**NOREASTER DISCUSSION** Finally had a chance to take a look at the model data this evening. The take away message is that there will be a significant winter storm hitting the area, with potential blizzard conditions, however -- the highest snowfall totals will likely be south of our area. Im thinking somewhere between Boston and Providence will have the jackpot. Now, back to us... The phasing of the two systems producing this noreaster is not ideal for history-making, record-smashing snowfalls in Maine. It will still bring widespread impacts to the area throughout Tuesday. I would be making plans for the kiddos to be home from school, making sure youre prepped for power outages due to wind (mostly coastal), and that your snowblower (or really high tech shovel) is all ready for the storm. The good news is that this will be a dry, fluffy snow. **Timeline: Snow begins in southern Maine before daybreak on Tuesday. The bands will swing up around the low pressure system through the day on Tuesday, with some of the heaviest snow falling from late morning to mid afternoon. Snowfall rates may exceed 1 per hour...so even if it looks good to get to work on Tuesday, the evening commute will be less than stellar, and likely dangerous with whiteout or blizzard conditions. Snow tapers off to light snow showers late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. **A big question...why are some of us under winter storm warnings and some under blizzard warnings? You need three conditions for three consecutive hours for a storm to be considered a blizzard. Winds gusting or sustained over 35 mph, snow falling OR blowing snow, and visibility at or below 1/4 mile. All three of these things must be happening at once for more than 3 hours in a row. Usually the wind is the tipping point for blizzard or non-blizzard, therefore the coastal counties, closest to the low pressure system, are under the blizzard warning. Blizzard doesnt always mean more snow - it just means you cant see :) **The million dollar question...how much snow in your neighborhood? The highest amounts will likely be along the coast and farther south. However, as with most coastal systems, the eastern facing slopes of our foothills will likely get some enhancement from the east/northeast winds. Just like we get upslope snow showers on our western facing slopes with a WNW/NW wind...the same happens on the other side with coastals.... **All this to say... Generally, most of us will see over 12. I think areas in York, maybe Cumberland county could see over 18, as the highest amounts in the area, but there will be a pocket of high amounts alongside our foothills, from Bridgton to Farmington, - maybe 16 or more. Because of how the storm tracks away from Maine, I dont think Midcoast will see the same amounts as York & Cumberland counties. The only areas that may fall short of 12 are those western facing slopes closer to the Canadian border, especially Coos county. Now that youve read my novel, hopefully you have more answers than questions :) If not, feel free to ask them below. Ill post another (less lengthy) discussion tomorrow. Guess Mother Nature saw I was having too much fun in the warmth and sunshine, eh? #blizzard2015
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 02:18:59 +0000
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