WPRO Newsroom

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Blizzard Watch for eastern Massachusetts and all of Rhode Island late Wednesday, overriding the Winter Storm Watch issued earlier in the day.

"The thing we're watching very closely is the timing of this event," said General Kevin McBride, head of the Rhdoe Island National Guard Wednesday. "We want to make sure that if there's any recommendations as the snow storm approaches that we get that message out so that school systems or communities start looking at that ahead of time."

The NWS says there is a "potential historic winter storm and blizzard" on the way, which is expected to drop up to two feet of snow across the region on Friday and early Saturday.

The Blizzard Watch will go into affect Friday morning and end Saturday afternoon.

Snowfall is anticipated to come at a rate of 2 to 3 inches per hour, making travel "nearly impossible with blowing and drifting snow."

"It's the same as we're used to," said Governor Chafee Wednesday. "Just listen to the news and pay attention to the advisories... I do have confidence in Rhode Islanders who've been through this many times. "

General McBride said the region is well-prepared for severe winter weather condiditions like those expected to arrive Friday.

"Well, we live in New England, we live in Rhode Island, snow storms are part of our day to day business in the winter," he said. "You know, be prepared make sure you're stocked up on fuel, food at home; I'm sure there will be a run on milk and bread as there were 35 years ago this week. But in any event, I think [people] should be prepared."

For detailed forecasts and up-to-the-minute closings and information, visit our Operation Snowball page