Expected snow and strong winds brings Winter Storm Watch for Monday/Tuesday

Even though we’ve made the change to Eastern Daylight Time this morning and spring officially begins in 9 days, another winter storm is expected to bring accumulating snow, strong winds, and perhaps minor coastal flooding Monday night into Tuesday.

According to the National Weather Service, accumulations of 6 inches or more from northeast Connecticut and northern Rhode Island into central and eastern Massachusetts and points north are expected, where a Winter Storm Watch has been issued. Accumulating snow is expected elsewhere, but confidence for 6 inches or more of snow was not high enough to include other areas in the Watch.

The peak of the storm is expected late Monday night into Tuesday, which should impact both the morning and afternoon commutes with low visibility and snow covered roads.

The snow should not be as wet or heavy as it was during the last storm. That should limit damage to trees and wires.

Along the coast, and especially on Cape Cod and the Islands, northeast winds may gust as high as 40 to 50 mph, which could result in minor damage such as downed tree branches.

The storm will produce rough seas up to 20 feet and wind gusts over 50 mph on the coastal waters. Minor coastal flooding is also possible along the eastern Massachusetts coast, especially in areas exposed to the ocean.