BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is ordering non-emergency state employees to work from home on Friday because of the approaching snowstorm and urging private employers to do the same.

Patrick said Thursday he encourages all schools to close Friday and non-emergency vehicles to stay off the road after noon.

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He said the MBTA and commuter rail will shut down at 3:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for eastern areas of Massachusetts including Cape Cod and the islands.

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The snow is currently forecast to begin falling on Friday morning, picking up in intensity during the afternoon with the heaviest Friday night into early Saturday. Winds up to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph combined with heavy snowfall are expected to make travel dangerous.

WBZ-TV’s Lauren Leamanczyk reports

Widespread 2-foot snow accumulations are expected, with more than 2 feet possible in the greater Boston area, and areas west and south.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.