I wanted to update everyone on the expected timing of the intense snow squalls that are expected this afternoon.
Widespread snow shower activity are expected out ahead of the line of snow squalls. These snow showers are expected to begin first across the upper Pioneer Valley and the northern Worcester Hills by midday and then spread southeastward across the rest of Western and Central Mass by about 1 pm or so.
These snow showers are expected to continue right up until the snow squalls move through.
A line of intense snow squalls are expected to move through the Berkshires during the 2 pm time frame and will reach the Pioneer Valley of Western Mass by about 3 pm. These snow squalls will rapidly move into Central Mass by about 3:30 pm-4 pm and will exit the entire area by 5 pm.
These snow squalls will produce very heavy snow with snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour, zero visibility, whiteout conditions and wind gusts of up to 50 mph. Given the favorable dynamics and lift with these squalls, it would not surprise me to see a flash or two of lightning along with a rumble or two of thunder.
It's expected that these squalls should last for about 30 to 45 minutes at any one location.
Total snow accumulations between the snow showers and the line of snow squalls will be in the 1 to 3 inch range.
EXTREMELY POOR TRAVEL CONDITIONS are expected during these snow squalls due to very heavy snow, zero visibility and whiteout conditions. If you can, plan your travel today so that you aren't out on the roads during the snow squalls. There is NO SAFE PLACE on a highway during a snow squall.
Specific timeline of when to be off of the roads: The Berkshires - 2 to 3 pm. The Pioneer Valley - 3 to 4 pm. I-84 corridor & I-190 corridor - 4 to 5 pm. I-290, I-395 & I-495 corridor - 4:30 to 5:30 pm.