This Accuweather map shows the potential wind speeds forecast for central and northern New England as part of the winter storm. Parts of southern and coastal New Hampshire fall into the "very windy" zone.

NASHUA – Motivated by weather forecasters promising the arrival Monday afternoon of a robust, windy nor’easter capable of dumping a foot or more of snow, Greater Nashuans raced to supermarkets, household supply stores and gas stations Sunday afternoon in the name of preparedness.

While meteorologists are studying models and reams of scientific data to come up with the most accurate predictions of wind speed, temperatures and of course total snowfall, all were in agreement by midday Sunday that New Englanders can expect at least 8-10 inches of snow, with upwards of 12 inches probable in many spots, all propelled by 30-40 mph wind gusts when the storm ramps up tonight and into much of Tuesday.

Named “Orlena” by The Weather Channel – which has faced criticism for years for naming winter storms but has nevertheless continued to do so – the powerful storm is due in Greater Nashua around early to mid-afternoon today.

All locales are expected to have winter storm warnings and snow emergencies in effect by the time Orlena, TWC’s 15th named winter storm of 2020-21, begins signalling its arrival.

City and town officials across the state urge residents to keep apprised of travel conditions, to prepare for possible power outages, and check municipal Websites for developments such as parking bans and, in the case of Nashua, a snow emergency, which prohibits parking on all streets and in city-owned surface lots.

A forecast map provided by AccuWeather shows meteorologists' predictions of total snowfall from the powerful winter storm expected to arrive in central New England this afternoon and last into Tuesday. Much of southern New Hampshire, according to this map, falls in a zone where as much as 12-18 inches of snow is possible.

The downtown parking garages are typically open, at no charge, while a snow emergency is in effect.

Milford, at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, issued a winter storm warning through 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Meanwhile, in a Sunday evening bulletin, representatives of New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the state’s Department of Transportation said the National Weather Service had issued winter storm warnings beginning this afternoon.

“This storm will significantly impact travel across the entire state,” the officials said, adding that residents and visitors should be prepared.

A winter storm warning goes into effect at 3 p.m. today for Hillsborough, Rockingham, Cheshire, Merrimack, Belknap, Sullivan and Strafford counties.

Staff file photo by DEAN SHALHOUP One of just two pedestrians braving the elements on Kinsley Street walks his dog at the height of a blizzard that struck Nashua in 2015. Similar scenes are expected to take shape later today and into Tuesday. (Staff file photo by DEAN SHALHOUP)

Heavy snow is expected to fall at the rate of 1-2 inches per hour tonight, accompanied by wind gusts as high as 35 mph.

“Travel will be very difficult due to low visibility and snow covered roads. Blowing and drifting snow in the central and southern portion of the state may cause whiteout conditions that will make travel nearly impossible,” Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Jennifer Harper said.

“Based on anticipated heavy snowfall during commuter hours, we are recommending essential travel only,” state Department of Transportation Commissioner Victoria Sheehan said.

“As with every snowstorm, be prepared,” Harper said. “Take time to prepare your family. Being prepared means knowing what to do and having the things you need to stay safe.”

More about emergency preparedness can be found at ReadyNH.gov.

In the bigger picture, Orlena’s heavy snow threat includes the Eastern seaboard from Washington D.C. north, and the entire Northeast to as far west as Pittsburgh, according to www.weather.com.

The timing of Orlena’s arrival in central and western Pennsylvania will provide a “White Groundhog Day” in Punxsutawney, the tiny hamlet about 80 miles east of Pittsburgh where Groundhog Day is celebrated each Feb. 2 with the appearance of the famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.