Blizzard conditions today

Heavy snow, gusty winds, treacherous travel

*BLIZZARD WARNING TODAY*

Snow is widespread across the area early this morning and intensity continues to pick up from here. Heavy snow continues to pick up through the morning hours with snowfall rates at times 2-3″ per hour. This will add up very quickly and eventually anywhere from 1 foot to 2 feet will be possible by the end of Saturday! The worst of the snow with the heaviest bands coming through happens from this morning through the afternoon, from there snow intensity winds down in the evening hours and by late tonight we’ll dry out.

Other Concerns:

-On top of the heavy snow, very gusty winds pick up this morning, gusts 45-60MPH for much of the area, but even higher for eastern MA. This will lead to the chance of power outages, especially for areas farthest east. The wind will also cause blowing/drifting snow and snow drifts around your house will end up being much higher than actual totals.

-There is also a Coastal Flood Warning for far eastern MA with the high tide cycles.

-Another factor with this storm is bitter cold. Temperatures are in the 20s to start the day but will be dropping gradually as the day goes on, down into the lower teens by late afternoon. Factor in the gusty winds and we’ll be feeling closer to 0° for a good portion of the day. So while going out to clean up be sure to add additional layers.

After the Storm:

Sunday will still be a bit breezy but overall we’ll be much brighter. It stays chilly with highs in the 20s. We start next week sunny and cold but temperatures will climb into the middle of the week. Expect highs Wednesday through Friday in the mid to upper 40s, perhaps even into the low 50s!

Chelsea Priest, ABC6 Meteorologist

cpriest@abc6.com