Snow Kidding: SouthCoast Braces for Winter’s First Bite This Weekend

We don't have a lot to complain about. December was one of the mildest winters on record with virtually no snow. I used to be a fan of snow, but my enthusiasm has waned. You'd get no argument from me if all Decembers could be like the one we just had.

If you are a snow lover, however, you'll be happy to hear that we will see some snow this weekend here on the SouthCoast. If we have to get a snowstorm, I'd choose to have them hit on a weekend every time. How much snow will we see? That remains the big question.

How Much Snow Will the SouthCoast Get?

ABC6 meteorologist Cecy Del Carmen says it's all about the rain/snow line.

"New Bedford is in a tricky spot right on the line," she said. "A slight shift of that rain/snow line to the north or south could impact snowfall amounts."

For what it's worth, as it stands Thursday, Del Carmen predicts 1-3 inches of heavy, wet snow along the coast. Throughout the storm, she thinks the snow will mix with sleet and freezing rain. Spots farther inland on the SouthCoast will see totals a bit larger.

"There's a 60-70% chance some of those areas will see 6 inches or more," Del Carmen said.

"Another big factor with New Bedford and the SouthCoast is the wind," the meteorologist added. "The wind coupled with the heavy, wet snow and freezing rain can weigh down those power lines and tree branches."

Power outages are expected Sunday.  Del Carmen also believes the impacts of the storm could also be a factor in the Monday morning commute.

Massachusetts Snow Totals

The biggest snowfall totals are expected to be in the central and western parts of the state including Worcester and the Berkshires.