Snow Blankets Boston as Arctic Blast Arrives

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A winter storm is bringing heavy snow to the Boston area on Saturday, with accumulations of 3-5 inches expected in the city and up to 8 inches in some outlying neighborhoods. The snow will be accompanied by gusty winds, leading to blowing and drifting snow. As the storm departs, an arctic air mass will settle over the region, bringing the coldest temperatures of the season with wind chills as low as 30 degrees below zero on Sunday.

Why it matters

The combination of heavy snow and dangerously cold temperatures poses a significant threat to public safety, with the potential for power outages, dangerous travel conditions, and risks to vulnerable populations. Local authorities are urging residents to take precautions and limit time outdoors during the extreme cold.

The details

The snow is expected to begin falling in the Boston area around midday on Saturday and continue through the evening hours. The heaviest snow is forecast to fall in a band stretching from the North Shore to the South Shore, where 5-8 inches of accumulation is possible. Winds gusting up to 40 mph will lead to blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility and making travel hazardous. As the storm departs, temperatures will plummet overnight, with lows in the single digits and wind chills as low as 30 degrees below zero expected on Sunday morning.

• Snow showers will move across Greater Boston on Saturday, beginning around midday.
• The snow is expected to wrap up by around 7 p.m. on Saturday evening.
• Dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills will arrive on Saturday night and continue into Sunday morning.

What’s next

Local authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and limit exposure to the extreme cold on Sunday. Warming centers may be opened to provide shelter for those in need.