Blizzard warning issued for islands

The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for Martha's Vineyard and Block Island.

MARTHA'S VINEYARD, Mass. — The warning goes into effect 1 p.m. Saturday and continues through 1 a.m. Sunday.

This type of warning means heavy snow and blizzard conditions, with snow accumulation of 7 to 12 inches.

BLIZZARD WARNING for Martha's Vineyard where up to a foot of snow may fall along with winds causing white-outs pic.twitter.com/rPrtgobRoy
— Kevin Lemanowicz (@KevinBoston25) January 22, 2016

Chief Meteorologist Kevin Lemanowicz says the snow will start around 6 to 8 a.m. Saturday and will become heavy around midday. The brunt of the storm will bring strong winds and heavy snow, and that will continue through Saturday afternoon into the evening. Wind gusts might reach 55 mph.

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A Blizzard Warning is issued when winds are over 35 mph, causing blowing and drifting snow that limits visibility for at least 3 hours.

Expect whiteout conditions at times and poor visibility.

Working on my latest snow forecast now with some fine-tuning to what we've been telling you at 5 @fox25news pic.twitter.com/r62u7JdojU
— Kevin Lemanowicz (@KevinBoston25) January 22, 2016