Impressive snowstorm is here and will be here for the day. I caution to label this a *nor’easter* as it will lack a strong northeast wind. That’s a good thing as the snow falling has more moisture in it when compared to some of the other winter storms. The timing and intensity of the storm are the biggest issues as the snow hit fast & hard around 6am and will be heavy for several hours this morning.
As we step into the afternoon the heavy snow will back off–especially along & south of the MA Pike but farther north the heavy snow just eases a bit. Our *special* map details just how much snow is on the way–the highest amounts along the MA/NH border. Farther south across SE MA it will be a very heavy, wet snow as sleet & rain weigh down the snow from this morning.
Travel is poor this morning as the heavy snow will be too much for road crews to stay ahead of the storm but some improvement is likely to main main roads during the afternoon/evening commute as lighter snowfall rates will allow road crews to scrape/plow the snow with more success.
Due to the lack of wind and high tides that are not astronomical we do not have concerns for moderate & major coastal flooding with this storm. The lack of strong winds also means that heavy, wet snow in the trees/power lines along the South Shore/Cape will not contribute to power disruption. There is likely to be a brief period of wind gusts around 30 mph this afternoon but that does not appear strong enough top lead to any tree/power line issues.
The storm, as a whole, begins to depart later this evening and skies will clear overnight allowing sunshine to return for the rest of the week.
IF you have to travel, please be safe out there.
~JR