Mass. drivers urged to plan for storm

BOSTON (WPRI) - Southern New England is bracing for another winter storm , which is expected to create a winter wonderland in our area.

With the anticipation of a potential major storm, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation or (MassDOT) is encouraging drivers, visitors and residents to plan ahead and drive safely.

According to Eyewitness News Meteorologist Michelle Muscatello , snow will begin between 6-9a.m. in the morning. The storm will continue throughout the day and into the evening.

MassDOT has offered the following winter storm travel tips:

• PLAN AHEAD FOR EVENING COMMUTE: MassDOT encourages residents and commuters to plan ahead by using public transportation when possible and leave plenty of time for travel in order to help keep the roads clear for local plowing crews as the storm intensifies during the afternoon rush hour.
• TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION WHEN POSSIBLE: Because the storm is expected to occur during the commute, MassDOT encourages residents to use public transportation whenever possible. MBTA customers travelling during the storm can click here for more information, travel alerts and updates
• TIPS FOR SAFE DRIVING: MassDOT has already begun preparing for the storm. Our more than 4,000 pieces of equipment, including plows, sanders, and salt spreaders, available throughout the Commonwealth, will be deployed as needed. Crews will often pre-treat roads prior to the storm to reduce icing and snow build-up.

TRAVEL TIPS:

• If you must drive during the storm, prior to departure residents and visitors are encouraged to view MassDOT’s online traffic cameras for live conditions on major roadways.
• MassDOT will post messages regarding storm events on variable message boards along the highway and on MassDOT's twitter page .
• Click here to keep up-to-date with MBTA T-alerts and service updates.
• Click here for updated weather predictions and snowfall totals