Winter storm watch issued for Massachusetts, New Hampshire as region braces for more snow

A winter storm watch has been issued for Massachusetts and New Hampshire ahead of another round of snow that’s expected to move into the region on Wednesday.

“The next storm will arrive with snow around lunchtime Wednesday. Light snow will stick to untreated roads through the afternoon then become steadier in the evening. Expect a slow drive home from work,” Meteorologist Shiri Spear wrote in her latest weather blog.

In Massachusetts, a storm watch has been issued for Eastern Franklin, Eastern Hampden, Eastern Hampshire, Northern Worcester, Northwest Middlesex, Western Franklin, Western Hampden, Western Hampshire counties from Wednesday morning through Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Heavy snow is expected in those areas with the possibility for total snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

“Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute,” the NWS said in a statement.

Northern and Southern Berkshire counties are under a storm watch from Wednesday morning through Wednesday night.

Heavy mixed precipitation is expected in those areas with the possibility for total snow accumulations of 4 to 9 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

“Snow will develop early Wednesday afternoon, becoming moderate to heavy through the evening with rates of 0.5 to 1 inch per hour. The snow will become a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain Wednesday night before temperatures rise above freezing and precipitation turns to rain,” the NWS said.

In New Hampshire, a winter storm warning has been issued for Belknap, Cheshire, Eastern Hillsborough, Interior Rockingham, Merrimack, Strafford, Sullivan, Western and Central Hillsborough, Northern Carroll, Northern Coos, Northern Grafton, Southern Carroll, Southern Coos, and Southern Grafton counties from late Wednesday afternoon through Thursday.

Total snow accumulations greater than 6 inches and ice accumulations up to one tenth of an inch possible in those areas. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph across the higher terrain and along the coastline.

“Low pressure brings a round of moderate to heavy snow late Wednesday afternoon and evening. Snow changes to mixed precipitation Wednesday night from south to north, with light ice accretion possible across interior areas,” the NWS said. The precipitation likely ends as rain along the coastline Thursday morning, with snow or mix possible into the afternoon hours across northern areas.”

The NWS warned Granite Staters of slick and hazardous roads and bridges due to the potential for snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour on Wednesday evening and Wednesday night.

Gusty winds could also bring down tree branches.

The threat of this new storm comes after communities across the region saw heavy snowfall on Monday. As of Tuesday morning, tens of thousands remained without power in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

For the latest updates, visit the Boston 25 Weather page.

List of school closings and delays

Track the storm on interactive radar

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW