BOSTON - Winter is here... for real this time. Boston 25 Meteorologists are forecasting a messy Wednesday morning commute due to snow and freezing rain.
Snow blanketed much of Massachusetts on Tuesday, and impacted the evening commute for thousands.
>> HOUR-BY-HOUR: What time does snow arrive in my town?
For Boston 25 News reporter Evan White, it took nearly three hours to get from Dedham to Andover, slowly trekking on 93 S as traffic moved 5 miles per hour at some spots.
Overnight, things will flip over to rain/freezing rain in the Greater Boston area, making for a slushy slippery Wednesday morning commute. Outside of Interstate 495 into the northern Worcester Hills and southern New Hampshire could see an even worse morning commute due to 6 to 9 inches of snow packed down by freezing rain. Showers clear out Wednesday morning.
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Live Updates:
3:15 p.m.: Drive times have skyrocketed, well before the evening commute even begins. Take it slow on the roads.
2:50 p.m.: Traffic starting to pick up on Route 128 in Dedham.
1:45 p.m.: Crash reporter on the Mass Pike in Framingham as snow begins sticking to the roads.
12:00 p.m.: MassDOT announced the speed limit along the Mass Pike from the NY border to Exit 8 in Palmer has been reduced to 40 mph.
Keolis and the MBTA are advising riders to allow extra time to get to and from stations on Tuesday afternoon, use caution when boarding trains and buses and to stay connected through their website or through social media.
Customers are reminded to dress warm, remember hats and gloves and to use caution when traveling outside.
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the following counties: Berkshire, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Worcester.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the following counties: Barnstable, Bristol, and Plymouth.
Stay Informed:
Utilize Massachusetts Alerts to receive emergency notifications and information from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service. Massachusetts Alerts is a free app that is available for Android and iPhones. Click to learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone.
Utilize MEMA's real-time power outage viewer to stay informed about current power outages in your community and region, and across the state, including information from utility companies about restoration times.
Utilize MEMA's live weather radar and forecasting tools.
Online Resources:
For additional information and resources, visit:
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency at www.mass.gov/mema
MEMA's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA
MEMA Twitter: @MassEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.fema.gov
National Weather Service/Taunton at www.weather.gov/boston
National Weather Service/Albany, NY at www.weather.gov/albany
National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center: http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov
National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center: http://www.spc.noaa.gov/
Mass211 at www.mass211.org
Live Traffic Conditions | MassDOT | Mass511 | MBTA | Logan Airport | Amtrak
Winter driving tips from MassDOT:
- Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights, even the hood and roof, before driving, (start with the tailpipe).
- Leave plenty of room for stopping.
- Remember that the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.
- Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
- Bridge decks freeze first. Due to the difference in the exposure to air, the surface condition can be worse on a bridge than on the approach road.
- Exit ramps are an even greater challenge during the winter since they may have received less anti-icing material than the main line.
- Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows – stay back at least 200 feet and don't pass on the right.
- Seat belts should be worn at all times – it's the law.
- Most importantly please remember to slow down.
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