By Tiffany Williams –
New England is bracing for a severe winter storm that is expected to hit Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and other areas with heavy snow and strong winds. The storm, named Winter Storm Lorraine, will significantly disrupt travel along the Interstate 95 corridor from Providence in Rhode Island to Boston and up to Seabrook, New Hampshire.
The snowfall is expected to start Monday night through Tuesday, with the heaviest snowfall predicted for Tuesday in Boston, Hartford, and Providence. The travel on roadways in the region could be affected much of Tuesday, and flight delays/cancellations are also possible at Logan International, Rhode Island T.F. Green, Bradley International and Worcester Regional.
In Bridgeport, Connecticut tonight, between 10 pm and 4 am, there will be rain followed by snow, with a low around 32 and wind chill values between 20 and 25. Light and variable wind will become northeast 12 to 17 mph after midnight. The total nighttime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches is possible. During the day Tuesday, expect snow, mainly before 1 pm, which could be heavy at times, with a high near 38 and wind chill values between 20 and 30. It will be breezy, with a northwest wind 15 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. The new snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches is possible during the day.
In Hartford, the snow is expected to move in after 5 am on Tuesday morning. The night will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. The northwest wind around 7 mph will become north after midnight. The total nighttime snow accumulation of less than a half-inch is possible. During the day on Tuesday, expect the heaviest snowfall, mainly before 2 pm. It will be breezy, with a north wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches is possible.
In Providence, there is a chance of snow after 4 am. The night will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. The light and variable wind will become northeast 5 to 7 mph after midnight. The chance of precipitation is 30%, and total nighttime snow accumulation of less than a half-inch is possible. During the day Tuesday, expect snow, mainly before 4 pm, which will become heavy at times. The high will be near 34, and it will be breezy, with a north wind 14 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%, and new snow accumulation of 6 to 10 inches is possible.
In Boston, expect snow before 3 pm. The snow could be heavy at times, with a high near 35. It will be breezy, with a northeast wind 14 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%, and new snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches is possible.
West of the Mass Pike in Framingham, there will be snow, mainly before 4 pm. The snow could be heavy at times, with a high near 33. It will be breezy, with a northeast wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%, and new snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches is possible. In Worcester, there is a chance of snow, mainly after 5 am. The clouds will increase, with a low around 30. The west wind 5 to 9 mph will become northeast after midnight. The chance of precipitation is 30%, and total nighttime snow accumulation of less than a half-inch is possible.
MassDOT is advising motorists to plan ahead if traveling Monday night through Tuesday afternoon, as snowfall in most regions will make for challenging driving conditions and poor visibility. MassDOT has made necessary preparations for snowplows and snow removal staff and will deploy equipment as necessary across the state.
The MBTA and Keolis Boston are prepared for Tuesday’s winter storm and say they will continue to coordinate with meteorological experts and other teams as necessary.
On the subway in Boston, the Mattapan Line will be suspended and replaced with shuttle buses from start to end of service tomorrow, February 13, to accommodate expected accumulated snowfall and to protect the nearly 80-year-old trolleys from potential damage. With the exception of the Mattapan Line, regular weekday service is expected to operate on all other subway lines on Tuesday.
MBTA buses will operate on regular weekday bus service Tuesday. However, if weather conditions worsen, some bus routes may operate on their Snow Routes and will be re-routed to avoid steep hills, tight corners, and narrow streets. More information on Snow Routes is at mbta.com/winter.
The Commuter Rail in Massachusetts is expected to operate a regular weekday schedule. However, as storm conditions continue, there may be delays or other unanticipated impacts to service.
Massachusetts Governor Healey has directed that non-emergency state employees working in Executive Branch agencies should not report to their workplaces on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.
“Although we don’t anticipate a record-breaking snowfall, our administration has been taking early steps to ensure we are prepared to keep the people of Massachusetts safe during this winter storm,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “We encourage everyone to make preparations ahead of time to avoid unnecessary trips on the road. If you must travel during the storm, plan to allow for extra time, travel at reduced speeds, anticipate slippery conditions, and monitor MassDOT resources to stay updated on roadway conditions.”