Major Nor-Easter is starting to form off the mid-Atlantic. This storm will travel north/northeast while it strengthens and will dump heavy snow with strong winds. Sending Blizzard conditions across eastern New England. In order for it to be consider a blizzard you need the following criteria.
sustained Wind or frequent gusts of 35mph+
visibility less than 1/4 of a mile (white out conditions)
Both for three consecutive hours.
Blizzard conditions are likely any where in eastern new england but the areas that are most likely to see all three of the criteria met are those east of the red line.
Road conditions will be near impossible with snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches an hour with the wind. Highest winds will be in the heavier snow bands and south and east.
on the left is the snowfall map. there is a wide swath of one to two feet. Most in this area will find themselves in the 12 to 18 inch range, some being a bit lower, as it is highly dependent on where the snow bands form. The best shot of seeing up to near 2 feet is in southeast mass. Those in the red will experience 6 to 12 inches, some higher amounts some lower amounts. Lower amounts in the CT river valley and the further northwest you go. Higher amounts in the higher terrain. In the Berkshires like the last storm could see moisture build up and bands forming in a favorable position to give this area more snow than surrounding areas in the terms of 10 to 18 inches of powder.
timing. Rain and snow showers over spread the region this evening from south to north. The heavy stuff starts after midnight for the Merrimack Valley. Snow ends from southwest to northeast Tuesday evening.
Also another note a slight shift to the east or west can make a huge difference, especially in wind and snowfall.
Also, unlike that other major storm that was a rain event for most of us, with the tide issues, this will not be as bad as the tides are lower this time around. Despite this, Very strong wave activity will continue to batter the coastal areas with increased erosion.
There are signs of another nor’easter but one storm at a time. March really has come in like a lion 🙂
Merrimack valley weather 