Southern New England – Snow is expected to overspread much of Massachusetts and Rhode Island early Saturday, creating slippery road conditions as Winter Weather Advisories take effect across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Boston/Norton, a Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday for large portions of central, eastern, and southeastern Massachusetts, as well as northern and southern Rhode Island. Forecast snowfall totals in these areas range from 2 to 4 inches.
A separate advisory is in effect for Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties — including Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket — from 4 a.m. Saturday until 1 a.m. Sunday. In these coastal locations, 2 to 4 inches of snow are expected, with isolated totals up to 6 inches possible. Winds may gust as high as 40 mph, which could lead to areas of blowing snow, especially near the coast.
Snow is expected to begin early Saturday morning and continue through much of the day, tapering off Saturday evening across inland areas and later Saturday night over the Cape and Islands. While snowfall amounts are moderate, officials warn that roads may become slick, particularly during the morning and afternoon travel periods.
The advisories cover major population centers including Boston, Worcester, Providence, Cambridge, Lowell, Brockton, Quincy, Taunton, New Bedford, Fall River, and Newport, where even a few inches of snow could slow travel and affect weekend plans.
Residents and motorists are urged to slow down and use caution while traveling, allow extra stopping distance, and be alert for changing road conditions. Bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads may become especially hazardous.
Snow is expected to taper off Saturday night, with improving conditions by Sunday as the system moves offshore.
