The powerful winter storm that belted the Midwest and mid-Atlantic states has been hammering New England Friday.

The late winter storm is dumping waves of snow as it packs strong winds and flooding along coastal areas.

Snow and accidents were making the morning commute in Connecticut difficult for a second-straight day.

Schools across the region remaining closed, and thousands of homes and businesses remained without power.

Central Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island could see anywhere from 8 to 12 inches of snow.

Six inches are expected in Connecticut.