Good morning!
Today we begin with widespread ice after cold air damming lasting longer meant freezing rain instead of rain. Be careful out there on the roads. Many schools, mine included, had delayed openinss this morning. Temperatures will warm this morning, and eventually reach the upper 40s to mid 50s. Winds will be west at up to 10 mph, with gusts of 25-35 mph possible.
Now to the big story – we finally have our first widespread significant snowfall of 2016-17!
Precipitation Types
Snow.
Timing
Snow begins just before and into the early stages of tomorrow morning’s commute. Snow becomes heavy by mid- to late-morning, and continues as such through the afternoon hours and into the evening commute before tapering off in the late evening, with an overnight exit.
Impacts
Both commutes will be impacted significantly, as well as the time in between. Slick and snow covered roads are likely, making driving hazardous – especially on untreated roads. Travel will be very poor throughout the day. Schools are likely to close for the day.
Amounts
Uncertainty
This is a relatively high confidence forecast. The exact location of the western extent of heavy snow is still up in the air, though. This could shift a little bit west or east, but is still highly unlikely to change the situation of a widespread heavy snow, especially as it concerns CT/RI/eastern and central MA/southeastern NH. This will lead to a bit higher uncertainty for western and northern New England including southwest and northern/central NH, Vermont, northwest MA, etc.
Also, within the 8-12″ zone, localized amounts to 14″ are possible if even heavier snow bands set up. However, it is not currently clear where exactly these heavier bands will fall, except that it is most likely to occur in eastern Massachusetts.
Other Storm Hazards
Winds will be an issue in coastal Massachusetts – with wind gusts in the 30s (40s in southeast MA) causing visibility issues as well as some blowing snow. Further inland, interior eastern MA may see this to a lesser extent.
Have a great day!
-Nathan
