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Historic Winter Storm/Blizzard February 8-9, 2013 Updated Headlines: 4 PM Thursday, February 7 th , 2013 National Weather Service Boston, MA
Historic Winter Storm/BlizzardFebruary 8-9, 2013
Updated Headlines:4 PM Thursday, February 7th, 2013
National Weather ServiceBoston, MA
Late Afternoon Update
National Weather ServiceBoston, MA
I. Blizzard Watches were upgraded to Blizzard Warnings across all of Northeast CT, South Central/Eastern MA and Rhode Island. The exception is Nantucket where a Winter Storm Warning and High Wind Warning are in affect.
II. Winter Storm Watches have been upgraded to Winter Storm Warnings across southern NH/western and north central MA
III. Coastal Flood Watches have been upgraded to Coastal Flood warnings along Eastern MA coast.
IV. Widespread Snowfall forecast of 1 to 2 feet continues. Locally higher amounts possible especially near the I-95 corridor.
Overview
National Weather ServiceBoston, MA
• High confidence forecast across most of the region• A bit more uncertainty on Snow Accumulations for
Cape/IslandsPotential Impacts:
1 to 2 feet of snow, locally higher amounts
Numerous power outages/wind damage
far southeast sections Coastal Flooding Potential for stranded
vehicles Up to 5 foot snow
drifts with near white- out conditions
Timing o Spotty light snow develops early Friday morning
o No more than a dusting of snow expected for the Friday morning rush hour
o Snow becomes widespread during Friday afternoon
o Heavy snow overspreads the region from south to north between 2 and 5 pm. Evening rush hour becomes treacherous, with 1 to 2 inch per hour snow developing.
o Heavy snow along with blizzard conditions Fri night/Sat morning. Travel not recommended with whiteout conditions possible. 2 to 3 inch per hour snowfall rates.
o Potential for 5 foot Drifts and Whiteout Conditions
Snowfall
High confidence in 1 to 2 feet of snow across much of southern New England, withLocally higher amounts in BOS-PVD corridor
Still some uncertainty as to how much snow will fall on the Cape and Islands with a wintry mix or a changeover to rain possible.
National Weather ServiceBoston, MA
Latest Snowfall Forecast
SnowfallHighest probabilities = High Confidence Forecast
National Weather ServiceBoston, MA
Experimental Snowfall Probability Forecasts
8” or Greater 12” or Greater
WindStrongest winds late Friday night into Sat afternoon
Significant damage is possible with gusts up to and in excess of hurricane force (74mph) across Cape and Islands. Downed trees and widespread power outages are likely along the far southeast new England Coast.
Blizzard Watches account for high wind threat
Sustained winds early Saturday morning
Wind Gust potential Saturday Morning
Marine ImpactDangerous and Life Threatening storm for mariners!
Storm Force and Hurricane Wind Warnings are in affect for all waters.
Strongest winds from Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket and points east.
Wind gusts of 55 to 65 kts. Up to Hurricane Force!
Seas between 30 and 35 feet across the Eastern Outer-Waters.
Timing: The worst conditions with highest seas and strongest winds occur late Friday night into Saturday afternoon.
Conditions will gradually improve Saturday night and Sunday, but galeForce wind gusts still expected.
National Weather ServiceBoston, MA
Coastal FloodingHigh Tides of concern east coastal MA:
– Late evening Friday (9:30 to 10 pm)– Mid-morning Saturday (10 to 10:30 am)
Minor to Moderate impact Friday evening: - Surge 2 to 3 feet - Seas just offshore 15 to 20 feetSaturday mid morning high tide - Boston northward: Moderate - Surge around 2 feet - Seas just offshore around 25 feet - South of Boston: Moderate to Major - Surge 2 to 3 feet (possibly 4 feet north side of Cape) - Seas just offshore around 30 feetPockets of minor flooding possible along the south coast (confidence not as high)
National Weather ServiceBoston, MA
SummaryPotential for an Historic Winter Storm and Blizzard
Summary: – Heavy Snow and blizzard conditions late Friday into Saturday
morning. May linger into the afternoon along the coast, especially Cape/Islands.
– Snow should finally end by early Sat evening across Cape/Islands– Travel may become nearly impossible with blowing/drifting
snow and near 0 Visibilities.– Moderate to perhaps a few pockets of major coastal flooding
Friday night/Sat AM High Tide Cycle– Winds to Hurricane Force across far Southeast New England
coast resulting in structural damage– Concern for Stranded Vehicles if not home by early evening
National Weather ServiceBoston, MA
Questions?• Get the latest information at: – www.weather.gov/boston• Area Forecast Discussion• Hazardous Weather Outlook
• Call us: 508-823-2228• NWSChat Online– https://nwschat.weather.gov
• E-mail:
National Weather ServiceBoston, MA
