The region is looking at what could be a “benchmark, standstill” March blizzard of up to 2 feet of snow tomorrow, says The Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore — who plans to be here for the headline climatological event.

“I think it’s going to come in like a hammer. I’d be shocked if we didn’t verify this a blizzard,” Cantore said, en route to Boston yesterday to deliver his live reports from here — the heart of Winter Storm Stella.

“This is going to be one of those storms that’s going to be very close to what we call a benchmark. I call it a standstill storm — everything’s going to be at a standstill for hours, including airports, traffic,” Cantore said.

Despite the lateness of the season and spring virtually one week away, Cantore said it’s “highly unlikely” Bay Staters will escape the nor’easter once it hits during tomorrow’s morning commute.

The National Weather Service in Taunton has posted a winter storm warning for 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow, with a blizzard watch lasting into the night. Snowfall totals in the greater Boston area will generally be in the range of 12 to 18 inches, but the NWS says there could be isolated amounts of up to 2 feet in northeastern Massachusetts. Wind gusts of up to 55 mph could result in power outages and tree damage, especially along the coast.

The dire forecast has prompted the 300-foot Mexican tall ship ARM ­Cuauhtemoc to scurry for Boston Harbor this afternoon. It has not been expected in port until Wednesday.

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at tomorrow morning’s launch of the Boston College-Ireland Business Council at the Boston College Club. As of last night, BC spokesman Ed Hayward said the event was going forward.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is hoping for a fast-moving “in-and-out” strike, spokesman Christopher Besse said.

“Our thing is don’t be worried, just be prepared,” Besse said. “It’s certainly a strong storm and it’s a little unusual for this time of year, but it’s not unlike what we’ve seen in the past year or two.”

State Department of Transportation spokesman Patrick Marvin said “personnel are closely monitoring the weather forecast and our snow and ice crews will treat roadways and respond in the appropriate manner.”

William Pitman, spokesman for Gov. Charlie Baker, said the administration continues “to monitor the impending forecasts with public safety and transit officials to ensure proper planning and precautions are taken.”

Town Line Hardware in Sudbury was stocking roof rakes all summer “just because,” said employee Crystal Arena, proving the store stays well-stocked for winter, no matter the month.

“People either procrastinate or they go overboard,” she said. “When panic-mode hits, it’s good that we have what everybody needs.”