Boston, Massachusetts – Drivers across central and western Massachusetts face a narrow window to prepare before snow and ice overspread I-90 and I-95 after 7 p.m. Friday, creating hazardous travel into early Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Boston, a winter storm will bring a mix of snow, rain and freezing rain to southern New England Friday night into Saturday morning. Snow develops first Friday evening, with widespread totals of 2 to 4 inches expected across much of eastern Massachusetts, including Boston, Quincy and along I-93. Farther west along I-90 toward Springfield and Pittsfield, totals could reach 4 to 6 inches by daybreak Saturday.
Ice presents an additional concern west of I-495. Forecasters indicate a glaze of 0.1 to 0.2 inch of ice is possible in parts of central and western Massachusetts, including areas near I-91 and I-84. Even a tenth of an inch can coat bridges and overpasses, increasing the risk of spinouts and minor power outages.
Snow may briefly mix with sleet or freezing rain overnight before transitioning to rain closer to the South Shore and Cape Cod. The heaviest precipitation is expected between 9 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Saturday, when visibility could drop below one mile in steadier bands.
Residents should allow extra travel time, avoid unnecessary overnight trips and check for local parking bans. Crews will treat major highways, but secondary roads may remain slick into Saturday morning. Additional winter headlines could be issued as the storm track becomes clearer.
