UPDATED: 5:39 a.m.

The storm has been a tough one for meteorologists to forecast with worst case scenarios — for greater Boston, at least — proving elusive.

One to three inches is expected in the metro area.

The one thing forecasts seem to agree on is that southeastern Mass., and maybe the Cape and Islands, will receive the worst of perhaps 5 to 8 inches of wet heavy snow.

Still, in preparation for what might — or might not — come, Boston and neighboring communities closed schools and buttoned down for what everyone hopes will be the last snow of the season.

The MBTA announced that it will be providing regular service on all lines while reserving the option of switch to snow mode if the storm does another about face and manages to achieve more serious critical mass.

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The second day of spring dawned with the region preparing for the fourth nor’easter in less than month.

Some are calling it the “four’easter.”

The fear is that already weakened trees will be felled by heavy, wet snow, causing more widespread blackouts to already hard hit communities on Cape Cod and in southeastern Mass.

Power companies are already mustering extra work crews.

Airline cancellations began Tuesday in anticipation of the storm, which is expected to arrive after the morning commute with light and gentle snow. Heavy snow is predicted to begin in the evening and continue overnight.

According to the National Weather Service, greater Boston could receive up to 8 inches of snow. Eastern and southern New England is subject to a winter storm warning. Western Mass. and Springfield could receive up to 4 inches. Coastal Maine and New Hampshire are looking at as much as 5 inches.