First big winter storm of the season dumps over a foot of snow for many

BOSTON — Heavy, wet snow blanketed Massachusetts with some spots seeing up to a foot of snow. The snowfall rates of 2" per hour exploded Sunday night, making for a messy Monday morning commute with widespread accumulation in central and eastern Mass. of 6-12"and localized totals up to 15-16".

Related: National Weather Service snow totals for Mass. and southern New England

The switch to rain started early on the Cape, as the snow changed to rain for central and eastern Mass. between 6 and 7 a.m.

Temperatures are expected to dip into the teens overnight, so you might want to shovel while you can.

It was a slow go for drivers; MassDOT said it had over 3,200 plows on the highways this morning and advised people to delay travel if possible and to give the plows space. Many schools were canceled for the day. Scattered power outages were also possible due to the consistency of the snow as it coated power lines.

Welcome to March in New England.

We're only four days into March and we've already been hit with two snowstorms. People in the South End spent at least an hour trying to dig out. Then, some of them used space savers, which was not allowed on Monday because there was no official snow emergency in the city of Boston.

"Trying to find a spot, it's hard around here when people don't want to shovel out their car and move," said Lyman Randolph of the South End.

For so many in the neighborhood, they had no choice but to dig out because they needed their car to get to and from work. Many tried to be clever by placing space savers.

"I saw, I think, a dryer as a space saver, which would be tough to move," surmised Erika Bertrand of the South End.

"I don't like them," Randolph said. "You move your car, that's it. Your spot is open, just like when there is no snow."

With no snow emergency, the city has the right to toss space savers in the garbage, leaving so many people frustrated.

"I feel like moving them myself," Bertrand said. "I think it would be funny to take someone's space."

One woman even wrote on cardboard, "I'm eight months pregnant, please don't take my spot."

Overall, the space saver war was a calm one on Monday.

GALLERY: Futurecast: An hour-by-hour look at this early March winter storm

Ahead of the storm, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation said the Monday morning rush hour may be during the worst of the storm.

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12:30 p.m.: Since the city of Boston did not declare a snow emergency for this storm, space savers will not be allowed. Any space savers found around the city will be deemed as trash and thrown away.

Power outages are not as much of a problem as anticipated, but MEMA reports 4,582 customers are currently without power, most of them in Gloucester.

11:00 a.m.: The highest snow total reports came from Canton, with a registered 16.7" accumulated.

9:15 a.m.: Snow reports are showing places like Canton got 16", while South Boston reported 15", but Logan Airport was closer to 10".

Massachusetts saw anywhere from 6-12" with localized totals of up to 15-16".

The consistency of the snow made for coated powerlines and tree branches. Isolated power outages are possible as a result, but the lack of wind should help keep the reports down.

As the snow is expected to taper off by lunchtime, the afternoon will bring some breaks in the clouds. With the sun at a higher angle and highs around 40 degrees, piles of snow will start to melt.

The evening commute might see a stray sprinkle or flurries, but nothing that will impact the drive.

9:00 a.m.: MassDOT says State Police have lifted the speed limit restriction on the Mass Pike as well as the restriction on special permit and tandem vehicles. Normal posted speed limit is in effect between Boston and New York.

If you can, help out firefighters by clearing the snow off fire hydrants. In case of an emergency, crews will have direct access to the hydrant, making it easier for them to help save lives!

8:30 a.m.: Mostly clear roads, and while snowfall isn't as bad as it was a couple of hours ago, it's still coming down in most places.

Snow totals varied across the area, with the heaviest accumulation in parts of the South Shore. At this point, we should expect to see 1-2" of additional accumulation.

Snow is expected to fully taper off starting at 10 a.m.

7:40 a.m.: As crews continue to work hard to clear the roads, many decided to take a snow day and stay home.

The HOV lane on I-93 remained closed as over 3,000 plows worked to clear the highways.

7:10 a.m.: Snow is starting to taper off but the cleanup is just beginning. Drivers should expect difficult conditions on the roads.

Here's a look at the roads this morning:

6:20 a.m.: A box truck rollover on the Mass. Pike westbound has limited travel to only the left lane at exit 17 in Newton.

6 a.m.: MassDOT has some road restrictions are in place for the morning commute.

4 a.m.: Many flights will be impacted today. Logan Airport is advising travelers to check with their airline for the latest updates before heading to the airport today. (Check out the MiseryMap)

3:50 a.m.: Steady snow continues to fall with snowfall rates of up to 2 inches.

10:15 p.m.: With snow falling fast in some areas in the state, visibility has already begun to drop.

10:00 p.m.: Snow has begun to fall in some areas of Massachusetts.

6:45 p.m.:

6:15 p.m.:

3:15 p.m.: The City of Boston announced on Twitter that, while schools will be closed on Monday, there will NOT be a snow emergency or a parking ban in effect.

3:00 p.m.: Boston Public Schools have announced that they will be closed on Monday due to the forecasted snow.

2:00 p.m.: 

12:30 p.m.: Snow totals so far are at an average of 2" across the greater Boston area, with 2-3" on the Cape. Rhode Island saw the most so far, with reports showing 5" in Warwick.

10:00 a.m.: Measurable accumulation staring to show, mainly in the South Shore.

8:30 a.m.: Wet, heavy snow is making for a tough time shoveling but great for making snowmen. Road conditions are slushy as crews continue to work to clear the snow.

6:30 a.m.: Snow arriving from south to north, starting to accumulate on untreated surfaces.

5:30: a.m.: The plows and sanders are out in full force! As the snow begins moving in, crews are preparing the roads and making sure everyone is safe out there. As always, don't crowd the plow and take it slow!

9:18 p.m.: The City of Beverly announced a parking ban due to the snow, beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday and lasting through 6 p.m.

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Many people are clearing off the several inches of snow left by the first of two weekend storms while they can before more arrives on Sunday.

That second blast is set to arrive late Sunday night, making it messy for the Monday morning commute.

Plow and salt trucks have done a great job clearing off the Mass. Pike and preparing the roads for more snow and an overnight freeze on Sunday. It’s going to be a long weekend for those truck drivers, however, as they’ll be right back at it come Sunday night.

"Getting huge storms back-to-back, it's kind of hard to keep up with," said Anthony Vanaria, a salt truck driver. "A little off my sleep schedule."

Crews have been working overtime treating city streets in Waltham as the snow continued to fall throughout the day.

"I really think we’re going to stay out as long as possible and stay on top of it," Vanaria said.

Vanaria has been driving his sander since the early hours of Saturday morning to make sure the streets are prepared for an overnight freeze.

"I've been up since 1 a.m. and I'm not planning on going to bed," he said. "So as long as it takes!"

On Saturday afternoon, neighborhood streets didn’t look too bad. Folks were out doing their part, shoveling sidewalks and driveways while the snow fell; but it will be déjà vu when another band of snow comes through late Sunday night.

The snow fall will likely continue well into Monday morning, affecting the morning drive and possibly some school districts.

Because of these overnight freezing temperatures, you’ll likely want to clear off your car and driveway before things turn icy.

ADDITIONAL SNOW CONTENT:

Ice safety tips for safe winter fun
How and when to protect your pipes from freezing
How to shovel, remove snow safely
Here's what to have in your snow emergency kit
Tips, warning signs for frostbite, hypothermia

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