‘Substantial snowfall’ likely
A second winter storm in less than a week could dump “substantial snowfall” on parts of the region that dug out from several inches of snow earlier this week.
Meteorologists are keeping a close eye on a wintry mix that should arrive late Friday night and last through Saturday, with more significant snowfall expected north of the Mass Pike. Slick travel is likely across the region.
The initial forecast from the National Weather Service predicts 1 to 2 inches of snow in Boston, 2 to 3 inches of snow inside Route 128, and 3 to 4 inches of snow along the northern half of Interstate 495 with lower amounts along the southern half of 495.
There’s a chance for 6 inches of snow near the New Hampshire border, and 8 inches of snow near the New York border.
“The highest snow amounts are expected to be along the Route 2 corridor, the higher elevations of northern Worcester County, and in the Berkshires,” Alan Dunham, meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Boston office, told the Herald on Wednesday.
“Anybody going out Friday night or doing some Saturday morning shopping, especially north and west of the city, should give themselves some extra time,” he added.
Most of Friday will actually be dry before the low-pressure system arrives in the evening. Precipitation should start after 6 p.m. in the western part of the Bay State, and after 8 p.m. in the Boston-area.
“Ensemble guidance is suggesting reasonably high probabilities of substantial snowfall for the areas along and north of I-90,” reads the National Weather Service’s forecast discussion, “With each of the three global model ensembles suggesting anywhere from a 60 to 80 percent chance of 4+ inches of snow along and north of I-90.”
A storm track further to the south would mean a higher chance for accumulating snow for southeastern Massachusetts and the Cape. A more northern track would lead to more rain for those southern areas.
In the Boston-area, snow should transition to a wintry mix of sleet and rain on Saturday.
Strong wind gusts are expected to accompany the storm. Boston’s wind gusts could hit 40 mph, while gusts could climb to 50 mph along the Cape and Islands.