Nor'easter May Affect Wednesday Commute

A nor'easter will kick up winds and rain in the region Wednesday, with sleet and snow likely west of Boston and in the higher elevations.

According to WHDH meteorologist Chris Lambert, the precipitation should start between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., which would impact the afternoon commute. Atmospheric conditions may convert falling rain into snow in Boston, though that would mean merely a dusting on grass before quickly melting away. The actual rain/snow line is harder to predict.

"I don't expect much, if any accumulation in the Boston area, maybe a slushy coating around Rte. 128 on grassy surfaces as rain and snow battle it out for a few hours in the early evening," wrote Lambert on the 7 Weather Blog. "The snow will lose that battle to rain, although that process takes longer outside 495."

The National Weather Service has issued wind and coastal flood advisories ahead of the storm, calling for sustained winds of 20-25 MPH and gusts of 50 MPH. While not as strong as the winds from Sandy, the gusts are enough to cause damage.

National Grid prepares for potential outages, damage

The nor'easter comes on the heels of Hurricane Sandy, which roughed up the Boston area Oct. 29. National Grid is preparing for the storm. 

"While this storm is not expected to be of the magnitude we experienced during Hurricane Sandy, it still could cause damage to our system in New England," said Kathy Lyford, vice president of electric operations in New England, in a press statement. "We are developing plans so that we are ready to respond to service interruptions, but we also want our customers to be aware, monitor the weather, and take precautions so that they remain safe during this storm."

Storm-Smart Tips

The following are tips, provided by National Grid, on how to better prepare yourself for a storm:.

• People who depend on electric-powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should let National Grid know. To register as a life support customer, call the company’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-322-3223.

• It’s a good idea to have a number of working flashlights, at least one battery- operated radio and an extra supply of batteries in your home. A radio is a good way to stay in touch, as National Grid provides news media with timely information regarding service restoration efforts.

• If you plan to use a generator to supply power during an outage, be sure to only operate it outdoors. Before operating generators, be sure to disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could jeopardize crew safety.

• If you lose power, turn off any appliances that were on when the power went off, but leave one light on so you will know when power is restored.

• After the storm, be sure never to touch downed power lines, and always assume that any fallen lines are live electric wires. If you see one, report it immediately to National Grid or your local emergency response organization.

• Power problems can sometimes interrupt public water supply systems or disable well pumps, so it’s an especially good idea to keep a supply of bottled drinking water handy, as well as some canned food.

• Post National Grid’s toll-free emergency outage reporting number—1-800-465- 1212—near your telephone so it will be handy if needed. Calling the company if you experience an outage can expedite restoration.

• National Grid provides a number of channels for customers to learn about service issues and interruptions and to report outages during storms. Customers can receive free text message alerts and updates by texting the word STORM to NGRID (64743). E-mail alerts are available to customers who create an online profile on the company’s website. All alert services can be started and stopped at the customer’s request. National Grid also provides storm and restoration updates through Facebook and Twitter.