It’s amazing waking up this morning and seeing how different the world looks when compared to late last night. Yes, that means that I got a brief respite from storm coverage, but our team as a whole has been following this storm throughout the night. Pictures and reports are flooding in on social media platforms, with many locals experiencing the same type of surprising realization: flooding in Marshfield (including evacuations), thundersnow on the Canal, more than 2 feet of snow reported in Worcester, wind chills below zero, hurricane-force winds for the Cape and islands… this “history-in-the-making” weather continues today.
The storm has reached its intensity, which does mean that it should be downhill from here (really sitting at the peak, as I type). However, that “downhill slope” will still be a tough go through this Tuesday:
– There are still bands of snow working through that are bringing snowfall at a rate of 4″ per hour. Many snow reports are in the teens this morning… but there are a couple of “sweet spots” coming to realization: 1) Just south of Boston, from Quincy to Taunton; and 2) From the Merrimac Valley to Worcester. As I type, Worcester has picked up more than 25″ of snow. The heavier bands of snow will continue through the afternoon, and then start to break apart. We expect to see snow showers continue into the evening as the storm slowly spins apart and moves away. The Blizzard Warning remains in effect through 1am.
– Peak wind gusts on the Cape and islands have been recorded as high as 78mph (Nantucket and Taunton). Winds will continue to rip out of the NNE through the day today. The winds are not just a problem because they’re providing us with “free micro-dermabrasion,” but the winds are also bringing the wind chills down below zero in many areas.
– Because the winds are still whipping through, we also still have the concern for coastal flooding through the next tide cycle. The Coastal Flood Warning will be in effect between 3p-7p (high tide between 5-6p). Some of the areas with a potential for moderate to major flooding are: Newburyport high tide at 5p with surge of 3′; Gloucester Harbor high tide at 5p with surge of 3.2′; Revere high tide at 5p with surge 3.5′; Scituate high tide at 5p with surge 3.8′; Sandwich Harbor high tide at 5p with surge 3.8′; Chatham (east coast) high tide at 6p surge of 3.8′; Nantucket Harbor high tide at 6p surge 3.2′; Nantucket (east coast erosion) high tide at 6p surge 3.9′.
It’s another good “stay inside” day. Please stay safe and warm!
