Major Snow Hits Parts of Massachusetts

Isolated areas see over 6 inches as 'Norlun Trough' brings localized heavy snowfall

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A winter storm system has brought significant snowfall to parts of Massachusetts, with some isolated areas seeing over 6 inches of accumulation. The storm is being driven by a weather phenomenon known as the 'Norlun Trough', which has resulted in highly localized heavy snow bands. While Boston and the South Shore are expected to see 3-6 inches, the hardest hit areas have been in Essex County, which could see an additional 2-4 inches on Saturday. Dangerous wind chills and bitter cold temperatures are also expected in the aftermath of the storm.

Why it matters

This storm highlights the unpredictable and localized nature of winter weather, especially when unique meteorological features like the Norlun Trough come into play. It serves as a reminder for residents to stay vigilant and prepared for rapidly changing conditions, and underscores the importance of having reliable, up-to-date weather forecasting capabilities.

The details

The storm system initially was expected to bring only minor snowfall, but forecasters began to pick up on the development of the Norlun Trough - a narrow band of heavy snow that can form in certain weather patterns. This led to the snow forecast being continually updated as the storm unfolded. While Boston and the South Shore are seeing 3-6 inches as predicted, some isolated areas under the heaviest snow bands have reported over 6-9 inches of accumulation. The storm is expected to taper off on Saturday evening, but dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills will follow, with lows near zero and wind chills as low as -30 degrees in the mountains.

  • The snow began falling across Massachusetts on Saturday morning.
  • The heaviest snow is expected to continue through Saturday evening.
  • Temperatures will plummet to near zero by Sunday morning, with dangerous wind chills.

The players

Norlun Trough

A narrow band of heavy snow that can form in certain winter weather patterns, leading to highly localized snowfall totals.

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What’s next

Residents should continue to monitor weather forecasts and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, including the potential for dangerous wind chills and sub-zero temperatures in the coming days.

The takeaway

This storm serves as a reminder of the importance of having robust weather forecasting capabilities to anticipate and respond to localized weather phenomena like the Norlun Trough. It also highlights the need for residents to stay vigilant and prepared for winter weather, even when initial forecasts may suggest only minor impacts.