Massachusetts Weather Forecast: Updated Nor'easter Forecast, Up to 18 Inches Expected

This is our final update for Wednesday night. For our updated forecast on Thursday, click here. And stay safe out there and keep off the roads if you can!

A late forecast change Wednesday has increased the amount of snow expected to cover Massachusetts Thursday, prompting officials to ask drivers to stay off the road as school closings and parking bans poured in from all over the state. Forecasters are now saying to expect up to 18 inches of snow across much of Eastern and Central Massachusetts, followed by sub-zero wind chills Friday morning.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for most of the state from 4 a.m. Thursday until 8 p.m. A Blizzard Warning will be in effect for Coastal Plymouth and the Cape and Islands from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The NWS is warning of "heavy snow."

"The public is strongly advised not to drive tomorrow and work from home if possible," the Massachusetts Department of Transportation said. Check your local Patches for school closings, parking bans, and more. Click here for a list of school closings in Patch towns.

As was the case Wednesday - which saw a frightening series of accidents - traffic will be a cause for concern. Many schools, business, and town offices will be impacted as snow begins falling quickly during the morning commute, intensify through the morning, and peak in the afternoon before tapering off in the late evening, MassDOT said.

“The weather forecast is calling for snow to begin before the morning commute on Thursday, become heavy quickly, and continue throughout the day, decreasing visibility and braking time,” said MassDOT Highway Administrator Thomas J. Tinlin. “Safety is our greatest priority, and as this snow storm is expected to create potentially hazardous conditions for the morning and evening commutes, we encourage all travelers to make safe and smart decisions and avoid heading out onto the roadways if they are able to.”

The North Shore, Merrimack Valley, and Cape and Islands might "get away" with getting only 8-12 inches.

When the snow clears Friday morning, people will be dealing with single-digit temperatures and sub-zero wind chills, as low as 10-below in the middle of the state.

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Forecasters are looking at heavy wind gusts of up to 40-50 miles per hour. Coastal flooding is also a concern Thursday morning.

MassDOT offers the following tips for safe driving:

• 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.
• Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights - even the hood and roof- before driving (start with the tailpipe).
• 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

Stay with Patch as the forecast develops