Winter Snow Travel Warning Issued Across MA Into Thursday Morning

MASSACHUSETTS — Winter travel advisories were declared across Massachusetts Wednesday as the first snowstorm of the season was forecast to hit parts of the state.

The National Weather Service declared a Winter Weather Advisory for Worcester County and points west starting Wednesday night with up to 6 inches of snow predicted.

While most of Greater Boston, the North Shore and South Shore were expected to see a few flakes in the air mixed with rain at the outset and conclusion of the storm on Thursday morning, areas of MetroWest and the Merrimack Valley were set to see up to 1 to 2 inches of snow.

The jackpot will be in Worcester County and points west. Worcester was forecast to see about 3 inches overnight Wednesday into Thursday with the hilly terrain west of Fitchburg into Gardner, Athol and southern New Hampshire looking at up to 6 inches.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation advised travelers that overnight snowfall and rain were expected to impact travel in many regions of the state, Wednesday and through Thursday morning.

MassDOT said travelers should allow extra travel time and check forecasts for their routes and destinations. MassDOT crews were chemically treating and plowing roadways on Wednesday but said snowfall and rain may result in slippery conditions impacting roadway conditions.

"MassDOT Highway is closely monitoring (Wednesday night) and (Thursday) morning's forecast," Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said. "We will be pre-treating roadways (Wednesday) and currently have over 3,100 pieces of equipment available statewide for the upcoming snow and ice season."