Nor’easter may bury Boston with a foot or more of snow Monday

Updated Feb. 20, 2026 — A powerful nor’easter forming off the Southeast U.S. coast is forecast to impact Boston and eastern Massachusetts late Sunday into Monday, potentially producing a foot or more of snow and blizzard conditions. Forecast models show the low tracking near the 40N/70W benchmark and intensifying rapidly through bombogenesis, bringing heavy, wet coastal snow, gusty northeast winds and a risk of coastal flooding during Monday’s high tides. The combined impacts — heavy snow, gusts that could exceed 70 mph on exposed coastline, and repeated high tides — raise the prospect of widespread travel disruption, power outages and localized roof stress.

Key takeaways

• Timing: First flakes could begin just after sunset Sunday; steady snow is expected to overspread the region between about 10 p.m. Sunday and 3 a.m. Monday.
• Snow totals: Forecast 10–16 inches for areas along and east of I-95 (Boston metro, North/South Shores, Cape Cod and Islands); 6–10 inches west of I-95 in parts of Middlesex and Worcester counties and southern New Hampshire.
• Jackpot zone: Southeastern Massachusetts (Plymouth and Bristol counties) is favored for heavy banding that could push local totals above 16 inches.
• Snow rates and hazards: Heavy bands could produce snowfall rates exceeding 1 inch per hour for multiple hours, creating rapidly deteriorating visibility and travel conditions.
• Wind: Northeast gusts are forecast at 55–70+ mph for southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands; inland gusts of 40–55 mph are likely in adjacent areas.
• Blizzard criteria: Coastal areas that meet the snowfall and wind thresholds could experience true blizzard conditions (visibility < 1/4 mile for 3+ hours with frequent gusts > 35 mph).
• Coastal flooding: Minor to moderate coastal flooding, splashover and beach erosion are likely during peak tides around 3 p.m. Monday and again near 3–4 a.m. Tuesday.

Background

Nor’easters form when cold air from the north interacts with moist air drawn up from the Atlantic. This system is emerging from the deep South and will tap abundant Gulf and Atlantic moisture as it moves northeast. Forecasters have highlighted the model consensus that places the storm near the climatological “benchmark” at 40°N, 70°W — a location historically favorable for classic New England nor’easters.

Operational forecasters describe a rapid deepening phase called bombogenesis, during which central pressure drops quickly and the storm intensifies. That process often sharpens precipitation bands and tightens the pressure gradient, increasing coastal wind speeds. Coastal communities, especially low-lying areas and exposed shorelines, are routinely most vulnerable to the combined effects of heavy snow, strong onshore winds and elevated tides.

Main event

The storm is expected to begin organizing offshore Sunday evening as a low lifts northeast from near the North Carolina coast. Light snow could arrive in the Boston area shortly after sunset; the steadier, heavier precipitation will move through between late Sunday night and the predawn hours Monday. Models show the heaviest snow bands crossing the region during the Monday morning commute, then persisting through Monday afternoon with only a slow taper into Tuesday morning.

Snow in coastal zones is forecast to be heavier and wetter than the light, powdery snow that fell in January, increasing the risk of roof loading and wet-snow power outages where gusts bring down lines. Intense localized banding could create sharp north-south contrasts, with some towns seeing well above the regional averages while nearby areas get much less.

Winds will be a central hazard: northeast gusts may reach or exceed 70 mph on barrier islands, Cape Cod and the immediate southeastern Massachusetts coast, and 40–55 mph gusts are likely just inland. Those gusts combined with heavy snow will reduce visibility to near-whiteout conditions in many coastal and island communities, and the repeated high tides during the event raise the likelihood of coastal inundation and beach erosion.

Analysis & implications

Transportation will be severely affected. Snowfall rates surpassing 1 inch per hour, coupled with sustained high winds, will make road travel extremely hazardous and likely result in extended closures of commuter routes and at least sporadic transit suspensions. Airports in the Boston area should expect delays and potential cancellations during the storm’s peak, particularly for early Monday departures and arrivals.

Power infrastructure is at elevated risk. Heavy, wet snow clings to trees and wires; when combined with gusts in the 50–70+ mph range, outages become more likely and restoration times can lengthen if downed trees block access. Localized roof damage is a concern for older or flat-roofed structures where wet-snow load can accumulate rapidly.

Economically, closures and disrupted supply chains for Monday and possibly Tuesday could affect retail, commuter-based services and construction. Emergency services and municipal crews will be taxed by simultaneous demands: road clearing, welfare checks, water rescues where coastal flooding occurs, and power-line hazards.

Forecast uncertainty remains concentrated on the exact track and mesoscale placement of heavy bands. A deviation of just 50–100 miles in the storm center or the position of a heavy band could shift the heaviest snow inland or offshore, producing large localized differences in impacts. Residents should monitor updates and probabilistic guidance rather than a single model run.

Comparison & data

The table summarizes regional guidance from forecast teams: coastal corridors will see the heaviest, wettest snow and the strongest gusts. Inland totals generally taper off; however, mesoscale convective snow bands can produce sharp gradients in measured accumulation across short distances. Emergency planners use these ranges to size sheltering needs, road-clearing priorities and power-restoration staging.

Reactions & quotes

The forecast has prompted readiness statements from local weather teams and emergency managers, emphasizing caution and preparation ahead of the storm.

“This system will intensify rapidly and is capable of producing heavy, wet snow and very strong northeast winds along the coast — conditions that can produce whiteouts and power outages.”

WBZ-TV meteorologist (media forecast)

After local briefings, emergency management officials urged residents to secure supplies and prepare for outages rather than wait to act.

“We are advising residents to have at least 72 hours of essentials and to avoid nonessential travel during Monday’s peak. Coastal areas should be prepared for splashover and localized inundation around high tide.”

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (state emergency official)

Hard-hit communities and utility planners described staging personnel and equipment to respond quickly where lines go down and roads become impassable.

“Crews are pre-positioned to respond to outages, but restoration timelines will depend on access and safety conditions once the storm passes.”

Regional utility operations center (infrastructure operator)

Unconfirmed

• Exact jackpot locations and whether specific towns in Plymouth and Bristol counties will exceed 16 inches remain subject to mesoscale band placement.
• Forecast model divergence means peak gust magnitudes and precise coastal inundation extents are not yet fully resolved.
• Estimates of total customers who may lose power and timing for full restoration are not confirmed and will depend on storm severity and access conditions.

Bottom line

A rapidly intensifying nor’easter will threaten Boston and eastern Massachusetts with a combination of heavy, wet snow, damaging gusts and coastal flooding during Monday’s high tides. Residents of coastal and southeastern communities should prepare for blizzard-like whiteouts, possible extended power outages and travel bans or closures.

Watch official updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency management through Sunday night and Monday. Given the storm’s potential for sharp local contrasts, base plans on the higher-end guidance if you live in an exposed or infrastructure-sensitive area, and avoid travel during the storm’s peak if at all possible.

Sources

• CBS Boston / WBZ-TV forecast story (local broadcast/press report, updated Feb. 20, 2026)
• National Weather Service Boston/Norton (NWS forecast/alerts) (federal weather service)
• Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (state emergency management) (official guidance and preparedness)