Massachusetts Weather Forecast: Wet, Icy, Dangerous Evening Commute, Officials Say

A sloppy mix of varying forms of precipitation has officials warning of dangerous travel Tuesday night as early as the evening commute.

"The Massachusetts Department of Transportation advises the public to us caution on the drive home from work today and for travel to destinations through the day tomorrow as forecasters are calling for various precipitations and weather that includes a wintry mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow depending upon the region of the state," MassDOT said in a release Wednesday afternoon.

The precipitation is expected to fall late Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service said. A winter weather advisory was called for most of the the state west of the Boston area. That will be in effect from 7 p.m. Tuesday to 7 a.m. Wednesday.

You can see the impacted areas in the map below:

MassDOT began treating roads Tuesday morning in anticipation of the system. Black ice and slick roads are a major concern.

The NWS says a wintry mix is expected with some light snow/sleet and accretion of ice possible. The roads, by any measure, should be sloppy. There could be snow accumulation from 1-3 inches in the MetroWest and Central Mass. areas and more north.

The Boston area and south of the city, as well as the coast, will see rain, but sleet and snow could be involved early.

The rain/snow line in the Merrimack Valley area means the kind of precipitation and amount accumulation is still uncertain:

The temperatures will be hovering around freezing for much of the evening, and showers consisting of freezing rain could persist into early Wednesday afternoon.

MassDOT is offering the following tips to motorists:

• 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.

Image via NWS Boston