Boston, Massachusetts – Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are spreading across Massachusetts, northern Connecticut, and northern Rhode Island overnight, with up to 6 inches of snow near the New Hampshire border and ice accumulations reaching 0.3 inches in parts of central Massachusetts before noon Friday. The messy mix is already setting the stage for a hazardous morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Boston/Norton, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until noon Friday for a large portion of southern New England. Areas across northern Connecticut, central and eastern Massachusetts, and northern Rhode Island will see a combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain capable of coating roads and sidewalks.
Communities including Boston, Cambridge, Lowell, Gloucester, and Lawrence could see up to 4 inches of snow, with isolated totals of 5 to 6 inches possible near the New Hampshire border. Farther west across Springfield, Northampton, Amherst, and Hartford, precipitation may mix more frequently with sleet and freezing rain.
The southern Berkshires and southern Worcester Hills, including areas near Worcester and Blandford, face the greatest ice risk where up to 0.3 inches of ice accretion could weigh down tree limbs and power lines.
Drivers should expect slick conditions on Interstate 90, Interstate 91, and Interstate 495 corridors, along with untreated secondary roads and bridge decks. Officials urge residents to reduce speeds, allow extra stopping distance, and avoid unnecessary travel during the peak commute.
The wintry mix is expected to gradually ease around midday Friday, though lingering icy patches could persist into the afternoon as temperatures hover near freezing. Additional alerts may be issued if icing continues longer than expected.
