Good morning from SCW.
The Winter Storm Watches from yesterday in northern Connecticut have been changed to Winter Weather Advisories, but a minor to moderate winter weather event is still forecasted to impact our state later today into early Friday.
The Winter Storm Watches from yesterday in northern Connecticut have been changed to Winter Weather Advisories, but a minor to moderate winter weather event is still forecasted to impact our state later today into early Friday.
Image courtesy of the NYC National Weather Service
Key Impacts
Snowfall Accumulation
The low level cold and potential for heavy snow to overspread the state during the evening hours are the reasons I am adjusting our final forecast up slightly.
As always, it is important to remember that these are ranges, and not everyone will see the same amount, even in the same town in some instances. In addition, there is the potential for icing as we transition from snow to mixed precipitation. At the shoreline, sleet will eventually mix in before turning to rain, and in interior CT, particularly in the valley locations and NW hills, we could see lingering cold result in sleet and freezing rain, creating a glaze of ice during the overnight hours. Be careful on the roads.
Snowfall Accumulation
The low level cold and potential for heavy snow to overspread the state during the evening hours are the reasons I am adjusting our final forecast up slightly.
As always, it is important to remember that these are ranges, and not everyone will see the same amount, even in the same town in some instances. In addition, there is the potential for icing as we transition from snow to mixed precipitation. At the shoreline, sleet will eventually mix in before turning to rain, and in interior CT, particularly in the valley locations and NW hills, we could see lingering cold result in sleet and freezing rain, creating a glaze of ice during the overnight hours. Be careful on the roads.
Snowfall Rate & Road Conditions
Later this evening we will see a real thump of snow overspread the state. All of the indications are that we will see a period of heavy snow, with snowfall rates potentially topping 1 inch an hour. In those conditions, road hazards will increase. If you are out this evening, take your time.
Wind
It hasn't been discussed much, but winds will be breezy, particularly at the shoreline. We do not anticipate any major winds however, and no significant power outage risk.
Timing
We expect snow to begin between 2-5pm in CT, with the earliest start time along the coast. Kids should be able to get home from school ok. During the evening hours we expect the heaviest snow, and during the later evening into early Friday morning time frame we will transition from snow to mixed precipitation to rain. There are some indications that there will be a flip back to snow in northern CT during the Friday morning hours. If that happens, it would likely impact the morning commute. We will be watching that potential.
Later this evening we will see a real thump of snow overspread the state. All of the indications are that we will see a period of heavy snow, with snowfall rates potentially topping 1 inch an hour. In those conditions, road hazards will increase. If you are out this evening, take your time.
Wind
It hasn't been discussed much, but winds will be breezy, particularly at the shoreline. We do not anticipate any major winds however, and no significant power outage risk.
Timing
We expect snow to begin between 2-5pm in CT, with the earliest start time along the coast. Kids should be able to get home from school ok. During the evening hours we expect the heaviest snow, and during the later evening into early Friday morning time frame we will transition from snow to mixed precipitation to rain. There are some indications that there will be a flip back to snow in northern CT during the Friday morning hours. If that happens, it would likely impact the morning commute. We will be watching that potential.
Above, NAM 3km depiction over the duration of the event. It also depicts the potential "flashback" to snow tomorrow morning. If that happens, the Friday morning commute would be impacted.
Overall, we're looking at a minor to moderate event, with the potential for heavy snow during the evening hours and some icing in interior CT during the late evening and overnight. We'll be here to provide updates as warranted.
As always, please like, share, and interact with us on our social media--on Facebook to share our discussions, and follow us on Twitter @southernctwx to retweet our posts. Hit the buttons below to join.
Thank you for reading SCW.
-DB
Overall, we're looking at a minor to moderate event, with the potential for heavy snow during the evening hours and some icing in interior CT during the late evening and overnight. We'll be here to provide updates as warranted.
As always, please like, share, and interact with us on our social media--on Facebook to share our discussions, and follow us on Twitter @southernctwx to retweet our posts. Hit the buttons below to join.
Thank you for reading SCW.
-DB
