Snowstorm knocks out power to thousands; cold temperatures will linger into Halloween

Pumpkins covered in snow at Hanson's Farm in Framingham on Friday.David L. Ryan/Globe Staff

Worcester and Grafton got the most snow in Massachusetts Friday from a weather system that pushed temperatures from chilly to flat-out cold and at one point knocked out power to over 12,000 electric customers, but fell considerably as power was restored throughout the night.

According to the National Weather Service, 6.5 inches of snow had fallen in both Grafton and Worcester by 2:54 p.m. and 4:17 p.m., respectively, which is about the time when forecasters said the system would fizzle out.

A pedestrian passed under trees burdened with wet heavy snow on Newbury Street in Boston.Suzanne Kreiter/Globe staff

The first snowfall of the 2020-2021 winter season was blamed for power outages Friday that peaked at around 12,000 shortly after 6 p.m., according to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

At 11:30 p.m., there were 2,242 outages statewide, according to MEMA.

Law enforcement around the state reported the cold weather turned streets and highways slippery.

We are responding to serious crashes all over the state. Weather conditions must be accounted for. Please go slowly and take extra time to reach your destination.

— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) October 30, 2020

A tree came down on Concord Rd. in Wayland obscuring the house behind it, but narrowly missing it. Suzanne Kreiter/Globe staff

State Police reported one person was seriously injured on Route 2 in Lexington around 2 p.m. when they were hit by a vehicle while standing outside their own. The incident, in the eastbound lanes prior to Exit 55, is expected to slow down late afternoon traffic.

Troopers on scene, Rt 2 EB prior to Exit 55, Lexington. Pedestrian was struck by vehicle while outside own vehicle. Collision Reconstruction and Crime Scene Units en route to assist investigation. Victim transported to hospital with serious injuries. Expect traffic delays.

— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) October 30, 2020

Also, around 12:45 p.m., State Police reported a tractor trailer off the roadway and into the woods along Interstate 95 in Canton, impacting the flow of traffic. The driver sustained minor injuries.

UPDATE Center lane open while left lane remains closed for vehicle extrication and guardrail repair. https://t.co/jTHRw8xeob

— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) October 30, 2020

Around 2 p.m., a driver was brought to a local hospital with injuries after another tractor trailer jackknifed on a bridge on Interstate 290 westbound in Worcester, State Police said in a tweet.

Troopers on scene, Rt 290 WB on Quinsigamond bridge for jackknifed tractor trailer. Driver injured, being transported to hospital by Troopers because blocked traffic prevented EMS from reaching victim. Fuel has spilled into lake below. One lane just reopened, all others closed.

— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) October 30, 2020

With wet roads following the snowfall, the weather service cautioned travelers of “patchy” black ice throughout the night as temperatures drop. Drier and cooler weather is expected to continue into Saturday.

“Drier weather expected as high pressure builds in tonight,” the weather service said in a tweet.

Drier weather expected as high pressure builds in tonight. Exercise caution if traveling as patchy black ice is possible due wet roads & plummeting temperatures. The drier & cooler weather continues on Saturday. #mawx #ctwx #riwx pic.twitter.com/OTzegYvfgP

— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) October 30, 2020

Snow is likely to be on the ground Saturday night when Halloween takes place in some communities, while others have decided to skip the tradition this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The below-freezing temperatures that turned rain into the snow will be around on Saturday to be followed by a surge of warmth into the mid-50s on Sunday and even warmer on Thursday, something weather service meteorologists described as a patch of “roller coaster” weather over the next several days.

Temperatures will be getting colder through the day today, beginning a temperature roller coaster over the next week. #MAwx #RIwx #CTwx pic.twitter.com/brhj05RZpx

— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) October 30, 2020

As for Halloween, it’s going to be chilly. “By Saturday night temperatures will still be quite cold, in the upper 20s and 30s,” forecasters said.