WESTFORD — Up to a foot of snow or more is possible for Westford and much of Massachusetts this weekend, as a large winter storm moves through the area on Sunday and Monday.
The National Weather Service in Boston/Norton has issued a winter storm watch for all of southern New England, effective from Sunday morning until Monday evening.
High probabilities (70-80%) of over six inches of snow and moderate probabilities (60-70%) of over a foot of snow are predicted to fall in Westford and the surrounding area by the end of the day Monday.
Lower probabilities of snow are expected for the South Coast, Cape Cod and Islands, where there is a higher chance for a wintry mix.
The snow is expected to arrive Sunday morning into the early afternoon, with the heaviest snowfall expected from Sunday evening into early Monday morning.
Light to moderate snow is expected to linger throughout the day Monday before finally tapering off Monday evening.
Slick and hazardous conditions are also expected on roads, bridges and overpasses, with the Monday morning commute predicted to be very difficult.
The NWS is urging commuters to stay home on Monday if possible, and avoid travel from Sunday afternoon until Monday morning.
“Those who must travel should drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility due to the snow”, the NWS said. Drivers should also “leave plenty of room between each other, avoid sudden braking and acceleration and allow for longer than normal drive times.”
In addition to the snow, dangerously low temperatures in the single-digits are expected on Saturday, as Arctic air moves through the region.
This has prompted many communities across the state, including Boston, to issue cold weather emergencies due to the low temperatures and wind chill.
All this comes as a large winter storm moves across the country, with heavy snow predicted for much of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and parts of the Southeast, with freezing rain and a risk of major ice storms possible in areas further south.
