Severe Weather Headed for New England

The National Weather Service has issued a "Heavy Snow Warning" due to a winter storm that will hitting Southern New England this afternoon and this evening.

New Englanders are accustomed to severe winter weather, just as South Floridians are accustomed to damaging hurricanes. With the early warnings of this severe weather for today, in the form of 6 to 12 inches of snow in the Worcester area, and Southern New England, organizations have already begun canceling previously scheduled events for the afternoon and evening, when the snow is predicted to be the heaviest. (National Weather Service)

The snow will be developing around noon today December 13, 2007 in the Connecticut Valley. The snow is expected to move in a southeastern direction over Massachusetts, including the Massachusetts Turnpike according to the National Weather Service.

The snow is expected to be heaviest between 1pm and 11pm, which will affect school bus travel, and 5 o'clock traffic. According to the National Weather Service, the snow will be falling quickly at a rate of "one to three inches per hour" during the late afternoon and early evening. The snow is expected to slow down between the hours of 6pm and 9pm, according to the National Weather Service.

Preemptive Cancellations

Schools, after school programs, colleges and other institutions have already issued early closings and cancellations in the Worcester area. Some locations have also decided to close two hours early.

For a complete list of cancellations and early closings, go to Whdh.com, the WHDH-TV web site.

Preparing for the Winter Storm

In preparation for the severe weather and winter snow storm, residents should do any grocery shopping and errands in the morning, and expect to be home by noon. Residents should fill up their gas tanks, and get their gas for their snow blowers. Now is the time to stock up on sand or salt, as well.

The city of Worcester will not begin plowing the roads until two inches have accumulated, according the Worcester DPW. This makes traveling on the roads at the beginning of the storm hazardous for drivers, and it should be avoided if possible.