The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for large portions of western and central Massachusetts, warning residents to prepare for accumulating snowfall and hazardous travel conditions beginning Wednesday afternoon.
According to the advisory released at 11:38 a.m. EST Tuesday by the NWS office in Boston/Norton, the alert will be in effect from 1 p.m. Wednesday through 4 a.m. Thursday. Forecasters expect total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches across the impacted region.
The advisory covers much of western and central Massachusetts, including communities in Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, Worcester, and northern Middlesex counties. Cities specifically named in the advisory include Amherst, Springfield, Fitchburg, Ayer, Milford, Chesterfield, Charlemont, Worcester, Northampton, Blandford, Greenfield, Orange, and Barre.
In its official statement, the weather service said: “Travel will likely be impacted Wednesday afternoon and Wednesday night due to low visibility at times and snow covered roads.” Officials urged residents to plan ahead and adjust travel schedules accordingly.
Timing and Expected Conditions
Snow is expected to begin developing early Wednesday afternoon, becoming steadier into the evening hours before tapering off overnight. While total snowfall amounts are considered moderate, meteorologists caution that the timing of the storm — coinciding with the afternoon and evening commute — could exacerbate travel disruptions…