Sunday, January 25, 2015

Winter Storm Warning


SUBJECT: Potentially Major and Destructive Winter Storm/Blizzard to Impact the State
Situation

Massachusetts will experience a severe and potentially historic storm Monday afternoon through Wednesday morning, complete with snow measured in feet, damaging winds, and serious coastal flooding.  A corridor of heavy, wet snow is expected in southeast MA (east of I-95) where temperatures will near 32 degrees, making for heavy wet snow. Elsewhere, colder temperatures (teens and 20’s) will make for fluffier snow. Snowfall totals are expected to reach over 20 inches across much of the Commonwealth, with pockets of 30+ inches possible.  The Cape and Martha’s Vineyard will see 12+ inches. This storm could come close to rivaling the records for Boston (27.6” for the 2003 President’s Day storm) and Worcester (32.1” for the Dec. 11-12, 1992 storm).

The storm will bring potentially damaging winds. The Cape and Martha’s Vineyard may see wind gusts up to 75 mph, with hurricane force winds over the waters.  Winds will gust from 50-60 mph in the Boston – Providence corridor, and 30-40 mph in central and western MA. Strong winds and blizzard conditions will cause considerable blowing and drifting snow, bring near zero visibility.
 

The heavy snow and strong winds likely will result in downed tree limbs, trees, and utility poles/wires. Widespread power outages, potentially lasting multiple days, are possible with this storm.  Travel may become impossible and life threatening across the state.

Timing

Light snow will impact the late afternoon commute on Monday with 1-2” in Boston/Worcester/Springfield.  A forecasted 12-18” will fall in a 9-hour period from 1AM to 10AM Tuesday, falling at a rate of 2 or more inches per hour.  Thunderstorms will also be occurring in this time window.  Snow, with varying intensities will continue through Tuesday night, likely last until daybreak Wednesday morning, potentially bringing up to an additional 10 inches of snow in areas. 

Potential Impacts

Heavy Snowfall:  Snowfall amounts 2-3ft are possible in Eastern and Central Massachusetts, with more than a foot of snow on the Cape and Martha’s Vineyard.

Damaging Winds: Strong and damaging winds, possibly approaching hurricane force; 75mph on the Cape and Islands, 50-60mph in Boston, and 30-40 mph in central and western MA.

Coastal Flooding: Moderate flooding and significant beach erosion is likely to occur with pockets of major flooding on northeast-facing shorelines.A 3 – 3 ½ foot storm surge and 20 – 25 foot offshore wave activity is expected. The greatest impact will be during the Tuesday morning high tide (4-5 AM), with anticipated flooding of shoreline roads, damage to vulnerable structures and significant beach erosion.  The Tuesday afternoon high tide, while not as high as the morning high tide, is also expected to bring moderate flooding and beach erosion.

Wind Chills: 0 to -5 degrees in western/central MA throughout the storm.

Power Outages: Widespread power outages, potentially lasting multiple days, are possible with this storm.

Stay safe out there.
Remember to thank the people who keep our roads open during these storms.

No comments:

Post a Comment