Folks, get ready to hold onto your hats because the National Weather Service has just sent out a warning for a winter storm in New England. Brace yourselves as a colossal storm is on its way, bringing with it a cascade of snow, rain, and powerful winds over the weekend.

This behemoth of a storm is currently sweeping through the southern Plains and is gearing up to hit Massachusetts late Saturday night. Prepare for up to a foot of snow in certain areas before this tempest bids us farewell on Sunday afternoon.

According to the forecasts, heavy snow is expected outside Route 128, while areas within Route 128 and further south may experience a mix of rain and snow. Quite the wintry mix, isn’t it?

Let’s delve into the details. When all is said and done, places like the South Coast, South Shore, Cape Cod, and Boston could see a light dusting to around three inches of snow. But wait, there’s more! As we move further east, snow totals are expected to climb, with a whopping six to nine inches likely to fall between Route 128 and I-495.

And for our friends around Worcester, Fitchburg, and southern New Hampshire, get ready for a substantial nine to 12 inches of snow! It’s going to be a winter wonderland out there.

But snow isn’t the only concern. This storm will also disrupt travel plans, so be prepared for some disruptions. While it may not be as intense as December’s wild windstorm, this new storm will still bring some serious gusts, with winds reaching between 50 and 60 miles per hour on outer Cape Cod. Yikes!

Coastal areas won’t be spared, either. They could face gusts between 40 and 50 miles per hour. Even further inland, expect gusts of around 30 to 40 miles per hour. It’s going to be a blustery one!

If you’re worried about coastal flooding, breathe easy because the threat is expected to be minimal. Phew, that’s a relief!

So, mark your calendars and set your reminders because the winter storm watch begins on Saturday evening and continues until Sunday night, covering most of southern New England, except for Suffolk County and a large portion of southeastern Massachusetts.

But don’t take our word for it. Keep an eye on the 7WEATHER blog for the latest updates and all the juicy details about this impending storm. Stay safe and stay warm, everyone!