Hartford, Connecticut – Drivers across central and western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut have hours to prepare before heavy snow and 55 mph wind gusts create near-blizzard conditions by late Sunday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Boston/Norton, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 4 p.m. Sunday until 7 a.m. Tuesday for Hartford, Tolland and Windham counties in Connecticut, along with much of western, central and northern Massachusetts, including Worcester, Springfield, Lowell and Lawrence.
Snow will overspread the region late Sunday, intensifying overnight and continuing through Monday. Forecasters expect 12 to 20 inches in Hartford County and 10 to 20 inches across central and western Massachusetts. Winds gusting up to 55 mph could produce blowing snow and visibility below a quarter mile at times, especially along I-91, I-84, the Massachusetts Turnpike and Route 2.
The worst conditions are likely during the Monday morning and evening commutes. Heavy, wind-driven snow could weigh down tree limbs and cause scattered power outages from Greenfield to Framingham and across the Connecticut River Valley.
Officials urge residents to avoid non-essential travel, charge devices and keep emergency supplies in vehicles. Snow and strong winds will gradually taper early Tuesday, but warnings remain in effect through 7 a.m., and additional advisories may follow if power outages become widespread.
