Boston is bracing for what's expected to be the heaviest snowfall the city has seen in four years, with forecasts projecting an intimidating accumulation of snow beginning today and continuing into early this week. As snowfall starts this afternoon and intensifies by evening, residents can anticipate a disruption to the normal cadence of city life, with a 100% chance of precipitation according to the National Weather Service. Daytime snow buildup is estimated at 7 to 11 inches, while another 10 to 14 inches could layer the cityscape overnight. Winds picking up from the northeast may introduce gusts pushing past 28 mph, further complicating visibility and travel conditions.
Travel will likely be treacherous, especially from 6 p.m. to midnight, when plowing efforts may fall behind the rapid snowfall rates of 1-3 inches per hour. The National Weather Service warns that visibility could dip near zero at times, and with temperatures slated to hover in the 20s, it's not just a picturesque snowfall but a frigid grip tightening on the city. The NBC Boston report echoes this concern, recommending residents stay off the roads during the peak of the storm.
As for the duration of this wintry onslaught, the storm is divided into two phases. Initial ocean-effect snow along the coast will escalate into heavier snowfall as the system moves overhead. After midnight, the conclusion of phase one should significantly taper off the storm, leaving the bulk of the snow behind. However, phase two extends into Monday with lighter snow intensity, though additional accumulation is likely as temperatures plummet to the teens. Clear skies are not expected until Monday night, as reported by the National Weather Service. NBC Boston hints that a general band of light snow may continue through Monday night, concluding the storm's sweeping presence early Tuesday morning.
The accumulation forecast varies by region. Areas north of Boston through Southern New Hampshire could see 16-20 inches, with a possible mix lowering totals to 7-12 inches in southeast Massachusetts. Greater Boston to Greater Worcester sits amid these extremes, possibly seeing 12-16 inches of snow. Winds gusting along the coast raise concerns about potential blizzard conditions and power outages, but it appears that the specific benchmarks for an official blizzard may not be universally met. The NBC Boston coverage notes that "You officially need three straight hours of visibility below a quarter mile with frequent gusts of wind to 35 mph or higher" for such a classification. Despite this, gusts on Cape Cod could still reach a formidable 40-50 mph.
The storm's aftermath will not provide a reprieve from the chill, as forecasts suggest a following cold snap that will likely maintain highs in the low 20s. While this ensures the snow's prolonged presence, it similarly serves to stall potential new storm systems, granting a brief period of stability following the tumultuous weather event. For safety updates and live coverage, NBC Boston encourages residents to stay tuned to their broadcasts and digital platforms.
