Light snow slows commute

(Mark Wilson/Globe Staff)

On M Street beach in South Boston, Perry DiNatale trudged past a snowman.

By Globe Staff

A light snowfall has largely given way to flurries as drivers embark on what will likely be a sluggish evening commute. Most major roadways have been well treated and are clear of snow, but slush has still gummed up traffic.

"It's pretty slow," said Jeff Larson, general manager of the Smart Route Systems, which monitors local traffic. "We are not dealing with huge amounts of accumulation, but it's messy."

About 3 inches of snow fell in Boston. Snow totals topped out at 6 to 8 inches north and west of the city in western Essex County, the Merrimack Valley, and southern New Hampshire. Parts of northern New England were forecast to get up to 2 feet of snow. In Boston, however, the snow was more akin to heavy flurries than serious squalls.

There were spinouts and other weather-related accidents throughout the day, but no major crashes or injuries have been reported, according to Trooper Eric Benson. State Police urged drivers to use caution.

"We recommend that motorists keep their speeds down and avoid following too closely because there may still be slick spots on the roadway," Benson said.

The snow pushes the total this December up to 21 inches, an amount almost three times the monthly average of 7.8 inches. Last winter, Boston only had 17 inches of snow the entire season.

Temperatures are expected to dip into the 20s overnight, refreezing the lingering snow pack that finally started to melt.

On Friday and Saturday temperatures should hover around freezing. Sunday is expected to be a rainy, warm day with highs in the 50s. Temperatures are expected to cool off for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but no snow is expected.

"Unless you count that dirty stuff that's still on the ground," Foley said. "Kind of blah."

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