The first nor’easter of the season could turn into a ‘bomb cyclone’ in New England



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There are also strong wind warnings for coastal areas of Massachusetts, where wind gusts could reach 50 mph.

“As the system intensifies rapidly, it will also bring windy conditions, especially along the mid-Atlantic coast in Maine,” CNN meteorologist Taylor Ward said. “Expect gusts of 30 to 40 mph on Saturday, with gusts possibly even exceeding 50 mph in areas like Cape Cod.”

These strong winds will also wreak havoc at sea.

Gale warnings are in effect along the coast of the Carolinas in Maine. Reduced visibility, accompanied by strong winds, is expected to cause dangerous seas, which could capsize or damage vessels.

This storm could intensify quickly enough to become a “bomb cyclone,” a phenomenon characterized by a pressure drop of at least 24 millibars in 24 hours and increased precipitation and winds.

The heaviest rains will fall along the east coast, particularly from Richmond, Va. To Boston, where total precipitation of 2 to 4 inches is expected.

The heaviest snow will likely fall between Worcester, Massachusetts and Caribou, Maine, where it is expected to be between 8 and 12 inches. More than a foot of snow is possible for remote locations, especially in Maine.

Travel is not advised

There is an increasing likelihood of heavy and wet snow in the area beginning on Saturday and continuing early Sunday morning.

“It is not advisable to travel in the late afternoon (Saturday) as there is a risk of heavy snowfall leading to dangerous conditions,” the National Weather Service said. office in Portland, Maine.

Blowing snow could also be a problem, due to gusty winds, which will reduce visibility to very low levels.

While most of this snow will be spread over a 24 hour period, some thick snow bands will produce several inches in just a few hours.

The type of snow that falls also matters.

“Heavy, wet snow can lead to power outages due to downed trees / wires”, said the office from the Boston National Weather Service.

The greatest risk of power outages probably exists in central Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire and Maine, where the snow will be heaviest and fall at the highest rates.

It is important to note that while snow is not forecast for some areas, residents should keep an eye on Saturday night temperatures. New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut all expect sub-zero temperatures on Saturday night and Sunday morning, which means rain left on the roads will likely freeze, making driving conditions very dangerous. .

CNN meteorologist Taylor Ward contributed to this story.



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