One-Two Punch
We can't seem to catch a break, and for many winter enthusiasts, this is a dream come true.
However, I can't help but feel for those who are working hard to keep our roads & sidewalks safe. They are working serious overtime! Today will be the calm before the storm and a quiet end to January.
Watch Melissa's Forecast
#1...The first part of the storm will bring us snowfall Tuesday. The majority of our viewing area will receive 3-5" (6" in spots) during the day. However, the rain/snow line appears to create a rain/freezing rain/snow mix for the Cape/Islands which will lower the snowfall totals to 1-3" in those locations.
#2...Late Tuesday night thru Wednesday Night...This is the biggie! The 'panhandle hook' is transporting loads of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. The rain/snow line with this storm system is going to be key in terms of how much snow southeastern Mass. receives. The current forecast would lead to this timeline...
-Early AM Wednesday--the initial onset will be snow
-Mid-AM thru Afternoon Wednesday--heavy snow prevails for areas north and west of the Pike, but a mixture of snow/sleet/frz.rain/rain will be an issue fro neighborhoods south of the Pike.
-Wednesday evening--the heavy snow prevails to the north while suburbs south of the Pike start to transition back to snow.
***Overall Snowfall Projections: 12-18+" for north central Mass just north and west of 495 and 'burbs near Worcester , 9-12" for the North Shore/southwest diagonal from Boston to areas southwest along the pike boundary (south of Worcester)...6-9" just South of the Pike/South Shore...3-6" near Cape Cod Canal/Buzzards Bay...1-3" Cape/Islands. There is also a chance that we receive some ice accumulation (1/4"+) for areas south of the Pike.
The exact track of this storm still has time to change so you want to stay tuned to updated Beyond The Forecast blogs, forecasts on WBZ News, Tweets, and FB updates. We will be keeping a close eye on the rain/snow line and also be prepared for a true 'nowcasting' event.
