Winter has just started and the first Nor’easter may be on its way

by



[ad_1]

The second big storm in a week can bring heavy rain and high winds from Washington to Portland, Maine, and some rain could turn into a bit of snow. The rapidly escalating nor’easter prompted four northeastern states – Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine – to issue winter storm watches.

“Much of New England could be under fire with their first major nor’easter this season,” CNN meteorologist Dave Hennen said, citing an agreement between the US and European forecast models.

But at the start of winter – before things really get colder – it brings its own element of complexity. (Meteorological winter runs from December to February, while the winter solstice on December 21 kicks off the astronomical season.)

“The waters directly off the East Coast are still relatively warm at the start of the season,” CNN meteorologist Derek Van Dam said. “This will allow the storm to intensify as it remains in close proximity to the shore.

“This will likely keep the major cities on the East Coast from raining during this event, particularly along the I-95 corridor. However, you won’t have to travel much inland to see a transition to the wet snow as altitude and colder temperatures take over. “

These transitional season storms, when the water is warm but temperatures are cool, can be difficult to predict, especially when it comes to how much precipitation will fall as rain or snow.

Wind will also be one of the most widespread impacts of this storm.

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

These high winds will also wreak havoc at sea. Wind watches and warnings are in effect this weekend along the coast from South Carolina to Maine. The reduced visibility and strong winds are expected to cause dangerous seas that could capsize or damage vessels.

Rain and snow essential

Some states are eagerly awaiting additional rainfall to help reduce their rainfall deficits. More than 20% of the northeast is experiencing moderate drought conditions, up from 33% last week.

“Much of the rain and snow will be welcome in the northeast, where they have experienced severe drought conditions,” Hennen says. “This will be the second big storm in the past two weeks to help reduce this deficit significantly.”

For parts of southern Maine and southeastern New Hampshire, where severe and even extreme drought levels exist, more rain would be welcome.

The heaviest rainfall will be mostly concentrated along the east coast, particularly from Richmond, Va., To Boston, where widespread total precipitation of 2 to 4 inches is expected.

The heaviest snow so far appears to be coming from Springfield, Mass. To Caribou, Maine, where 6-8 inches is forecast. Up to 1 foot of snow is possible in isolated locations, especially at higher elevations.

Each office of the Northeast National Weather Service warns that any change in the location of the low pressure system will change the amount of snow compared to the rain that can accumulate.

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

The type of snow that falls also matters.

“It will be heavy, wet snow, which could lead to tree damage and power outages,” the NWS office in Portland, Maine said.

Killington, Sugarloaf and Stowe ski resorts are already open and would love some fresh powder. Check resort websites for advice on Covid-19 and associated reservation policies.

[ad_2]

Source link