Storm Could Drop 18 Inches of Snow on Boston

A major winter storm will move into the Boston area on Friday into Saturday, potenially dumping one to two feet of snow on Boston this weekend.

A National Weather Service snowfall total forecast map released late Wednesday morning shows 14 to 18 inches falling in the Boston area.

"A major winter storm will bring the potential for a foot or more of snow across much of the region Friday into early Saturday," according to the alert.

Light snow will develop on Friday morning, and snowfall will increase to become heavy on Friday afternoon then taper off on Saturday.

"Deep snow accumulations are likely on untreated roads," according to the National Weather Service. "In addition, strong winds may develop to create near blizzard conditions across Eastern Massachusetts Friday night into early Saturday."

Snowfall rates could be 2-3 inches per hour, and wind gusts could reach up to 50 miles per hour, the advisory states.