Say Hello to the Snow

Attleboro and Seekonk residents received their first signal that winter is near with the arrival of a storm that brought snow and freezing rain to the area on Wednesday. The nor'easter, dubbed "Athena" by the Weather Channel and remaining nameless by the National Weather Service, marked the first snowfall in the second half of 2012.

The NWS reported three inches of snow fell in Seekonk and two inches dropped in Attleboro. The snow began falling in the afternoon and mostly transformed into freezing rain and sleet as the hours progressed. Speedy winds added to the chill.

Vehicle crashes and other troubles, although nothing major, were reported in the area. The traffic reporter on WBZ Radio said during the nighttime updates that there were too many incidents on I-95 and nearby highways to get into specifics.

More snow and freezing rain are expected today, with it becoming only rain after 2 p.m., according to the NWS. However, "little or no snow accumulation [is] expected" and the predicted high is 40. The north wind could reach 23 mph, with gusts exceeding 40 mph. A wind advisory is in effect for both communities until 3 p.m.

"Winds this strong are capable of downing small tree limbs and branches, possibly causing isolated power outages," the NWS' website states. "Driving can also be difficult."

There is a 30 percent chance of the rain continuing into the evening, but the skies are expected to clear by 7 p.m. The predicted nighttime low is 31. 

The Friday forecast calls for sunny skies and a high of 48. No precipitation is expected.