Springfield, Massachusetts – Drivers across western and central Massachusetts have less than 24 hours to prepare for snow that will begin falling by 1 p.m. Wednesday, targeting the afternoon commute and continuing into the overnight hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Boston/Norton, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 1 p.m. Wednesday until 4 a.m. Thursday for much of western and central Massachusetts. Forecasters expect 2 to 4 inches of accumulation, with snowfall rates at times reducing visibility and quickly coating untreated roads.
The advisory covers Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, Worcester and northern Middlesex counties, including Springfield, Worcester, Fitchburg, Greenfield, Northampton and Amherst. Major routes such as I-91, I-90, I-290 and Route 2 could become snow-covered by late afternoon, especially during the evening commute. Elevated surfaces and secondary roads will likely turn slick first.
MassDOT crews are expected to pretreat highways, but motorists should plan extra travel time Wednesday afternoon and evening. Slow down, increase following distance and keep headlights on during steady snowfall. Residents should charge devices and check that vehicles are stocked with winter emergency supplies.
Snow tapers off before dawn Thursday, but patchy icy spots may linger into the early morning commute. Additional advisories could be issued if snowfall totals trend higher.
