WMass driving conditions deteriorating because of snow

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Western Massachusetts driving conditions deteriorated fast after the snow started falling Wednesday night.

State trooper Brian Clapprood, attached to the State Police Barracks in Springfield told 22News that he'd dispatched cruisers to at least two spinout accidents on I-91 southbound in West Springfield.  No reports of any injuries.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has reduced the speed limit on the western end of the Mass Pike from 65 mph to 40 miles per hour from exits 1 through 6.

Drivers need to take extra care behind the wheel, and slow down well before they need to come to a complete stop.  This reporter discovered the danger first-hand while rolling down the incline of the exit three off-ramp from I-391 in Chicopee.   Despite going slowly, the tires were not getting good traction, and a rear-end crash was only narrowly avoided.

Drivers need to be aware that their cars and tires do not perform well, nor will their vehicles slow down and stop as they usually will under normal driving conditions.  Keep plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

This storm is just beginning, and sanders and plow trucks are out trying to improve traction.

22News Storm Team meteorologist Adam Strzempko expects the heaviest snow to continue falling through late Wednesday evening, with a changeover to a wintry mix after midnight.  Strzempko predicts accumulations  of three to six inches in the Pioneer Valley, with greater depths expected to our north and west in Berkshire county.