Blizzard warning expanded to Boston, eastern Mass., all of Rhode Island

Update: The storm officially reached blizzard conditions Thursday afternoon in Boston:

As of 4:00 PM – We can add Boston, Marshfield and Hyannis to the list that has reached Blizzard criteria.

— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) February 9, 2017

Original post below

As snow and wind continue to hammer New England, the National Weather Service has expanded its blizzard warning Thursday afternoon to encompass the entire Massachusetts coast and Rhode Island. The warning will remain in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday.

[Update] – Blizzard warnings have been expanded. This includes the cities of Boston and Providence. Avoid travel this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/GLqBP7GrWX

— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) February 9, 2017

Blizzard warnings are triggered by forecasts of sustained or gusting winds of at least 35 mph, in addition to falling snow. According to the NWS, that combination can result in dramatically reduced visibility.

The agency advised local residents to avoid travel.

Heading out? Dangerous travel into the afternoon hours. for much of southern New England. Visibilities are below 1/4 mile for many spots. pic.twitter.com/GTAD9i0vtL

— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) February 9, 2017

In an updated forecast early Thursday afternoon, the NWS estimated accumulations of 12-18 inches of snow in eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, along with wind gusts up to 45 mph. According to the agency, the snow is expected to fall heavily through the afternoon before tapering off to snow showers in the evening.

In eastern Massachusetts, the snow may fall at a rate of two to three inches per hour Thursday afternoon, officials said. The agency also said the strong winds may result in power outages in parts of Rhode Island and the Cape.