday night.
Snow amounts will remain very light. In fact, I doubt there will be any plowing in Massachusetts outside of perhaps in parts of the Berkshires. In the higher elevations in northern Worcester County there could be just enough snow and ice to leave a sloppy, crusty coating on the roads. So, it is likely more so salt and sand up that way than plowing.
TIMELINE:
9 p.m.
Snow arrives in Worcester County
11 p.m.
Rain and snow completely overspreads southern New England. Mainly rain in eastern Mass. and areas south of the Pike, mainly snow northwest of 495 and north of the Pike.
11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Any snow changes to a mix or rain for just about all of southern New England during this time. Expect periods of heavy rain and some minor localized flooding
5 a.m. to 9 a.m.
The snow will be gone by 5 a.m. and there could be just a little bit of freezing rain or sleet leftover in the highest elevations in Worcester County and in the Berkshires. Otherwise, it is all rain for the morning commute and it becomes more showery than steady.
After 9 a.m.
Scattered rain showers for the rest of the morning. Showers taper off in the afternoon and perhaps a few glimpses of sun just before sunset.
SNOW AMOUNTS:
Coating to 1 inch:
West of 495 and north of the Pike. This includes the Route 2 corridor in northern Worcester County and parts of southern New Hampshire west of Nashua.
1-to-3 inches:
Southwest New Hampshire (mainly higher elevations) and northern Berkshires.
3-to-6 inches:
Green and White Mountains, many of the central and northern ski areas!
After the storm passes, the forecast is simple - COLD. Be prepared for highs in the 40s the rest of the week and into the weekend. Be sure to dress warm for the Patriots game Sunday!
