Wintercane!

A intense storm as strong as a Category 1 Hurricane will come up the coast and hammer New England with heavy rain, snow and storm force winds. However, it will be a mainly rain event in the Boston area. But, northern and Western New England will get hit with 1-2 feet of snow and strong winds. However, some rain may reach as far north as northern NH. Even Philly and NYC will pick up 12-18 inches of snow along with blizzard conditions. Drifts over 4 feet will be possible on Saturday. I suggest not making the trip to northern NH or VT this weekend, as many roads will be impassible. On Friday cold air will come in behind the system and change it to snow in Boston, but by then the bulk of the storm will be over. Snow showers may continue through Sunday, then yet another storm may come up the coast early next week.


Snow Totals: Major snow amounts from last night and today

Rowe, MA: 26 inches! (East Slopes of Berkshires.)
New Ipswich, NH: 24 inches!
Pittsfield: 20
Fitchburg: 17.5
Worcester: 12.7
Boston: Trace

Rain totals: From today

JP: 1.7


Alerts:

A flood watch is in effect for Boston points north and west through 10 AM Friday

A High Wind Warning is in effect for eastern Mass, including Boston for Thursday evening. Make sure to bring in all outdoor objects, as they will be blown around and may cause damage. Power outages do seem likely, so get your flashlight ready.

A Coastal Flood advisory is in effect for the north shore. Major coastal flooding may occur on Thursday night because of a very strong east wind along the entire coast, including Boston.


Timeline:

Tonight: Light rain and drizzle as the wind slowly diminishes. Temps holding in the upper 30's to near 40.

7 AM-Noon Thursday: Still light rain, as the wind starts to pick up.

1 PM: Steady rain arrives, wind gusts to 40 MPH.

4 PM- 10 PM: Downpours and storm force winds. Winds gusting out of the east to 75 MPH (Hurricane force!) on the Cape, 65 MPH in Boston and the north shore. 50 MPH further inland. Urban and poor drainage flooding is likely. Temps in the upper 30's.

Rest of Thursday night: Rain changes to snow from west to east. Winds gusting over 50 MPH from the North.

Friday: Mainly snow north and west of Boston, and rain changing to snow in Boston. Still rain to the south.

Friday night: Snow showers continue. Temps drop to near freezing, so watch out for a flash freeze.

Rain amounts: Inches

1.5-2: most of eastern and central mass will cause massive flooding where snow fell today.


Snow totals: Thru Friday

4-8+: North and west of 495.

2-4: North and west of 128

1-2: The immediate Boston area. Snow will have a tough time sticking on pavement because of all the rain. About 1 inch in JP, mainly on the grass.