States along the East Coast are preparing for a powerful nor'easter that could produce a record amount of snow. Blizzard warnings are in effect from Virginia to New England, and a state of emergency has been declared in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. Maryland has mobilized the National Guard to help local agencies, New Jersey has issued travel restrictions on interstate highways, and Rhode Island has issued a travel ban on state roadways beginning at 8am.
Governor Baker Friday night briefed reporters on the storm. He repeatedly told residents to stay off the roads. The western part of the state is expecting 5 to 8 inches of snow. More in the eastern parts of Hampden County. The most snow will be in Boston and Southeastern Massachusetts. They could get as much as two feet of snow.
The Governor said that he is coordinating with the Governors of Rhode Island and Connecticut to make sure that the region remains open.
In Springfield, Mayor Dom Sarno told reporters that the city is ready to respond. He said that a parking ban is in effect and he also noted that there are fewer plows on the roads for the storm- because of the pademic and the overall reduction of available drivers.
The snow will end over most of the state tonight but it will turn colder with the lows overnight in the single numbers.
Sunday we will see partly sunny weather with the hi in the 20s.
Monday’s highs will be in the low 30s.
(Photo by KHALIL MAZRAAWI/AFP via Getty Images)