A winter storm barreling toward Massachusetts is expected to bring at least 6 inches of snow to most parts of the state, with up to 10 inches possible in some areas.
The storm’s track has shifted south as it has drawn closer, increasing the chances of significant snow and decreasing the chance the precipitation comes down as a mix of rain, snow and sleet. National Weather Service forecasters put the chances of 6 or more inches of snow for Southern New England at 40% to 50%.
But in northern areas of Massachusetts, the chances are significantly higher — around 80% to 90%.
More than 24 hours from the storm’s arrival, forecasters cautioned that the prediction could change if the storm track continues shifting south. That scenario would mean lower snow totals across the state, particularly in northern areas.
Initial predictions, though, indicate a significant storm. Forecasters are projecting between 6 and 9 inches of snowfall in Boston and Worcester. Springfield’s projection is slightly lower, with between 5 and 8 inches expected.
Cities in the northern part of the state like Fitchburg and Greenfield are expected to see between 6 and 10 inches of snow. The storm is expected to have the smallest impact on Cape Cod, with 3 to 5 inches forecasted for Hyannis.
Forecasters set down a Winter Storm Watch covering the entire state, warning that travel could be extremely difficult. The watch is in effect from Saturday evening through Sunday morning.
