Saturday, 9:30 am
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) said a late season intense snow storm is forecast to impact the state starting late tonight and Sunday. MEMA issued the following statement:
The storm will bring several hours of bands of intense snowfall and periods of thunder snow, with rates of up to 1-inch per hour. The period of intense snowfall may only last a few hours, but in areas that receive the strongest bands of snow, visibility will be diminished and vehicle travel may be difficult. Higher elevations of the Berkshires and the Worcester hills likely will receive the most snow, and areas along the coast likely will receive the least amount of snow (or no snow).
Overall, snow fall totals will not be significant, with maximum amounts only being several inches. The issue with this storm will be the intensity of snowfall and associated travel impacts for several hours in areas that receive the strongest bands of snow.
The storm also will be accompanied by strong, and potentially damaging winds from early Sunday morning through late in the day on Sunday. The winds may reach hurricane force levels in areas of southeast Massachusetts. Generally, winds will be 35 to 55 MPH across interior Massachusetts, and 50 to 70 MPH in eastern and southeastern Massachusetts. The winds may result in downed limbs, trees and power outages, and structural damage from the strongest winds cannot be ruled out.
High wind watch
The National Weather Service (NWS) said a high wind watch remains in effect from late tonight through Sunday afternoon for areas that include eastern and southeastern Massachusetts and all of Rhode Island.
NWS predicted winds northwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph from late tonight through Sunday afternoon.
There is the potential for downed limbs, power, outages and structural damage creating driving challenges for high profile vehicles.
NWS said, “A high wind watch means the potential exists for strong damaging winds to develop in the mentioned areas. these strong winds are capable of downing trees and power lines as well as causing property damage. If a high wind warning is issued stay inside and away from windows.
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