Remember when it was near 60 degrees on Christmas? Even at the beginning of this month, I think many of us were wondering if we would see a crazy winter storm this season. OH. Here it is… Did you get your milk, eggs and bread?
Last night I showed the 6 “Top Snowstorms” graphic on-air, and I mentioned that if we’re breaking out that graphic – we must mean business with this next storm. It could challenge some of those numbers with more than 2 feet of snow not out of the question. It might be a good time to try out my new catchphrase: “I’ve never seen anything like it!” But really… I haven’t… yet.
Here’s what we’re in for:
– Snow: Generally speaking, between 16-24″ of snow (Boston included). We’ll see the snow showers turn on Monday evening (4-7pm), but really pick up the pace late Monday night. The heaviest snow is expected between 1:00am – 1:00pm Tuesday. However, heavy bands bringing in bursts of snow could still work in through the afternoon and evening on Tuesday, as we don’t see the snow move out until Wednesday morning. It’s not out of the question for some areas to hit the jackpot with 24-30″ of snow.
– Wind: Winds will pick up Monday afternoon, blasting in out of the NE. Coastal areas can expect gusts between 35-45mph as early as 3-4pm Monday. The strongest winds will be between 10:00pm Monday through 7:00am Wednesday. Gusts will be strongest along the Cape and islands, ranging between 60-70mph plus (I say “plus” here, because some isolated areas could see hurricane-force winds, between 75-85mph. This actually happened during the blizzard in 2013, when a gust of 84mph was recorded at Cuttyhunk, MA).
– Coastal Flooding: Moderate to pockets of major coastal flooding are likely. All coastal areas are under a Coastal Flood Warning from 3am-7am Tuesday. High tide will be around 4:30am, and at 5:00pm Tuesday. Keep in mind that those time are when the tide peaks but the concern is very present 2 hours before and after the peak time.
WEATHER WARNINGS:
Blizzard Warning: 7:00pm Monday through 1:00am Wednesday. This covers E and SE Mass (Including the Cape and Martha’s Vineyard), stretching as far west as Worcester. Heavy snow is expected, thundersnow is possible, whiteout conditions and very dangerous travel.
Winter Storm Warning: 7:00pm Monday through 1:00am Wednesday. This covers western, and parts of central Mass. (including Fitchburg). The concern here is very similar to the Blizzard Warning, however, the winds are not expected to be as gusty inland. Heavy snow is still probable here, to the tune of 18-24″.
High Wind Warning: 7:00pm Monday through 1:00am Wednesday. This covers Nantucket, only. This is to cover Nantucket for the strong, gusty winds (possibly hurricane-force) – but the snow totals on Nantucket will be less, and wetter snow is expected (6-10″).
Coastal Flood Warning: 3:00am-7:00am Tuesday. This covers all coastal areas, including Cape Cod and the islands. High tide will be around 4:30am, and at 5:00pm Tuesday. Moderate coastal flooding is expected, with pockets of major flooding very possible.
