How Much Snow To Expect In MetroWest, Worcester Areas

WORCESTER, MA — The first real winter storm of the season is expected to hit the region Saturday, bringing up to 8 inches of snow and strong winds to parts of Middlesex and Worcester counties, according to the latest forecasts.

The National Weather Service is predicting the worst of the storm will affect a region roughly west of Interstate 95 to the Quabbin Reservoir and between the New Hampshire and Rhode Island borders.

"Rain changes to snow on Saturday afternoon into the evening with significant accumulations possible," the National Weather Service tweeted early Friday. "Snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour with difficult travel and scattered power outages."

The weather service also said the snow will be heavy and wet, which will cause trouble on the roads and possibly power outages.

Predicted snow totals vary widely over the region. In general, areas north and west of Interstate 495 and north of Worcester could see the highest totals, with the snow band extending slightly east into Marlborough and Sudbury. Higher elevations north of Fitchburg could see 8 inches of snow or more.

Here's are expected snow accumulations the National Weather Service predicted:

• Marlborough, Sudbury — 6 to 8 inches
• Worcester — 4 to 6 inches
• Milford — 3 to 4 inches
• Framingham, Natick, Wayland — 4 to 6 inches

The region will be under a winter storm watch and high wind warning Saturday and Sunday. Wind speeds may be lower, at about 30 mph, over Worcester along the Interstate 290 and Interstate 190 corridors. Wind speeds will be higher farther east and west, with wind gusts up to 45 mph in the Framingham area.