Winter has roared back as a storm clobbers the South Coast just a week after many had on shorts and T-shirts to enjoy record highs.

Schools are closed for the day and evening activities are postponed. Tuesday’s Selectmen meeting has also been canceled.

Public safety officials spent much of Monday preparing for the weather.

According to Onset Fire Chief Ray Goodwin, firefighters tested equipment and ran through their usual pre-storm check list.

“We topped off the fuel tanks, made sure generators are all working and briefed all personnel on the situation,” said Goodwin.

The National Weather Service forecast calls for blizzard-like conditions, extremely poor visibility at times and the possibility of coastal flooding. A winter storm warning is in effect from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday. The high wind warning is in effect from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday. Travel is expected to be dangerous, due to poor visibility and snow-covered roads. Visibility may be less than a quarter of a mile at times.

Strong winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour, with gusts up to 50 miles per hour, may cause scattered power outages throughout the area. The high winds may also cause possible downed trees or branches.