Fresh blanket of snow arriving

By Owen Boss

Staff Writer

Area weather experts are predicting that a snowstorm expected to hit the Pioneer Valley early Wednesday morning will cause hazardous conditions on roadways for both morning and evening rush-hour traffic.

According to News 22 meteorologist Brian Lapis, the storm, which is coming from the Midwest, will begin sometime after midnight Wednesday. The snowfall overnight, Lapis said, is expected to produce 1 or 2 inches of snow on the ground by the time drivers begin their morning commutes.

After tapering off during the afternoon, Lapis is predicting that the snowfall will begin again Wednesday evening and continue into Wednesday night.

Lapis expects the entire storm to produce approximately 6 inches of snow across areas of Hampshire and Hampden counties - and in a much different form than residents have been seeing this winter.

"Most of this is going to be a heavier snow, unlike the pure powder that we have seen with past storms," Lapis said. "This snow is going to be a little more wet."

According to the National Weather Service, the Valley will see temperatures to remain relatively constant for the rest of this week, with predicted daily highs from the high 20s to the low 30s, and overnight lows in the low teens.

Although he is predicting that most of the snow will fall on Wednesday, Lapis said residents should be prepared for potential scattered snow showers throughout the day Thursday.

Owen Boss can be reached at oboss@gazettenet.com