Winter Storm Watch issued for much of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut ahead of possible nor’easter

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for much of the area ahead of a possible nor’easter in the coming days.

According to the National Weather Service Boston, the Winter Storm Watch is in effect from late Monday through late Tuesday night for portions of northern Connecticut, central, eastern, northeastern, southeastern and western Massachusetts and northern Rhode Island.

Heavy snow is possible with total snow accumulations of 4 to 12 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Communities near the southern coast are currently expected to see lower amounts of snow.

Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

The forecast:

Monday Night
Rain and snow likely, mainly after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. West wind 6 to 13 mph becoming northeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tuesday
Snow likely, possibly mixed with rain, becoming all snow after 9am. Cloudy, with a high near 37. Breezy, with a north wind 18 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.

Tuesday Night
A chance of snow before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 21. Blustery, with a northwest wind 16 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.