Slow Snowstorm Headed Toward Massachusetts In Latest Winter Blow

Massachusetts is staring at another February snowstorm, this time one that slowly dumps up to 8 inches across parts of the state.

Forecasters are calling it a "prolonged" storm that arrives Thursday afternoon and lasts until Friday night. It's unknown if the higher snow totals will be realized — forecasts are saying 4-8 inches — but the sleet and ice of this week's previous storm are not expected.

The higher snow totals are expected north and west of Boston and from Foxborough down to the South Shore, but everywhere outside of the Cape and Islands can expect several inches.

Snow will begin in the mid-afternoon Thursday and precipitation might not let up until early Saturday morning, NBC10 Boston meteorologist Aaron Perry said in an email.

"It is looking like the coastal system is going to take a more southern track, leading to a slower and more prolonged scenario for Southern New England," Perry said.

All of Massachusetts outside the Cape and Islands is under a winter storm watch.

"Travel could be difficult," the warning reads. "The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute Thursday and Friday."

The storm Monday and Tuesday coated the roads in ice, resulting in several highway crashes and treacherous travel. More than 4,000 customers in Massachusetts were without power at the heigh of the outages.

Boston-area forecast via National Weather Service

Today — Sunny, with a high near 29. Northwest wind 8 to 13 mph.

Tonight — Increasing clouds, with a low around 17. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday — A chance of snow, mainly after 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 29. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Thursday Night — Snow likely, mainly after 8pm. Cloudy, with a low around 26. Northeast wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Friday — Snow likely. Cloudy, with a high near 32. Northeast wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Friday Night — Snow likely, mainly before 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 21. North wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Saturday — Mostly cloudy, with a high near 32. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

Saturday Night — Mostly clear, with a low around 15. Northwest wind around 8 mph.

Sunday — Sunny, with a high near 32. Northwest wind around 7 mph.

Sunday Night — Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Monday — Rain and snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 37. South wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday Night — A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. South wind 5 to 7 mph becoming light and variable. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday — Partly sunny, with a high near 40. West wind around 8 mph.