Preparations underway as powerful winter storm takes aim at Bay State

WALTHAM, Mass. — Many Bay Staters began rushing to the grocery store early Monday to stock up on milk, bread, and eggs ahead of a powerful nor’easter bringing heavy snow, strong wind gusts, rain, and the potential for power outages across Massachusetts.

“Going to buy bread, no meat, just the staples,” said Aurela Girouard, of Waltham. “Things that I can go through the week with -- cat food!”

People at the Market Basket in Waltham were taking advantage of the dry weather Monday to run their last-minute errands ahead of the storm that’s expected to dump over a foot of snow in some spots.

“I really hate the snow, but two inches would be fine,” said Jim Sullivan, of Waltham. “I mean two to four inches that’s basically what we’re getting but who knows, it’s always bound to change.”

The storm is set to move in Monday night and linger through to Wednesday, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and rain to the entire state.

“Oh, we’re ready, hopefully it’s all rain,” one shopper told Boston 25 News. “There’s good snow and bad snow, this is going to be bad snow. Heavy and wet!”

After an unusually snowless winter, some people were frustrated by all the snow we’ve seen so far this March.

“I wish it would remain the way it was with nice weather,” said Girourard. “I just don’t want snow, you know you get to a certain age and you’re like I don’t want this, I don’t need this.”

The hazardous conditions will impact both the morning and evening commutes on Tuesday.

Heavy snow may weigh down power lines and strong gusts up to 60 mph in some areas could topple branches and trees.

Given the power outage concerns during this long-duration weather event, Eversource recommended stocking up on non-perishable foods, turning the refrigerator temperature control to the coldest setting possible, ensure flashlights, candles, and batteries are accessible, and fill up your car’s gas tank in case your need to warm up or charge your phone.

In a statement, Eversource said, “The heavy, wet snow and hazardous winds forecasted have the potential to bring down trees and branches onto electric lines and equipment, causing damage and power outages. The hazardous conditions can also make travel challenging for our crews, so we’re staging extra staff and equipment in our work centers across the state to ensure we’re ready to respond as quickly as possible to whatever this storm brings.”

The storm is expected to start out as rain before transitioning to heavy snow. Most of the state is under a winter storm warning through Wednesday.

For more on the storm, visit the Boston 25 Weather page. For more storm preparation tips, click here.

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