Strong winds, cold temperatures, and snow coming into the new year for portions of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut

Parts of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut are expected to welcome the new year with strong winds, cold temperatures, and snow.

According to the National Weather Service, strong to damaging wind gusts will take place through tonight with the strongest winds expected over western and central Massachusetts. Expecting winds through early afternoon before slowly beginning to decrease through late
tonight and early Wednesday morning.

An extended period of below normal temperatures is expected through Sunday with nuisance snow showers at times, mainly New Years Eve night into New Year`s Day.

As for precipitation chances, this cold will be accompanied by generally dry weather. A reinforcing cold front New Years Eve night to early New Years Day could bring some decorative passing snow showers, but significant snow accumulation isn`t likely for most. One possible exception for up to a couple of inches of snowfall could be toward the Cape and islands for a relatively rare ocean- enhanced snowfall from a southwest wind.