Stormy Commute Home Today Is 'Long, Challenging'

BOSTON, MA — Although the snow has been on-again, off-again around the state so far, the National Weather Service said snowfall estimates are again increasing near I-95 in Providence and Boston, having expanded Winter Storm Warnings for both metro areas. No matter where you are, it's not looking good for the commute home.

"Everyone should expect a long and challenging commute home this evening due to the rapid snowfall that will start this afternoon," Gov. Charlie Baker said at a press conference Wednesday at the state's emergency operations center in Framingham.

Translation: You may want to take a cue from the dozens of school districts dismissing early and get out the office as soon as you can. As of 2 p.m., the roads were mostly clear across Massachusetts, but the storm has already started coming in from the west, and soon it's going to be very messy - regardless of your location. And that's part of the problem.

"This storm is unique as it will create different weather challenges for every region of the commonwealth," Baker said. "High snowfall totals in the Berkshires and Worcester hills, hazardous driving conditions in Central Mass., Western Mass. and all roadways starting at Route 128 and heading west, and a risk of scattered power outages and minor to moderate coastal flooding along the coastline."

Even the greater Boston area will be dealing with a slippery mess thanks to a stubborn rain/snow line that hasn't yet made up it's mind.

Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said the Department of Transportation will have 400 pieces of equipment on the roads to prepare for or clear snow and will have between 2,500 and 3,000 pieces of equipment on the roads at the height of the storm.

"This storm ... has the potential to create significant hazardous conditions as the day wears on, especially this afternoon. That's going to make travel very difficult," Gulliver said. "In the western and central part of the state where it's been snowing already it's just going to get worse as the day progresses."

Gulliver added, "Plan your trip well ahead of time. If you do have to be out there, make sure you leave yourself plenty of time. It's going to be a very long commute tonight."

This afternoon the National Weather Service expanded a Winter Storm Warning for most of the state until 1 pm. Thursday. Expect heavy snow - between 12 to 16 inches in many places in central and Western Massachusetts, with localized amounts up to 20 inches in the hills.

"Travel will be very difficult if not impossible. Tree branches and wires could fall," according to the alert. As of 2 p.m. the roads looked fine and Google Maps Traffic view showed green for miles.

Check out the Winter Storm Warning (darker red) and the Winter Storm Advisory (lighter red):

Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch

Materials from the State House News Service was used in this report