March Comes in Like Lion with Nor’easter

Foot of Snow Expected for Medford, Area; Schools Closed

Story Updated 7:52PM Sunday, March 1, 2009

– Allison Goldsberry

No, winter isn’t over yet, unfortunately.

Sunday afternoon’s dusting of snow is expected to be followed by a n’oreaster Sunday night and Monday morning that could deliver up to a foot of snow in Medford and the region.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the area from 9PM Sunday until 5PM Monday. Heavy snow is expected to fall between 10PM and 10AM, with the heaviest snow falling right around midnight. Snow fall of 2-3 inches per hour is expected at that time. The powerful storm could even deliver some rumbles of thunder.

Snow is forecast to taper off by Monday afternoon, but not before it snarls the morning commute. The National Weather Service warns of poor visibility, freezing sleet, and wind gusts blowing snow around and causing drifts. They recommend that travel is completed between 2PM and 8PM Sunday and avoided between 11PM and 5AM Sunday into Monday.

Medford has declared a snow emergency as of 9PM Sunday until further notice. All public schools are closed, as well as Arlington Catholic and St. Clement’s.