The morning commute was impacted Wednesday as a winter storm moved across New England.
While parts of southern Massachusetts were only expected to see a few inches of snow, areas in the central and western part of the state could see up to 9 inches of snow by the time the storm ends. The higher amounts will also expected to extend northward into New Hampshire, Vermont and parts of Maine.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation began treating roads when the snow started overnight and urged drivers to allow extra time if they were planning on traveling. More than 1,700 pieces of snow equipment were deployed on state roads.
As a precaution, MassDOT officials reduced the speed limit on the Massachusetts Turnpike to 40 mph from the New York border to the Springfield interchange.
Worcester Public Works Department Commissioner Paul Moosey said crews tackled the main roads and several side streets before the snow even started.
"The salt, for the most part, kept up with the rate of snowfall, then about 6:30 this morning we moved into plowing," Moosey said.
The light snow stuck to roadways in some spots but some commuters who were out early said conditions weren't that bad due to the DPW crews.
"Worcester does pretty good, so they kind of keep up with it, they listen to the weather reports and stuff so they do very well here," said Fred Boisseau of Worcester.
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The timing of the storm led to school cancelations throughout New England and by mid-morning, made for a messy commute.
"It’s starting to get bad," said Tony Dean of Worcester. "This street’s been fine, but some of the hills are starting to get slippery."
Further north in Lawrence, road conditions were so slippery that one car got stuck in a snowbank.
NBC Boston witnessed about a half a dozen people trying to help the driver —first by shoveling then trying to push the car out. After having no luck, a good Samaritan volunteered his truck and hooked some straps up to the car to pull it free.
"I just drove by and saw he got stuck," said good Samaritan Henry Pires. "I thought about it and I turned back to give him a hand. The weather doesn't cooperate. At least you should help each other in need."
Dozens of schools around New England closed due to the storm. Click here for the full list.
In Worcester, 8-year-old Gavin Williams enjoyed four inches of snowfall with his dad.
The snow day meant fun for families but work for DPW crews. The timing of the snow played a large role in the decision to close schools ahead of the snow storm.
With no school, what better activity than to go sledding?
Kids say sledding is a great way to spend a day like Wednesday, and the other bonus for them is no homework.
But this was just a one-day vacation as they'll head back to school Thursday.
