New England Braces for Major Snowstorm and Arctic Blast

New England is preparing for a fast-moving coastal storm system that could become the region's largest snowmaker of the season. The storm is expected to arrive Sunday afternoon, bringing 4 to 8 inches of snow across Greater Boston through early Monday, with even higher accumulations anticipated in areas from Worcester to the Berkshires.

New England is preparing for a fast-moving coastal storm

Storm Timing and Impact

The heaviest snowfall, with rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, is predicted to occur after 6 p.m. on Sunday, potentially creating hazardous road conditions. Andrew Loconto, lead meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Norton, warned, "Sunday night, in all areas, the snow could come down at a good clip."

The storm will be brief but impactful, with most precipitation falling overnight. Snow is expected to begin between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in Central and Western Massachusetts and Rhode Island and between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. in Greater Boston and Eastern Massachusetts. A winter storm warning has been issued from 1 p.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday for Boston and surrounding areas.

State-by-State Snowfall Breakdown

• Greater Boston: Expect 4 to 8 inches of snow. Areas south of Boston may see 1 to 3 inches.

• Central and Western Massachusetts: Worcester to Springfield could see 3 to 6 inches, with higher elevations reaching 4 to 8 inches.

• Cape Cod: A mix of rain and snow may lead to about an inch of accumulation.

• Rhode Island: Snow totals range from 1 to 3 inches south of I-95 to 3 to 6 inches around Providence.

• New Hampshire: Nashua to Plymouth may see 4 to 8 inches, with some areas reaching double digits.

• Vermont: Southern Vermont could see 4 to 8 inches near the Massachusetts border, while Burlington may see 1 to 2 inches.

• Maine: Coastal areas could receive 3 to 6 inches, with 4 to 8 inches possible west of I-95.

Following the Storm: An Arctic Blast

After the storm, New England will face an Arctic blast, with frigid temperatures settling in by Monday night. The coldest air of the season will bring single-digit and near-zero temperatures by Tuesday morning. Loconto emphasized, "The bigger issue is what lies behind the storm - the cold, certainly the coldest air so far this season."

Personal Impression

This storm underscores the dynamic nature of New England's winter weather, where rapid changes can bring both significant snowfall and extreme cold. As residents prepare for the storm, the importance of vigilance and readiness becomes clear, highlighting the resilience required to navigate the challenges of winter. The impending Arctic blast further emphasizes the need for caution and preparedness in the face of nature's unpredictability.