Weather forecasters say a storm is coming to the SouthCoast. How much snow will we get?
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The SouthCoast will see significant snowfall on Monday night into Tuesday, according to the latest forecasts, with 6 to 10 inches predicted.
The Weather Channel's forecast map has even more snow predicted: up to 12 inches.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for most of southeastern New England, including the cities of Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton, from early Tuesday through early Wednesday. The warning ranges as far as Rhode Island and Connecticut and northern Massachusetts.
Early Tuesday will see rain before turning to snow that morning. Locally, besides the snow, the storm could also bring wind gusts as high as 50 mph, according to the NWS.
“Travel could be very difficult with snowfall rates of 1 inch per hour at times," the NWS stated. “Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.”
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When is the snowstorm predicted to start?
The snow is expected to begin falling sometime Tuesday morning.
How long will the snowfall last?
So far, the snowfall is expected to wind down by Thursday night, but it depends on how fast the storm moves through the area.
Snow-related: parking bans, closures and cancelations for New Bedford and Fall River
Will the snowstorm affect travel and schools? Has anything been canceled?
The predicted slippery, windy conditions have caused schools to cancel classes on Tuesday; watch for cancellation notices starting Monday.
The size of the storm means it could affect air travel at T.F. Green and Logan International airports in Providence and Boston.
On Monday, Gov. Maura Healey directed all non-essential employees of the state government's executive branch to stay home on Tuesday. As of Monday afternoon, Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee and Healey are considering travel bans; a decision will be made around 3 p.m.
Are there parking bans in place?
Fall River has instituted a parking ban beginning Monday at 6 p.m. until further notice. In general, this means no parking on the hydrant side of a street; parking is allowed on both sides of a street divided by a median, but not against the median itself.
For residents who need a place to park, the city will have space in multiple lots: Flint Municipal Parking Lot on Cash Street; Fall River Municipal Parking Lot, corner of Columbia Street and Hunter Street; Talbot Middle School on Melrose Street; parking lot on Hood Street.
What to know: Key information when Fall River declares a parking ban due to a snowstorm
What’s the difference between a winter storm watch and a warning?
A “watch” covers a broad region and is an advisory to start preparing for a storm in the coming days. A “warning” covers a smaller area and is a notice that storm activity is happening very soon.
How should I prepare for a snowstorm?
Make sure you have enough food, water and medication to last at least a few days, in case driving is difficult afterward.
Keep your cars full of gas to keep the fuel line from freezing.
Have enough rock salt or ice melter and some sand or non-clumping cat litter on hand to provide traction on your sidewalk or driveway.
Have an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, and extra blankets in case your house loses electricity.
When it comes time to shovel, go slowly and take frequent breaks. If you’re using a snowblower, always keep your hands and feet clear of the blades.
Make sure fire hydrants and furnace and clothes dryer vents are clear of snow.
Dan Medeiros can be reached at dmedeiros@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News today.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: SouthCoast to see snowstorm Monday: See snowfall totals, parking bans
