Winter Storm Warning issued

Winter Storm Warning issued March 12 at 3:36PM EDT until March 14 at 1:00PM EDT by NWS Boston

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 1 PM EDT TUESDAY... ...BLIZZARD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATETUESDAY NIGHT... The National Weather Service in Taunton has issued a Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow, which is in effect from 5 AM to 1 PM EDT Tuesday. A Blizzard Watch is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through late Tuesday night. * LOCATIONS...Eastern Massachusetts as well as central and southern Rhode Island. * HAZARD TYPES...Heavy snow and the potential for blizzard conditions. * ACCUMULATIONS...Snow accumulation of 12 to 18 inches with a low risk for isolated amounts up to 2 feet across northeast MA. * TIMING...Snow overspreads most of the region between 4 and 8 am Tuesday morning. The snow will quickly become heavy with 2 to 4 inch per hour snowfall rates possible at times through Tuesday afternoon. The heavy snow will taper off to snow showers Tuesday night. * IMPACTS...Heavy snow, poor visibility and strong winds will make for extremely hazardous travel and many roads may become impassable. Strong winds will bring the potential for blizzard conditions and near white- out conditions at times. Considerable blowing and drifting snow is also expected. The strong winds will also bring the risk for scattered tree damage and power outages...especially near the coast. * WINDS...North 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. * VISIBILITIES...One quarter mile or less at times. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Only travel in an emergency. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. A Blizzard Watch means there is a potential for considerable falling and/or blowing snow with sustained winds or frequent gusts over 35 mph, with visibilities below one quarter mile, for at least 3 hours. Whiteout conditions will be possible, making travel very dangerous. Be prepared to alter any travel plans.