Winter Storm Watch for Saturday

Old Man Winter has found a second wind, and a second measurable storm for Saturday suggests the old goat's still got it.

NWS Albany has posted a Winter Storm Watch starting late Friday and ending late Saturday night. The Watch calls for the potential for 5 to 9 inches of snow for Western Mass. The heaviest snow will fall in the early afternoon on Saturday, and the potential for rates of 1-2 inches of snow per hour is the reason that the snow could pile up in a hurry.

NWS Albany is predicting a moderate snow storm.

Stop us if you've heard this before, but the uncertainty with this storm is the track. The Euro model pushes the track to the east, which means more cold air for us and more snow. The American model tracks the storm more to the west, and that means warmer air and a shorter interval for when we see all snow.

Right now our best guess for the Berkshires is 2-4 inches south of I-90 and 4-6 northward. Higher elevation towns up by the Vermont border could top out at 10 inches.

The Euro seems to be the preferred model for this storm as it's consistent with most meteorologists' predictions for Saturday.

The big thing we'll be watching is the track of the storm and the next announcement from NWS Albany. If we get the upgrade to the Winter Storm Warning, then get out the high boots. If the Watch becomes a Winter Weather Advisory, then we'll only see a few inches and the snow will all be melted by Tuesday.

Sunday could be one of the last days to get some sledding and nordic skiing in as there will be little melting that day with highs below freezing for the entire day. A big warm-up to the 50s is expected for every day next week, so this snow will not be around for long.