Nor'easter Coming To MA: Heavy Snow, High Winds Predicted

WORCESTER, MA — Winter storm watches are in effect across Massachusetts with a potentially strong nor'easter set to hit the state starting Monday night, according to forecasts.

Snow totals could reach up to 20 inches or more at higher elevations, but the area between Worcester and Boston could see a wide variety of weather beginning Monday night along with snow.

The storm will begin Monday night as rain with a changeover to snow as temperatures drop overnight into Tuesday. The storm could continue throughout the day, hampering the Tuesday morning and evening commutes.

"Increasing confidence of a high-impact, multi-faceted coastal storm Mon night into Wed AM. Heavy dense/wet snow accumulations, greatest in the terrain could create snow load issues. Strong to damaging wind gusts, hazardous to potentially dangerous marine conditions, minor coastal flooding and beach erosion are all additional concerns," the National Weather Service said in a Sunday forecast.

A winter storm watch will be in effect starting Monday for the area north and west of Framingham. Forecasts indicate accumulations between 4 and 8 inches between Framingham and Worcester — but those totals could be higher or lower depending on how quickly cold air moves into the region Monday night, according to forecasts.

"One source of uncertainty with the forecast is timing how soon the cooler air, initially over northern MA and the terrain, will shift/collapse ESE into the lower elevations and into the cities," the weather service said.

The Boston area and the coast could see between 2 and 5 inches, but may also see strong winds with gusts up to 60 mph. A high wind watch will be in effect for the entire coastline and all of Cape Cod starting on Tuesday.

Winds will be only slightly less powerful inland, with peak gusts up to 46 mph predicted for Worcester County, and in the 30s for the MetroWest area.