The storm that has been forecast all week long is now on the final approach. Here is the latest on the storm's expected snowfall totals, timing and concerns.
ALERTS
NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND IMPACTS
This will be an all snow event for northern New England. There may be some very brief rain showers in southern New Hampshire and Vermont right at the start of the storm in the late afternoon, but these will switch over to snow quickly.
In the areas where the snow will begin as rain showers, the snow will be the wet and heavy variety. This snow will stick to tree branches and there may be just enough accumulation to start breaking branches. There could be isolated power outages, mainly from Thursday evening through the early morning Friday. During the day Friday, the snow is expected to become a more light and fluffy snow.
The National Weather Service opted to downgrade the Winter Storm Watch to a Winter Weather Advisory for western New Hampshire as well as Rockingham County. This is likely because the heavy, wet snow will limit accumulations in these areas. In areas with the warning, the snow ratio will be higher, leading to the chance for larger accumulations.
There will be a very widespread snowfall of 5-8 inches of snowfall across Vermont, southern and central New Hampshire and southern Maine. There is a chance for a spot 8-10 inches in western New Hampshire as well as at elevation in the White Mountains. There will be lesser amounts as you head north into Maine.
The snow will be heaviest overnight Thursday into Friday. The snow will likely become less intense after sunrise Friday with light accumulations expected after about 10am in most places. Coastal Maine will see moderate snow continue through about noon to 1pm Friday.
NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND TIMING
Thursday afternoon: Spot rain shower in southern New Hampshire, Vermont
Thursday evening: Rain and snow showers in southern New Hampshire, Vermont, snow showers further north.
Thursday night: Snow everywhere, becoming steady. Heaviest snowfall 10pm-4am.
Friday morning: Steady snow becomes snow showers in New Hampshire, Vermont; steady snow continues in Maine
Friday afternoon: Another band of steady snow.
Friday evening: Snow showers begin to shut down.
SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND IMPACTS
The chance for several inches of snow continues to trend southward, further into Massachusetts. Up to a half a foot is possible across northern Massachusetts with the chance for a few inches extending into central Massachusetts. The cities of Boston and Worcester may see 1 to 2 inches of snow. The rest of the region southward will see a quick dusting to an inch right at the end of the storm.
The storm will be a mix of winter precipitation across central Massachusetts. Connecticut, Rhode Island and Cape Cod will see primarily rain. As stated above, snow showers could break out in these areas as the storm is pulling away Friday afternoon and evening.
There is also a risk for some splash over and minor coastal flooding along the south shore. With high tides and a northeast wind, some flooding may occur Friday morning. The advisory is in effect from 5am-11am. Inundation of low lying roads is possible, some roads may close Friday morning in these areas.
SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND TIMING
Thursday afternoon: Rain breaks out.
Thursday evening: Rain continues in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Cape Cod. Mixing begins in central Massachusetts, snow in northern Massachusetts.
Thursday night: Rain, mix across most of the area, snow in northern Massachusetts. Heaviest snow at this time.
Friday morning: Lull in steady precipitation.
Friday afternoon: Another band of steady snow, more widespread in eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island. Connecticut shuts down rain.
Friday evening: Snow showers begin to clear out.