Winter storm Fall River: Closings, cancellations and what to know
A late-season storm is underway in southeastern Massachusetts, bringing a sloppy mix of rain and snow to the region as well as high winds.
It kicked off with heavy rain on Monday night, and Tuesday we're expected to see the worst effects of the storm, with rain through the day turning to snow at night.
Snow and wind will likely create difficult travel conditions Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service in Boston says.
Winter weather advisory:
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for southeastern Massachusetts.
WHAT: The NWS said snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches is possible regionally overnight. In central and western Massachusetts, the storm may dump 6 to 12 inches of wet snow across the region that could cause power outages.
Winds will be “strong to damaging” throughout the day, with an average of 26 mph and gusts as high as 55 mph.The storm could bring 1 to 2 feet of snow to the northern Worcester hills and the Berkshire Mountains, the weather service says. A foot of snow has already been reported in Massachusetts' Hampshire County, the weather service's website shows.
WHEN: From 8 p.m. Tuesday night to 8 a.m. Wednesday.
The NWS is calling for rain changing to wet snow, with total snow accumulations of 2-3 inches expected in Fall River and New Bedford, according to the NWS forecast Tuesday morning.
Today, the NWS says: "Rain before 2 p.m., then snow. Temperature falling to around 35 by 4 p.m. East wind 11 to 15 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible."
Tonight expect snow, mainly before 11 p.m. The low will be around 33, with a northwest wind of 16 to 20 mph and gusts as high as 49 mph. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches are possible.
Power Outages:Track the latest power in Massachusetts and Rhode Island
Wednesday there is a chance of snow before 7 a.m. It'll be mostly cloudy, with a high near 42. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible.
How will the weather impact the commute in the Fall River area?
According to the National Weather Service, the storm will make for hazardous driving conditions so slow down and use caution while driving. Plan on slippery roads this afternoon as rain transitions into a wintry mix, making the evening commute messy. Wet snow and strong wind gusts may result in power outages.
What schools are canceled?
Argosy Collegiate: No after school activities today, March 14
Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School: After school activities canceled today
Fall River Public Schools: Activities canceled today
Swansea Public Schools: Evening activities cancelled today
Somerset Public Schools: All District Strings Festival is postponed. The music department is working on scheduling another date for this event.
Rob Roy Academy-Fall River: esthetics classes only closed March 14; day and evening classes
Bridgewater State University: Closing at 2 p.m.; no evening classes today
CCRI - all cmapuses: classes/activities canceled after 1 p.m. today
UMass Dartmouth: No Tuesday classes after 3 p.m.
Check back for an up-to-date list of school cancellations and distance learning.
Does my city or town have a parking ban because of the snowstorm?
Somerset: Parking ban 5 p.m. today, March 14, until 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Check back for an updated list of parking bans issued around Greater Fall River.
What shelters are open in Fall River?
The city reminds residents in need of places they can turn for assistance.
On Tuesday, March 14, Pope Francis Outreach Center, Good Shepherd Parish, 1598 South Main St., will be providing a warming center from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for anyone in need. Residents may drop in without calling.
Following this, Tuesday evening the First Baptist Church, 228 North Main St., will again reopen their doors at 4:30 p.m. for a meal and overnight shelter.
Anyone in need of assistance is urged to call the 24-hour homeless hotline number for shelter needs at 508-676-3528. Street outreach workers from the City of Fall River will be on hand to assist with transportation needs.The City’s Department of Community Maintenance is preparing for potential snowfall as well as high winds. For storm-related questions, call the Mayor’s Office at 508-324-2600 or email mayor@fallriverma.org. For snow or tree removal needs, contact 508-324-2762.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River Winter Storm tracking rain, snow as nor'easter hits MA
