The blizzard rages on this morning. Intense snow, high winds, near zero visibility all continue through at least midday, then slowly ease into the afternoon and evening.
Blizzard conditions have been met in multiple communities Monday morning, including Bedford, Block Island, Boston, Beverly, Chatham, Falmouth/Otis, Hyannis, Norwood Worcester, Providence, Pawtucket, Newport, Westerly.
We’re looking at the end of the storm after 8 p.m. Travel is still not recommended, since with these snowfall rates (the speed that snow accumulates) and poor visibility, plows are unable to keep up, and snow will clump in the roadway.
Latest on wind gusts and coastal flooding concerns
Winds are the big concern through the afternoon. Intense low pressure with the storm will cause the winds to surge to 60 to 70 mph, all along the coast from Cape Ann to the Islands. Away from the coast, gusts could still peak at 45 to 55 mph, including Worcester.
Extended power outages are likely as crews will not venture out until it is safe to repair power lines. Hundreds of thousands were reported without power Monday morning.
We’re dodging a bullet on the coastal flooding. While minor to moderate flooding is expected, the 3 a.m. high tide was way ahead of the worst of the storm, and this afternoon’s high tide is running about a foot lower. Tuesday morning will still run high, but the winds will be blowing from land, not the sea, pushing the water away from the coast. The greatest concern for flooding remains on the mid-Cape and both Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
Snowfall jackpot centered in Bristol County
The highest snow amounts still favor southeastern Mass., just inland from Route 3. Big swaths of 18 to 24 inches will be found here, with some spots eclipsing 2 feet! Thundersnow is still possible through the height of the storm into early afternoon.
Lightning is still very dangerous in any type of storm, so stay indoors if a storm moves overhead.
We’ll stay on air, online, and wherever you stream to keep you updated on the latest. Be safe!