BOSTON - The WBZ Weather Team is urging residents of southern New England to prepare for an approaching snowstorm, set to be the most impactful in several years. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for all areas north and west of Boston on Saturday night through Sunday.

According to the latest forecast, the snowstorm is expected to bring widespread and plowable snow starting Sunday morning. The heaviest snowfall rates, reaching or exceeding 1 inch per hour, are predicted in some areas during the storm's peak.

Residents farther inland can expect lighter and fluffier snow, while those closer to the coastline may experience heavier, wetter snow that could even mix with rain at times. Concerns arise regarding potential scattered power outages due to the pasty snow and gusty winds in coastal regions.

Cape Cod and the Islands are anticipated to have mostly rain until late in the storm on Sunday, when the winds shift towards the north. It is expected to snow throughout the day, with the intensity gradually lessening in the afternoon. The accumulation of snow is projected to end from west to east in the evening, between 6-8 p.m. in eastern Massachusetts, and slightly earlier in central and western parts of the state.

The current snowfall estimates range from 6-12 inches for areas just inland from the coastline and west of I-95. The WBZ Weather Team warns that any slight changes in the storm's track in the next 48 hours may result in adjustments to the snowfall map, possibly adding an area of more than 12 inches due to heavy banding.

While the winds are not expected to be a significant factor away from the coastline, northeastern gusts could reach 35-45 mph at the shoreline and 45-55 mph over Cape Cod and the Islands. These winds, although not as strong as recent events, could still lead to power outages in areas with heavy and wet snow.

Fortunately, astronomically low tides over the weekend lessen the threat of significant coastal flooding. The Sunday morning and evening tide cycles are the times to monitor, particularly for east-northeast facing beaches in the morning and north-northeast facing beaches in the evening.

To stay informed throughout the event, WBZ Weather Team encourages residents to rely on WBZ-TV, WBZ.com, and CBS News Boston for comprehensive coverage. Stay safe and prepared as the snowstorm approaches.