Southern New England States Brace for Clipper System Bringing Accumulating Snow Friday Night Into Saturday
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS — A fast-moving clipper system is expected to bring accumulating snowfall across Southern New England states, with Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island all forecast to see measurable snow from Friday evening through Saturday morning, according to the latest National Weather Service guidance.
Forecasters say the system will move west to east Friday night, with snow overspreading inland areas first before reaching coastal locations later in the night. While this is not expected to be a major winter storm, officials caution that timing during overnight hours and early Saturday travel could create hazardous road conditions, especially in areas that receive higher snowfall totals.
Massachusetts Snow Forecast and Timing
In Massachusetts, snow is expected to begin Friday evening, generally between 8 p.m. and midnight, starting in western portions of the state and spreading eastward overnight.
Western and central Massachusetts, including the Berkshires, Pioneer Valley, and Worcester County, are forecast to see the highest snowfall totals, with 3 to 6 inches possible in many inland locations. Some higher elevations could see locally higher amounts if snowfall bands intensify.
Along the eastern Massachusetts coast, including Boston and surrounding communities, snowfall amounts are expected to be lighter, generally 2 to 3 inches, with snow reaching coastal areas closer to midnight or shortly after. Light snow may linger into early Saturday morning before tapering off by mid-morning.
Connecticut Snow Forecast and Impacts
Across Connecticut, the clipper system is expected to bring a sharp snowfall gradient from west to east.
Western and central Connecticut, including areas around Waterbury, Hartford, and inland New Haven County, could see 4 to 8 inches of snow, with some localized pockets approaching the higher end of that range. Snow is forecast to be heaviest between 8 p.m. Friday and 2 a.m. Saturday, which may impact overnight and early-morning travel.
In eastern Connecticut, snowfall totals are expected to be lower, generally 2 to 4 inches, as the system weakens while moving east. Roads could still become slick, especially on untreated surfaces and secondary roads.
Rhode Island Snow Forecast and Coastal Conditions
In Rhode Island, snowfall totals are expected to be lighter overall, but still impactful for a short-duration event.
Most of the state is forecast to receive 2 to 3 inches of snow, with locally higher totals possible in northern portions closer to the Massachusetts border. Snow is expected to arrive late Friday night, with the heaviest period occurring around midnight through early Saturday morning.
Coastal areas may see lighter snowfall rates, but forecasters caution that cold surface temperatures could still allow snow to accumulate quickly on roads and bridges.
Travel Concerns and Confidence Level
Forecasters describe confidence in the overall setup as moderate, noting that small shifts in the storm’s track could still influence exact snowfall totals, especially near the transition zones between higher and lower amounts.
However, slick travel conditions are likely across all three states, particularly during the overnight hours and early Saturday morning. Snow showers may linger until 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday, especially in inland areas, before conditions gradually improve later in the day.
A brief dry period is expected later Saturday into Sunday, though forecasters note that another system could bring a freezing rain threat late Sunday night into early Monday, depending on temperature trends.
What Residents Should Prepare For
Residents across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island are advised to plan for slower travel, allow extra time if driving overnight or early Saturday, and monitor local forecasts for updates as the system approaches. While this storm is not expected to be severe, even modest snowfall can cause outsized impacts when it coincides with busy weekend travel.
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