Colder weather, bit of snow headed for New Jersey

The more rapid the pressure change over a short distance and time, the faster the wind. Conditions were treacherous across Snoqualmie Pass, with heavy snow falling and chains required on some vehicles. A chance for a few flurries or light snow showers. Windy. Gusts to 40-45mph overnight.

According to Weather.com, Winter Storm Fortis has caused areas from western MA to ME to issue winter storm warnings and forced parts of central and western NY to issue lake-effect snow watches and advisories.

Forecasters expect snow to begin between 7 and 9 a.m. Thursday and continue through the day, ending at around midnight. Most of the precipitation should hold off until after the Thursday morning commute.

The northern and western parts of the state remain the areas to watch for snow accumulation. With high temperatures right around freezing, the snow is expected to be wet and heavy – and accompanied by gusting winds up to 40 miles per hour. Areas around Worcester will see a very wide range in snow totals.

A bigger concern than the roadways is the potential for power outages. Instead southeast winds could gust to 50mph along the south coasts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts Thursday afternoon/evening. This may lead to occasional white out conditions-mainly in the Berkshires and hill towns before snow ends. Contract tree crews have also been secured in the event they are needed to help with power restoration efforts. “6-10” likely for Franklin and Berkshire county.

As the storm intensifies, winds will increase. Blustery and cold with highs in the lower to mid 30s.

If you live over northern Worcester County, southern New Hampshire and interior ME, there will a lot of snow.

The Minot International Airport, which was closed Monday due to whiteout conditions, reopened Tuesday and was expecting its first flights – incoming and outgoing – late morning.