As of 3:34 a.m. today, the National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Watch for Dedham and the rest of Norfolk and Essex counties effective from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon. 

According to NWS, much of eastern Massachusetts will be impacted by heavy snow with accumulation of 12 to 24 inches with the potential for blizzard conditions.

Light snow is expected to begin by Friday morning and increase in intensity throughout the day with the heaviest snowfall occurring Friday night into Saturday morning. Snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour are possible during that time.

Residents should be aware that travel will be dangerous and may become nearly impossible due to blowing and drifting snow, 25 to 35 mph winds with gusts up to 55 mph and poor visibility. NWS urges residents to be prepared to alter travel plans.

Stay with Dedham Patch for more winter weather updates at they become available.