New Snow Accumulation Estimates Released For MA: Here's What You Need To Know

A massive winter storm expected to grind life to a halt in a vicious combination of snow, ice and wind damage up and down the East Coast this weekend could bring up to two feet of snow to parts of Massachusetts Sunday night into Monday.

The storm is expected to arrive late in the morning with snow showers, with heavier bands of snow up to three inches per hour hammering much of the Bay State later Sunday into early Monday.

A winter storm warning is in effect for Massachusetts from 7 a.m. Sunday to 8 p.m. Monday. Total snow accumulations between 13 and 19 inches are forecast, according to the latest updates from the National Weather Service on Saturday. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph, according to the weather service.

image via National Weather Service

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for western Massachusetts until 1 p.m. Saturday with wind chills as low as 25 degrees below zero expected in some spots. A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. Saturday morning for the rest of the state with low wind chills to 20 below zero.

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Drivers are urged to plan ahead of the Sunday storm — especially those venturing out to watch the AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos, since road conditions could deteriorate significantly from the 3 p.m. kickoff until the game ends.

images via National Weather Service

The snow comes amid a bitter arctic front that dropped wind chills to minus-10 on Saturday morning, which increases the risk for hypothermia and frostbite for some residents, including the unhoused, children, and the elderly.

Cold weather may also exacerbate health issues in high-risk populations.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu issued a Cold Emergency and asked residents to keep an eye out for anyone who may be experiencing prolonged time outdoors because of homelessness, or who may be staying in a vehicle during the frigid stretch.

Many other cities and towns opened warming centers for those in need at libraries, senior centers and police stations.

Gov. Maura Healey directed that non-emergency Executive Department state employees should not report to their workplaces on Monday, January 26, and is urging employers to consider having employees work remotely to the extent possible.

“This weekend, we will be reminded of the extremes that winter weather can pose for us here in Massachusetts with extremely cold temperatures on Saturday and high snow totals expected on Sunday into Monday,” said Healey in a statement. “This kind of weather can be dangerous, so please take precautions to stay warm when the temperature drops, stay home to the extent possible, and look out for one another.”

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is advising travelers that snowfall is expected to impact travel in many regions of the state, from Sunday evening through Monday morning. Travelers should allow for extra travel time and check forecasts for their routes and destinations. With significant snowfall amounts forecast, MassDOT crews will be pretreating roadways in advance of the storm and will be deploying snow removal staff, with over 3,000 pieces of equipment, available for deployment as necessary across the Commonwealth.

When going out, residents are advised to dress for brutally cold weather:

• Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
• Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent.
• Wear mittens over gloves; layering works for your hands as well.
• Always wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Dress children warmly and set reasonable time limits on outdoor play.
• Restrict infants' outdoor exposure when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Watch for signs of frostbite:

• Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

Watch for signs of hypothermia:

• These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms. If symptoms are severe, call 911.

Homeowners are advised to keep thermostats at least at 55 degrees to help keep pipes from freezing. Other tips include opening cabinet doors to allow room warmth to reach pipes, and allowing a trickle of water through faucets because water in motion freezes more slowly than stagnant water.

Cities and towns throughout the state were expected to declare snow emergency parking bans starting on Sunday. Any vehicles parked on the street may be subject to towing, with additional fines for the owner.

City and town websites often have a list of alternative parking locations for people to keep their cars during the storm. Most of those are free or discounted, with regular rates resuming at a certain time after the snow has subsided.

Most, if not nearly all, public schools in Massachusetts are expected to be closed on Monday.

The long-duration storm is expected to last well into Monday with slow clearing during the day.

Snow removal is advised in stages because cold weather will follow the storm with several days next week, where temperatures will never get above freezing.