Snow Forecast Rises In MA, Winter Storm Warnings Move East

MASSACHUSETTS — Winter storm warnings were extended farther east in Massachusetts as a nor'easter arrived in the state, promising a hefty dose of snow for many areas.

The National Weather Service early Tuesday updated its snow predictions, moving higher snow totals into Essex County and the Boston area. Meanwhile, new winter storm warnings were set to go into effect at 10 a.m. encompassing all of Middlesex, Essex and Suffolk counties.

Heavy, wet snow was already beginning to accumulate in the Worcester area as of 7 a.m. Forecasters say snow will spread steadily east Tuesday, dropping up six or more inches in the Boston area — and as much as a foot or more in the Worcester area.

RELATED: 'Snow Load' A Main Concern As Nor'easter Hits MA

The state has seen several snowstorms in a row that have largely been smaller than expected. But state officials are bracing for a significant event.

The storm was already beginning to take a toll on infrastructure as of sunrise. Some 62,000 residents were without power as of 9 a.m., mostly clustered in the Berkshires. On the Mass Pike, 40 mph speed restrictions were in place between Millbury and the New York border.

MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said early Tuesday the storm poses a challenge for road crews because the nor'easter began as a heavy rain, hampering pre-treating efforts.

The MBTA canceled all Charlestown and Hingham-Hull ferry service on Tuesday with very high winds expected along the coast.

Gov. Maura Healey on Monday evening ordered all non-emergency executive branch employees to stay home on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency was planning to open its emergency operations center in Framingham at 8 a.m. Tuesday to monitor conditions.

School districts from Arlington to Marlborough to Lowell were among the scores closed Tuesday. Dozens more school districts were set to close early Tuesday ahead of a potentially messy evening commute.