A Foot of Snow or More Now Expected in RI This Weekend

A Foot of Snow or More Now Expected in RI This Weekend

The next winter storm could now be a 'huge snowstorm for New England' says AccuWeather of the inclement weather expected to hit the region on Friday and continue into Saturday. 

SEE LATEST FORECAST BELOW

The storm will rapidly intensify off the Atlantic coast, packing a lot of snow and wind on its backside, according to AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

“This could be a huge snowstorm for New England,” Rayno said, adding that the threat for 6 inches of snow or more increases for locations farther north along the Eastern Seaboard, with New England facing the highest threat — and that includes from other hazards on top of the snowfall.

"All current evidence suggests that the storm will be close enough for at least a major New England snowstorm," Rayno said.

The full brunt of the storm's fury in terms of strong winds and heavy snow is likely to impact New England to neighboring parts of Canada. Power outages and coastal flooding are both concerns from the storm's winds alone, and major disruptions to travel would occur with heavy snow and substantial blowing and drifting snow in some areas. 

The storm could easily produce widespread frequent gusts between 40 and 60 mph or greater in coastal areas. In coastal locations where the strongest winds occur, wind gusts could reach hurricane force, forecasters say. Hurricane-force winds are rated as 74 mph or greater.