WWLP Alert: Powerful Winter Storm Heads for Western Massachusetts—Timing, Snow Totals & Travel Impacts

Western Massachusetts braces for its first significant December snowstorm as the WWLP 22News Storm Team warns that a fast-moving coastal system will spread plowable snow across the Pioneer Valley on Tuesday. WWLP meteorologists project snow to begin around the Tuesday morning commute, intensify midday, and taper by early evening, dropping 4–8 inches in most low-elevation communities and up to 10 inches in the hill towns and Berkshires. The heaviest band is expected between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., reducing visibility to under a quarter mile and creating rapidly deteriorating road conditions. School closings, parking bans • More than 150 districts have already announced closures or early dismissals; WWLP’s FastTrack list is updating in real time. • Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke have issued on-street parking bans starting at midnight to keep plows moving. • Bradley International Airport recommends arriving three hours early and checking flight status as de-icing delays grow. Travel impacts MassDOT is pre-treating I-91, the Mass Pike and Route 2, but officials urge drivers to avoid non-essential travel during the midday white-out window. If you must drive: 1. Clear all snow from roof and lights. 2. Keep headlights on low-beam. 3. Pack an emergency kit with blankets and chargers. Power and heating prep Heavy, wet snow combined with 30 mph gusts could snap limbs and cause scattered outages. Eversource is staging extra crews; residents should charge devices tonight, test generators outdoors and stock up on wood or pellets. What’s next? Arctic air behind the storm will lock in mid-20s temperatures through Thursday, allowing slick spots to linger. A weaker clipper may brush the region with light snow Friday night, but early indications show only minor additional accumulation. Stay connected • Stream live radar and get push alerts on the 22News Storm Team Weather App. • Watch continuous coverage on WWLP.com and Channel 22 for updated totals and any new emergency declarations. SEO keywords: WWLP, Western Massachusetts snowstorm, Springfield MA weather forecast, school closings list, winter storm Tuesday, MassDOT travel advisory, 22News Storm Team.