BOSTON — Massachusetts saw its first Nor’easter of the season on Saturday, with widespread rain, snow, and power outages.
Sunday, Dec. 6
9:30 a.m.: The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency reported more than 7,600 Massachusetts residents are without power Sunday morning as of 9:30 a.m. after Saturday’s Nor’easter.
7:51 a.m.: Some snow totals have come in Sunday morning. Worcester County had the most snowfall as Paxton got 12.5 inches, Rutland 10 inches and Worcester 9.6 inches to round out the top three.
Highest totals from the Saturday Nor'easter came from Worcester Co. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/rZy3Cwabtr
— Jason Brewer (@JBrewerBoston25) December 6, 2020
7 a.m.: Skies are clearing as the first Nor’easter of the season moves out of Massachusetts.
Clearing skies a nice sight. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/znzdkxcmWl
— Jason Brewer (@JBrewerBoston25) December 6, 2020
Saturday, Dec. 5
10:30 p.m.: More than 1,600 pieces of equipment are being used to clean the roadways in Mass., according to the state’s Department of Transportation.
As of 10:15 pm @MassDOT had total of 1653 pieces equipment deployed in ice and snow operations, primarily in Central MA, Eastern MA, Cape and Islands.
— Jacquelyn Goddard (@JacqueGoddard) December 6, 2020
Additionally, MEMA is reporting that the number of people without power in the state has dropped to nearly 25,000.
9:00 p.m.: Power outages numbering near 38,000 in Mass.
Power outages just before 9pm @MassEMA
— Scott McDonnell (@ScottMcDonnell_) December 6, 2020
38,229
🔌🚫
Orleans 2095
West Brookfield 1897
Chelmsford 1692
Spencer 1403
Warren 1368
Brookfield 1194
Westford 1066
Sturbridge 982
Gardner 813
Acton 783
Dracut 725
Marshfield 715
Brewster 707
Sudbury 604@boston25 pic.twitter.com/Pl84QGGo9X
8:15 p.m.: Power outages in Mass. drop to 41,000s, MEMA reports.
41,000+ power outages in Massachusetts, the bulk of them in the central part of the state pic.twitter.com/OfDq0U0bo7
— Mike Saccone (@mikesacconetv) December 6, 2020
8:00 p.m.: Winter Storm Warning and Winter Weather Advisories for Massachusetts both end Saturday night.
The Winter Storm Warning and Winter Weather Advisories have dropped for MA. Even though snow will continue to fall tonight, additional significant accumulations are not expected. pic.twitter.com/peGLlkXYQ1
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) December 6, 2020
7:00 p.m.:
7pm updated snowfall reports... pic.twitter.com/kJTTFDVajN
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) December 6, 2020
6:15 p.m.: More than 1,800 pieces of equipment being used to clear roadways across Massachusetts, DOT says.
At this hour, there are 1,811 piece of equipment in service across the Commonwealth involved in snow & ice operations.
— Mass. Transportation (@MassDOT) December 5, 2020
6:00 p.m.: Power outages up to 43,000 now in Mass.
⚠️Now more than 43,000 without power at 6pm pic.twitter.com/qycB0frK0g
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) December 5, 2020
5:30 p.m.: Power outages across Mass. now number in the 38,000s, MEMA says in its latest update. Driving conditions have also continued to worsen as the evening has progressed due to the ongoing storm.
Snow blowing sideways with this wind! Difficult driving conditions. This is right off 128 in Lexington ❄️❄️❄️ @boston25 pic.twitter.com/isizFqu7GW
— Litsa Pappas (@LitsaPappas) December 5, 2020
Careful out there https://t.co/9O7QrSKmYj
— Kevin Lemanowicz (@KevinBoston25) December 5, 2020
JUST IN from @LakevilleMAFD: Time to get off the roads! Just clearing this crash on Rt. 140 S at County. Rain is changing over to ice and snow. Driving conditions will only get worse. Be smart! pic.twitter.com/D4cm2T1ON2
— Mike Saccone (@mikesacconetv) December 5, 2020
This is in Foxboro, near exit 8, mechanic street. A car went over the guardrail, and rolled over on it’s side.
— Malini Basu (@MaliniBasu_) December 5, 2020
Drive safe if you’re out there. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/ZqnzbE1NIu
Earlier on Saturday, the state’s Department of Transportation announced that all highway districts in Massachusetts are now in snow and ice operations. They added that more than 750 pieces of equipment are in use across Mass. to help clear the roadways.
All Highway Districts are now in snow and ice operations and 763 pieces of equipment in service statewide.
— Mass. Transportation (@MassDOT) December 5, 2020
4:15 p.m.:
Check out this viewer video of the #snow ❄️ falling in Harvard, Mass. a little over an hour after this weekend's #winterstorm started up in the area. Make sure to submit your photos and videos to Boston 25 News here! ☃️ #boston25
— Boston 25 News (@boston25) December 5, 2020
LINK: https://t.co/4W1BlfppBS pic.twitter.com/XIjQiUWShz
4:00 p.m.: Snow has started falling in Boston. Additionally, MEMA’s latest update puts the number of residents in Mass. without power currently at more than 24,000.
Flakes falling in Boston! pic.twitter.com/jWb1SujM69
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) December 5, 2020
4pm updated snowfall totals... pic.twitter.com/9nrPlsWiO5
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) December 5, 2020
⚠️24,604 MA residents without power right now. pic.twitter.com/IXkGxMam4n
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) December 5, 2020
The Power numbers keep fluctuating, but as we see the rain changing to snow the numbers are certain to rise. It's important that you are prepared NOW for an outage in your area. #Boston25 #BOSnow pic.twitter.com/EWAKtEegZS
— Scott Tetreault (@BostonNewsMan) December 5, 2020
3:20 p.m.: The number of people without power in Mass. has dropped to just over 15,000 as of 3:17 p.m., MEMA reported. As snow continues to fall across some parts of Mass., meteorologist Vicki Graf has the latest observed snow totals.
3pm updated snowfall totals... pic.twitter.com/OSfQU6MY7M
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) December 5, 2020
3:00 p.m.: Nearly 20,000 people in Massachusetts are without power now as this weekend’s winter storm continues to move across parts of New England, according to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
2:40 p.m.: Snow has been falling in parts of New Hampshire for multiple hours already on Saturday as a winter storm arrives in New England this weekend.
Snowing in NH for a few hours now @boston25 @BOS25Weather pic.twitter.com/L9ZUrw5xDF
— Adam Liberatore (@bostonTVguy) December 5, 2020
1:57 p.m.: Roughly 6,000 residents in Massachusetts are currently without power due to the winter storm.
Nearly 6,000 MA residents without power right now. pic.twitter.com/iokiFqgxy6
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) December 5, 2020
1:50 p.m.:
A WINTER STORM WARNING and a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY remain in effect for our area through early Sunday. Heavy, wet snow continues to fall leading to difficult travel as well as the threat for some power outages. pic.twitter.com/L7LMhX2xYI
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) December 5, 2020
1 p.m.:
Plows getting ready to roll out near Westborough service plaza @boston25 pic.twitter.com/R48VDm3Nxl
— Evan White (@EvanWhiteIII) December 5, 2020
12 p.m. Viewers from across Massachusetts have been sending in their pictures and videos all morning. Keep them coming and stay safe and warm!
11 a.m.: Everett is declaring a parking ban starting at 4 p.m. on Saturday, according to Everett Chief of Police Steve Mazzie. He tweeted for people to move vehicles from restricted areas. For streets with two-sided parking, cars need to move to the odd side for the 2020-21 winter season.
10:30 a.m.: The City of Boston tweeted Saturday morning that the free COVID-19 testing site in East Boston has been moved to 79 Paris Street today from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. because of the snow.
The free testing site in Roxbury will stay at Washington Park Mall from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
🚨Update: Due to the expected bad weather, our free #COVID19 testing site in East Boston has been moved to 79 Paris Street today from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Our free testing site in Roxbury will stay at Washington Park Mall, also from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.: https://t.co/J4OakgojUM pic.twitter.com/pukT34DAI0
— City of Boston (@CityOfBoston) December 5, 2020
10:25 a.m.: Some areas are seeing rain and others are starting to see snow and the line is changing over.
It’s starting!!! ❄️ @boston25 @JBrewerBoston25 @VickiGrafWX @KevinBoston25 pic.twitter.com/tf4MDnZvzh
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) December 5, 2020
9:53 a.m.:
Looks like an inch+ an hour to me! @boston25 https://t.co/EhytyDmsGP
— Jason Brewer (@JBrewerBoston25) December 5, 2020
9:30 a.m.:
Coming down now ... and already weighing on the evergreens ... https://t.co/gwPykggjdQ
— Jason Brewer (@JBrewerBoston25) December 5, 2020
9 a.m.: Residents are stocking up before the snow really starts to hit, especially in Worcester County, which is expected to see 8 to 12 inches.
8:30 a.m.:
Flip beginning to happen in Central MA. Worcester down to 34° from 41° since 5am. Already almost 1/2" of liquid down. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/WvXgh0CEDn
— Jason Brewer (@JBrewerBoston25) December 5, 2020
7 a.m.:
Our latest snow map, rapidly strengthening #nor'easter to pass near Nantucket. Tracking the flip from rain to hvy snow on @boston25 now! pic.twitter.com/Gr3zdkAW4K
— Jason Brewer (@JBrewerBoston25) December 5, 2020
5:30 a.m.:
*WINTER STORM WARNING* for our 1st Nor'easter of the season. Heavy, wet snow & wind will cause power outages. Stay w/ @boston25 for updates! pic.twitter.com/MtSguVk3DR
— Jason Brewer (@JBrewerBoston25) December 5, 2020
Friday, Dec. 4
Across the area on Friday, New Englanders prepared for a weekend snowstorm by stocking up on necessities.
Leticia Winters went to Market Basket in Leominster Friday night to get the essentials before the weather turns ugly.
“Some chili to stay warm; it’s going to be cold. Some milk and bread, you know, the basic necessities,” Winters said. “I’m living in the wrong part of the country. I hate snow.”
A WINTER STORM WATCH will be in effect all day Saturday north and west of Boston where snow will have the greatest impact on the area.
A HIGH WIND WATCH will be in effect Saturday afternoon and night along the South Shore, Cape and Islands for gusts possibly exceeding 50 mph.
At Home Depot, shoppers loaded snowblowers into their vehicles and bought shovels by the fistful.
“I grabbed three [shovels]. I figure, if we hate one, or one breaks or whatever, we got an extra,” said Nick Ellis of Fitchburg. “It looks like it might snow, it might rain. Classic New England weather, it can’t decide what it wants to do.”
For plow driver Alex Brown, the snow can’t come soon enough.
“I got some ice melt, a couple shovels. Getting ready for the snow tomorrow,” Brown said. “I love it. I love the snow. New England. It’s that time of year. It’s coming.”
WATCH THE FORECAST | DOWNLOAD THE APPS
Saturday will start with ALL rain locally. Cooling temperatures will move in Saturday afternoon and cause a change over to snow in much of the area. In fact, outside of 495 in northern and central MA, that change over will start mid to late morning. That’s where snowfall 6-10″ is possible. The Boston area will probably see close to 3″ with 1-3″ south of the city where the change doesn’t happen until mid or late afternoon. We’ll stick with all rain for the South Coast, Cape and Islands.
This is a very tough snow forecast. There has been a trend to pull the heavier snow eastward. MAKE SURE YOU CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES. @boston25 #mawx #nhwx pic.twitter.com/g34qe60jOR
— Shiri Spear (@ShiriSpear) December 4, 2020
4:00 p.m.:
Meteorologist Vicki Graf shares an updated snow map.
4 PM SNOW MAP: Here's the latest forecast we have for tomorrow. Don't be surprised if you see rain for a good portion of the day in some areas. Elevations will see the snow first, closer to the coast I don't expect snow until later in the day. @kevinboston25 @boston25 pic.twitter.com/s4s4lmZQEk
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) December 4, 2020
3:10 p.m.:
A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Worcester County and parts of NW Middlesex County. The Winter Storm Watch extends closer to the coast, does not include the coast or parts of southeastern Mass.
School closings | Download our free apps | Forecast
Follow our Boston 25 Meteorologists on Twitter for updates:
Kevin Lemanowicz | Shiri Spear | Jason Brewer | Vicki Graf
Strong wind gusts will bring an increased risk for power outages tomorrow, especially at the coast. Make sure to have phones/devices charged, it's also a good idea to secure holiday decorations! pic.twitter.com/Kj1GLoVbmC
— Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) December 4, 2020
Check back for more updates throughout the weekend.
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 here to learn more.
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.
MassDOT | MBTA | Logan Airport | Amtrak
Online Resources:
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency - on Facebook and Twitter
Federal Emergency Management Agency
National Weather Service/Boston
National Weather Service/Albany, NY
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
- What is wind chill and how can it hurt you?
- How and when to protect your pipes from freezing