Nor'easter May Affect Wednesday Commute

A nor'easter will kick up winds and rain in the region today, with sleet and snow likely west of Boston and in the higher elevations.

According to WHDH meteorologist Chris Lambert, the precipitation should start between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., which would impact the afternoon commute. Atmospheric conditions may convert falling rain into snow in Boston, though that would mean merely a dusting on grass before quickly melting away. The actual rain/snow line is harder to predict.

"I don't expect much, if any accumulation in the Boston area, maybe a slushy coating around Rte. 128 on grassy surfaces as rain and snow battle it out for a few hours in the early evening," wrote Lambert on the 7 Weather Blog. "The snow will lose that battle to rain, although that process takes longer outside 495."

The National Weather Service has issued wind and coastal flood advisories ahead of the storm, calling for sustained winds of 20-25 MPH and gusts of 50 MPH. While not as strong as the winds from Sandy, the gusts are enough to cause damage.

National Grid Says They're Ready

This was submitted by National Grid.

National Grid is ready to respond to any power outages that may occur as a result of the high winds, heavy rain, and even some heavy wet snow from a nor’easter that will affect Massachusetts and Rhode Island today and overnight tonight.

More than 500 National Grid and supplemental line and tree crews are available and ready to respond quickly to any storm-related outages, along with more than 200 “wires-down” personnel. The company’s emergency response system has been activated and is closely watching the storm track so that crews can be deployed quickly to any areas that may be hard-hit by the impending nor’easter.

“We understand that our customers just endured Hurricane Sandy, and now, a week later, are faced with the prospect of another storm,” said Kathy Lyford, vice president of New England Operations. “We started planning for this storm on Sunday and we are ready for it. We have crews in place and a plan that will allow us to quickly address any outage hot-spots.”

Lyford went on to say that customers should be sure to keep National Grid’s New England outage reporting number – 1-800-465-1212 – handy in case of an outage.