Barnstable, Massachusetts – Snow could rapidly reduce visibility to near zero across Cape Cod and the Islands late Sunday night, with more than 6 inches possible before conditions ease Monday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Boston/Norton, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from late Sunday night through Monday evening for southern Bristol and Plymouth counties in Massachusetts, along with Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties, and Washington, Newport and Block Island in Rhode Island. Forecasters warn heavy snow may create whiteout conditions at times, especially along the immediate coast.
Snow is expected to overspread the region after midnight Sunday night and intensify toward daybreak Monday. Roads across Route 6 on Cape Cod, I-195 near New Bedford and coastal routes in Newport and Narragansett could become snow-covered quickly. Gusty coastal winds may blow snow across exposed roadways, sharply reducing visibility.
Communities including Fall River, Falmouth, Chatham, Provincetown, Vineyard Haven and Nantucket face the greatest risk for prolonged snowfall through Monday afternoon. The Monday morning commute may be severely impacted, with hazardous travel continuing into the evening.
Residents should avoid non-essential travel during heavier snow bands, keep mobile devices charged and prepare for rapidly changing conditions. Snow is expected to taper Monday evening, though warnings could be issued if snowfall rates intensify.
