GREENFIELD — On the heels of winter storm Niko, more snow is looming over Franklin County this weekend.
The National Weather Service’s Boston office forecasts a 90 percent chance of snow or rain Sunday into Monday, with a low of around 30 degrees and a high of 36.
A hazardous weather advisory released Friday by the Taunton office cautions, “there is a potential for strong to even damaging winds and heavy snow Sunday night into Monday. The threat for strong winds and heavy snow is greatest across eastern Mass.”
In January, the state Department of Environmental Management reported the Deerfield River basin region received 3.4 inches of accumulative snowfall. This month to date, 10.5 inches of snow has fallen already.
This week’s storm created ideal conditions for outdoor activities including downhill and cross-country skiing.
Looking toward the weekend, Stump Sprouts Guest Lodge and Cross-country Ski Center in Hawley reported, “we are in the midst of a great week for snow. We received 3 inches of heavy wet snow on Tuesday and another foot of snow out of today’s Nor’easter. All of this comes on top of an already acquired 10-inch-deep very durable base.”
At Berkshire East, Friday’s ski report noted, “(Thursday’s) storm brought us over a foot of snow and all trails are open. Expect packed powder, powder and soft groomed conditions today. Today’s forecast is for sunny and cold which will keep conditions great and more snow is in the forecast. It is going to be an amazing weekend.”
At the state level, Patrick Marvin, spokesman for the Mass. Department of Transportation said on Friday “we’re monitoring it closely and we’ll respond appropriately.”
Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack said about Thursday’s storm, “over 1,400 MassDOT employees and contractors worked hard throughout the overnight last night preparing our roadways for this morning’s commute, and continue to focus on pushing snow further off the roadway and out of breakdown lanes and ramp areas.”