Boston, Massachusetts – Snow will begin falling across central and western Massachusetts by 1 p.m. Wednesday, turning roads slick before the evening commute and continuing into the early hours Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Boston/Norton, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 1 p.m. Wednesday to 4 a.m. EST Thursday for Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, Worcester and northern Middlesex counties. Forecasters expect 2 to 4 inches of accumulation across cities including Springfield, Worcester, Amherst, Northampton, Greenfield and Fitchburg.
Snow is expected to spread from west to east during the afternoon, coating major routes such as Interstate 91, Interstate 90 and Route 2. Bridges and overpasses will become icy first, especially as temperatures fall after sunset. Even moderate snowfall rates could quickly reduce visibility during peak travel hours.
Communities like Barre, Orange, Ayer and Milford may see steady snow into the late evening before tapering overnight. Road crews will treat primary highways, but secondary roads could remain snow-covered into early Thursday.
Drivers should slow down, increase following distance and allow extra time for travel. Snow is expected to wind down before 4 a.m., though isolated slick spots may linger into the Thursday morning commute.
