A winter storm watch is in effect for the area from 6 p.m. Tuesday to 11 p.m. Wednesday.

A dangerous storm threatens heavy accumulations of wind driven sleet and snow which may cause widespread power outages and make travel very difficult at times.

A pair of back to back noreaster`s Tuesday and Wednesday mornings will merge into a single intense storm off the mid Atlantic coast by Wednesday afternoon and then head for Nantucket Island early Thursday. Travel plans will be substantially altered by Wednesday.

Consideration should be given to no unnecessary travel Wednesday afternoon and evening when the heaviest snow with 1 to 3 inch per hour accumulation rates should occur.

Heavy mixed precipitation possible, mainly as snow though some sleet and light freezing rain is possible Tuesday night. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 8 inches, with localized amounts up to 12 inches, and ice accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch are possible.

Plan on difficult travel conditions, including during the evening commute on Wednesday. Significant reductions in visibility are possible. Roads in the hilly areas may become impassable if 1 to 3 inch per hour snowfall rates develop as expected Wednesday afternoon. Power outages are possible. Northeast to north winds should gust 20 to 30 mph at times.