Winter Storm Outlook: 3-5 Inches Expected by Friday

Today: A few rain/snow showers. High: 43.

Friday: Wet snow and some rain. High: 40.

The Bethel area will make an abrupt return to winter over the next few days. One storm system will bring some light precipitation today, but a stronger storm will move in by Friday. That storm will bring a late-season snow storm to much of the northeastern United States.

Today: As storm system number one passes well southeast of New England today, scattered rain showers are expected. The rain may mix with some snow, especially first thing this morning and then again by late afternoon and early evening. Highs will make it into the lower 40s, so little if any accumulation is expected.

Tonight: The second and more powerful storm system will begin to move up the East Coast tonight. Rain and snow showers will become more widespread and as heavier precipitation moves in and temperatures drop, any rain should change to all snow. Periods of wet snow, heavy at times, are expected overnight. Since temperatures will only slowly fall through the 30s, the snow will have a tough time accumulating at first. However, towards the pre-dawn hours, accumulating snow is likely.

Friday: The forecast for the Friday morning commute is very tricky. With a strong low pressure system moving towards southeast New England Friday morning, there will be plenty of moisture to work with. The only question right now is the temperatures near the ground. Right now, expect wet snow, mixing with or possibly changing to plain rain Friday morning, before tapering off in the afternoon. With temperatures hovering right around freezing early Friday, some slushy roads and slick spots are likely in the morning.

3 to 5 inches of slushy snow is expected by the Friday morning commute.

Areas north of Bethel, especially the higher elevations, will likely see a good amount more than that. Since we are dealing with a very late-season storm, everything has to come together perfectly for a major snow storm. The accumulating snow will end by Friday morning, as temperatures rise through the 30s.

For later in the day on Friday, the rain and snow will come to an end and temperatures should briefly rise to around 40 degrees. This will melt most of the freshly fallen snow, but don't be surprised if a few wrap-around snow showers fall during the evening hours. Little if any accumulation is expected from any lingering snows.