Weather Alerts issued for Pioneer Valley

(WWLP) - A *WINTER STORM WARNING* will in effect for western Hampden, western Hampshire, and western Franklin counties until 1 PM Friday.

A *WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY* will be in effect for eastern Hampden, eastern Hampshire, eastern Franklin, and Berkshire counties until 1 PM Friday.

22News Storm Team Meteorologist Ashley Baylor predicts:

The snow will actually track from east to west across southern New England.  The snow will start in east of I-91 and gradually spread west towards the Berkshires.  For the most part, we are just expecting light snow, but there could be pockets of moderate snow at times, especially in the higher elevations.  In addition to the snow, we will also have to contend with gusty winds. Winds will be blowing around 15-25 MPH with gusts up to 35 MPH.

Light to moderate snow will continue to fall overnight into Friday morning.  By the time you head out the door tomorrow, there will be:

• 2-4" of snow across the lower Pioneer Valley. (Springfield, Holyoke, Northampton)
• 4-6" of snow in eastern Hampden, eastern Hampshire, and most of Franklin counties. (Monson, Palmer, Ware, Greenfield, Orange, New Salem)
• 6-8" of snow in the Hilltowns/Berkshires. (Blandford, Otis, Cummington, Plainfield, Peru, Charlemont, Savoy)

The snow will taper off through Friday morning, then we'll just have mostly cloudy skies for the rest of the day.

The snow will be heavy and wet, and may mix with rain from time to time, especially in the lower Pioneer Valley.

For a look at the timing of this storm, check out the latest 22News Storm Team Forecast.

Winter Weather Advisories are issued by the NWS when snowfall is expected between 2 inches and 6 inches.