A slow-moving nor’easter has dropped more than a foot of snow in some parts of Massachusetts, causing major coastal flooding and a slow, messy commute this morning.

Everyone seems surprised by the amount of snow dumped on us, including meteorologist Charlie Foley of the National Weather Service in Taunton. He described this as a “pesky storm.”

“What it’s doing is setting up these heavy snow bands that are rotating in across Eastern Mass., especially Boston and southwest of Boston,” Foley said. “And we expect this to continue until about 3.”

Meanwhile, Gov. Patrick, at a press conference this morning, advised everyone to take it slow on the roads and be patient.

“The afternoon commute, we believe if people take their time about leaving, should be better because the snow will have tapered off if the forecast holds, and on many of the major roads, we’re down to black top or soon will be,” Patrick said.

Patrick said he was satisfied with the response rate of plow drivers, given the conditions.

“I wish Mother Nature would shut off at times that are more convenient for the plow drivers, but I think under the circumstances, folks are doing pretty well,” he said. “And you know, we live in New England, and at this point in the winter, this storm is a nuisance, not an emergency, and we are managing it.”

Patrick also mentioned the cleanup would be costly.

“What the actual financial impact is, I can’t tell you until this is over,” he said.

Flooding at the morning high tide closed some coastal roads north and south of Boston. Scituate Police Chief Brian Stewart reports no major damage or injuries, but north of Boston on Plum Island, an unoccupied home fell into the ocean as a result of the eroding coastline from the astronomically high tide.

As of noon, major utilities in the eastern part of the state are reporting about 7,400 power outages.

The National Weather Service also reports that northern Rhode Island will be the hardest hit part of the state with 8 to 12 inches of snow expected by the time the storm ends. Only 2 to 4 inches of snow are expected in the southern part of the state.

National Grid says only 35 of its customers in Rhode Island are without power.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.