A blizzard is headed for the Tri-Town, and the area is set to receive 17 to 22 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service’s forecast at 11:30 a.m. Friday. 

The storm is forecasted to begin late Friday night and last through midnight on Saturday. According to the NWS’s blizzard warning, travel could be extremely difficult to impossible. Snow could fall as quickly as two to four inches per hour at times, with near white-out conditions possible and considerable drifting and blowing snow. 

The National Weather Service warns that no one should be on the road except in an emergency. Those who must travel should bring a winter survival kit and, if stranded, stay in the vehicle.

Winds could gust as high as 60 miles per hour, which could cause tree damage. 

Eversource warned that the high winds could bring down trees and limbs onto lines and equipment, causing power outages. As the storm approaches, Eversource crews are being strategically placed to be ready to respond quickly and safely. 

People should always stay clear of downed wires, Eversource warned, and report them immediately by calling 911. To report an outage, go to eversource.com or call 800-592-2000. Those who signed up for the company’s two-way texting feature can send a text to report an outage and get outage updates.

Ahead of the storm, Eversource offered some preparedness tips: Assemble or restock a storm kit including essentials like flashlights, water, batteries, no-perishable foods, pet food, medications and other essentials. The company also recommends making sure all cell phones and other devices are charged, and suggests checking in with elderly neighbors and friends. 

The Mattapoisett Fire Department reminded residents to make sure their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were in working order ahead of the storm. 

In Rochester, the Council on Aging at 67 Dexter Lane will open as an emergency shelter at 8 a.m. on Saturday. 

The Marion Transfer station will be closed on Saturday.

While Marion officials do not currently plan to open an emergency warming shelter, the town shared some safety tips ahead of the storm. The town advises people to keep their car’s gas tank full, and be ready with an emergency kit to include medications, medical supplies, water, non-perishable foods, batteries, and other necessities.

Prepare for possible power outages, and be sure to have ample heating fuel. Never run a generator in an enclosed space.

Be sure carbon monoxide detectors are working correctly. 

Stay indoors, and wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. Bring animals inside, and check on neighbors and friends. 

If it is necessary to go out, bring a fully-charged cellphone, car charger and an emergency kit including extra layers of clothing and non-perishable food. If you get stuck in the snow, stay in the car. After the storm, keep an eye out for black ice on the roads. 

The Marion Fire Department urged residents to prepare early for the storm, and keep hydrants clear of snow. To make sure a hydrant is accessible to firefighters in case of an emergency, remove snow and ice to create enough room for firefighters to work — about a three-foot circle around the hydrant. Make sure there is a path to the hydrant from the street. 

In Mattapoisett, officials are asking residents to stay home and use off-street parking. Town-owned facilities can be used for parking during the storm, but the town asks that those vehicles be removed by 9 a.m. on Sunday. Available town lots for parking include Town Hall, the Library, Center School. the COA Parking Lot, and Railroad Ave. The library will be closed on Saturday.