More than eight inches of light, fluffy snow is expected to accumulate before nightfall in Hampshire County, according to an official with the National Weather Service in Taunton.
Meteorologist Hayden Frank said the county could see “a solid eight to 15 inches of snow.”
“It would be a good idea to stay off the roads if you can because in addition to the snowfall totals, it’s the rate at which the snow will be falling,” Frank said. “We’re looking at two to four inches of snow fall at times. That can really make it difficult. When talking about rates that quickly, visibility will be poor. Plows won’t be able to keep up with those snowfall totals.”
Staying off the roads should be easy for many as schools across the county announced closures in anticipation of the storm.
The Five Colleges are all closed Thursday, as are public schools in Easthampton, Northampton, Amherst, Belchertown, Granby, Hadley, Hatfield and South Hadley, among others. An Easthampton High School Open House has been canceled and rescheduled for Wednesday, March 1, from 6 to 8 p.m.
In addition, Mountain Road (Route 141) in Easthampton has been shut down for the duration of the storm, and State Police reduced the speed limit on the I-90 to 40 miles per hour.
Additionally, Gov. Charlie Baker announced about 8 p.m. Wednesday that state offices will be closed for non-emergency, executive branch employees. All offices of the Registry of Motor Vehicles also are closed because of the storm.
“To prioritize public safety, we are asking everyone to stay off the roads to allow crews to safely clear snow or use public transportation,” Baker said in a news release. “Please assist us by shoveling driveways and sidewalks in your communities, and be sure to lend a hand to neighbors in need.”
The winter weather is causing traffic delays, detours and bus cancellations with the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority. Massachusetts State Police have deployed more than 400 troopers across the state on storm patrols, according to a Tweet from the agency.
Nearly the entire state is under a winter weather advisory, which remains in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday.
“The snow has already begun,” Frank said shortly before 8 a.m. Thursday. “It’s going to fall heavily throughout the day. It should taper off – the snow showers – and end by early evening.”
Even once the snowfall stops, winds will remain powerful. The area could see blowing and drifting snow continuing into the night, Frank said.
Temperatures are forecast to drop as night falls with lows in the single digits. Friday, Frank said, is expected to be very cold and rather breezy.
Another storm system may hit the state overnight Friday although it is not expected to be nearly as strong, according to Frank.
Emily Cutts can be reached at ecutts@gazettenet.com.