Storm bringing winter's final blow to New England

BOSTON (AP) -- A day before spring officially arrives, winter is giving New England a final, sloppy blow.

Forecasters are predicting snow around the region late Monday through Tuesday.

Up to 9 to 17 inches are predicted in north central Massachusetts and into northern Vermont. Lesser amounts are predicted along the coasts. Five to 11 inches are forecast in Portland, Maine, and 3 to 7 in Boston. A snow and sleet mix of 2 to 4 inches is predicted in Providence, R.I.

The snow is hitting about 10 days after a storm predicted to drop just a couple inches dumped over a foot in some areas and caused serious coastal flooding in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts officials already are anticipating school closings Tuesday and have postponed a scheduled statewide standardized test.