How Much Snow To Expect In Greater Boston

WALTHAM, MA — The first real winter storm of the season is expected to hit the region Saturday, bringing up to 7 inches of snow and strong winds to parts of greater Boston, according to the latest forecasts.

The National Weather Service is predicting the worst of the storm will affect a region roughly west of Interstate 95 to the Quabbin Reservoir and between the New Hampshire and Rhode Island borders.

"Rain changes to snow on Saturday afternoon into the evening with significant accumulations possible," the National Weather Service tweeted early Friday. "Snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour with difficult travel and scattered power outages."

The weather service said the snow will be heavy and wet, which will cause trouble on the roads and possible power outages.

Predicted snow totals vary across the region. In general, areas north and west could see the highest totals, with the snow band extending from Waltham east and north toward Chelsmford and Westford.

Here's are the snow accumulations the National Weather Service predicts for Saturday:

• Brookline, Newton — 3 to 6 inches
• Waltham, Needham— 3 to 7 inches
• Boston, Cambridge — 2 to 4 inches
• Chelmsford, Westford — 3 to 10 inches

The region will be under a winter storm watch and high wind warning between Saturday and Sunday. Wind gusts up to 46 mph are expected for the Brookline area.