Storm slows travel, causes power outages




Several places in Central and Western Mass. received 10 inches of snow or more in a storm that brought down power lines, delayed travelers, and sent cars spinning off roads.

Royalston in Worcester County reported 11.3 inches and other locations reported at least 10 inches. Totals in Eastern Mass. were less, with 1 to 4 inches in the Boston area. Southeastern Mass. received less than an inch of snow in many places.

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Numerous spinouts were reported on the highways Wednesday afternoon, but by evening, less traffic was on the roads and vehicles were moving.

National Grid reported more than 11,000 customers had lost power as of shortly before 6 p.m. Nstar reported 427 power outages. The National Weather Service fielded dozens of reports of trees and wires down.

On the Massachusetts Turnpike, the speed limit was reduced to 40 miles per hour from the New York border to Exit 11A, the Interstate 495 junction, State Police said. No tandem tractor-trailers or propane tankers are permitted along that stretch.


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The Transportation Department said a total of 422 crews were plowing state roads in Western and Central Massachusetts and treating roads in other areas.

State officials have urged people to drive safely in the first major snowstorm of the season, usually a time where people have to brush up on their wintry weather driving skills.

A winter storm warning has been issued for Western and Central Massachusetts, effective until 7 a.m. Thursday, while a winter weather advisory has been issued for the same period for areas along the coast.

Massport spokeswoman Jennifer Mehigan said many passengers at Logan International Airport Wednesday took advantage of the airlines waiving flight-change fees.

“Airlines are telling us they will operate a full schedule for the rest of the day, with the exception of some thinning of flights in and out of the New York area,” Mehigan said in an e-mail. Massport’s website showed eight canceled flights — three headed to Newark, N.J., and five to LaGuardia Airport in New York City. Many others were delayed.

National Weather Service

Predicted snowfall totals as of Wednesday afternoon.

Globe correspondent Trisha Thadani contributed to this report.

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