Needham Storm Center: Over A Foot Of Snow, High Winds On The Way

NEEDHAM, MA — The first big storm of the season is heading this way and will bring high winds and plenty of show with it.

The National Weather Service is predicting 12 to 18 inches of snow for the Needham area, with the potential of heavy snow and near blizzard conditions across Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Due to the expected conditions, a winter storm watch has been issued.

As of Wednesday morning, much of the area is in a winter storm warning until early Friday morning. Residents should expect travel to be very difficult to impossible and possible damage to trees and power lines. At times, near blizzard conditions are likely along with near white-out conditions.

The temperature is not expected to break 30 degrees Thursday, with a low of 8 expected, then frigid temperatures for most of the weekend.

Here's what weather forecasters are predicting for us:

• National Weather Service: 12 to 18 inches
• NBC Boston/NECN: 8 to 12 inches
• WCVB: 10 to 15 inches
• WFXT: 10 to 16 inches
• WHDH: 12 to 16 inches
• WBZ: 12+ inches

Status Of School

Nothing has been announced yet but we'll let you know if school is canceled Thursday.

Emergency Numbers

• In case of an emergency, dial 911
• Needham Police Department - 781-455-7570
• Needham Fire Department - 781-455-7580
• Eversource: 1-800-592-2000
• Comcast: 1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278)
• Verizon: 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966)

Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch