Massachusetts Weather Forecast: Nor'easter Bearing Down; Updated Forecast

Officials are urging motorists to use caution on the roads tonight due to a nor'easter bearing down on the region.

"While Eastern Massachusetts and coastal areas may experience mostly rain, freezing rain and high winds, Central and Western Massachusetts may see accumulations of snow, sleet, and ice making for slick roadway conditions," the Massachusetts Department of Transportation said in a Monday afternoon release.

Black ice is a chief concern, the release says. Drivers are asked to reduce speeds and use extra caution. More tips are available at the bottom of this story.

The National Weather Service has updated its forecast of tonight's huge coastal storm that is expected to cover Massachusetts in varying forms of precipitation - mostly tons of rain - and bring near-hurricane force wind gusts.

How much rain, and when? For many areas, this is the main concern. Officials are already warning of the potential for coastal and localized urban flooding.

Amounts of precipitation will vary across the state: Up to 3 inches of rain is possible across much of Eastern Mass. and 1.5-2 inches in Central Mass. The Cape & Islands can expect 2 inches. The rain will start falling during Monday's evening commute, coming up from the south.

A wintry mix of sleet, snow and freezing rain will account for a bit less rain accumulation in Western Mass. No area in Southern New England will stay dry.

The storm should be mostly void of substantial snowfall for most of the state, but some areas, including northern Worcester County and Northwestern Mass., could see a few inches of snow and sleet.

The most rain (and the heaviest winds) are expected east of Route 495.

Now, the wind. The Cape & Islands are where near-hurricane-force wind gusts are being projected, the National Weather Service said. Dangerous gusts up to 70 miles per hour are expected to start around 3 p.m. Monday.

Coastal cities and towns have the most to worry about here. Power outages and downed tree limbs are cause for concern. Remember to keep stocked with warm blankets, flashlights and radios (with batteries), and a fully charged phone.

The wind will be less severe inland, but still plenty serious. Gusts between 40-50 mph are being called for.

As far as warnings and watches go...

From MassDOT, drivers can:

· Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions on I-90 and other roads.

· Visit www.mass511.com, a website which provides real-time traffic and incident advisory information, and allows users to subscribe to text and email alerts for traffic conditions.

· Follow MassDOT on Twitter @MassDOT to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions and MassDOT’s efforts to treat major highways throughout the Commonwealth.

· Download MassDOT’s GoTime mobile app and view real-time traffic conditions before setting out on the road.

Other important winter driving tips include:

· Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights - even the hood and roof- before driving

· Leave plenty of room for stopping.

· Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.

· Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.

· Bridge decks freeze first. Due to the difference in the exposure to air, the surface condition can be worse on a bridge than on the approach road.

· Exit ramps are an even greater challenge during the winter since they may have received less anti-icing material than the main line.

• Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows - stay back at least 200 feet and don't pass on the right.
• Most importantly please remember to slow down. Also, seat belts should be worn at all times - it's the law.

More information on safe winter driving can be found at: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/departments/snowice/safewinterdrivingtips.aspx

Images courtesy NWS Boston