Fall River and Dartmouth are among several SouthCoast communities already taking measures ahead of a winter storm that is expected to pummel the region tonight.

The National Weather Service has warned that southeastern Massachusetts can expect around five to eight inches of snow during the storm, that is likely to hit overnight and into tomorrow morning.

The area is under a winter storm warning that will be in effect from 1 a.m. to 7 p.m Friday.

This means that SouthCoast residents can expect "hazardous conditions" and heavy snow that could make travel — especially the morning commute — very difficult, according to the weather service.

Officials in Fall River, Dartmouth and Swansea have already put parking bans in place overnight due to the expected storm, and some Fall River municipal buildings will be closed on Friday.

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In Fall River, a parking ban will take effect starting at 8 p.m. tonight until further notice.

The city's Government Center (city hall) and libraries will also be closed on Friday, as will the Lewiston Street DPW facility.

Residents are encouraged to park instead at municipal lots on Cash and Columbia streets or at Talbot or Morton Middle Schools.

A Swansea parking ban takes effect from 1 a.m. until 8 p.m. tonight.

Meanwhile from 6 p.m. Thursday until 12 a.m. on Saturday morning, residents and visitors in Dartmouth won't be allowed to park on the hydrant side of the street, or the odd-numbered side if there are no hydrants.

The weather service suggests keeping an extra flashlight, food, and water in
the car in case of an emergency.

 

Residents can call 511 for the latest road conditions.

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