First Western Massachusetts winter storm of 2014: Friday morning update

Potentially record-setting cold is moving into the region Friday.

With potentially record-setting low temperatures settling into the region, here's a Friday morning roundup of information about the first winter storm to hit Western Massachusetts in 2014:

The Forecast
CBS3 Springfield's Nick Morganelli writes:

We turn our attention to the dangerous, bitter-cold air that has moved in for about 30 hours. Saturday morning, some communities in western MA may reach between 15 and 20 below zero! Keep the pets indoors, and check on neighbors and seniors. Children should not be playing outdoors today through Saturday morning.

Here are a few regional low-temperature records for Jan. 3 from the National Weather Service:

• Boston: -1 (1904)
• Hartford: -3 (2001 & 2008)
• Providence: 1 (1981)
• Worcester: -3(1904)

So far the highest snowfall totals in Western Massachusetts seem to be around seven inches. How much did you get? We're building a list of totals here »

Closings / Cancellations

• Most area school districts are closed today. View a list here »
• Several area colleges are closed today, including: American International College, Asnuntuck Community College, Baypath College, Elms College, Greenfield Community College, Holyoke Community College, Mount Holyoke College, Springfield Technical Community College, UMass-Amherst, and Westfield State University. Amherst College is opening at 10 a.m.
• All Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles branches are closed today
• Courthouses for the Massachusetts Trial Court system are closed today (they were originally scheduled to open at noon).

CBS3 Springfield, media partner of The Republican and MassLive, has a comprehensive list of closed schools and businesses here »

Interstates 91, 291, 391 and the Massachusetts Turnpike
A reduced speed limit of 40 miles per hour is still in effect for the entire length of the Massachusetts Turnpike Friday morning. No tandem trailers or propane tankers.

State police report the going is slow on the region's major highways, but few crashes have been reported.

Air and Other Travel
Bradley reports via Twitter (@Bradley_Airport) that there are numerous flight cancellations Friday and some delays. Those seeking the status of their flights should check with their carriers. Flights will begin to resume later Friday morning and some flights will be delayed through the afternoon.

Peter Pan Bus Lines has canceled a number of routes, including service between Springfield and Boston. Click here for a full list »