Massachusetts

Timeline: Second, More Powerful Storm Upon Us

Heavy snow erupts around 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. and carries through 5 a.m.

The second – and more powerful – storm is upon us. While it falls during a relatively tranquil, nondescript time, it also promises to be THE biggest event of the season for many in the Commonwealth. 

Sadly, it already has a terrible legacy. At least 14 people perished in a tornado Sunday afternoon in Alabama as thunderstorms swept through the Deep South.

While severe weather will not be part of our weather timeline, there is a possibility we will see thundersnow during the most intense part of the storm a few hours before dawn.

Timeline:

Heavy snow erupts around 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. and carries through 5 a.m. With snowfall rates of 1-3” per hour (!!) roads may become almost impassable for a period of time. Plows simply can’t keep up with that kind of pacing, never mind the poor visibility those snowfall rates.

After 5 a.m., the intense snow eases out to light snow then tapers to flurries by 7-9 a.m. It’s in that intense banding overnight that 90-percent of the snow will accumulate. The front end and back end of the storm will be pretty tame in comparison.

A quick exit Monday morning will spare part of the commute, but there will be lots of leftover snow on the streets and highways. Puddles galore, too.

The weather guidance has come into agreement that the bullseye will be across Southeast Massachusetts – away from the water, Cape and Islands. It’s anywhere from Route 24 to the southern tip of Interstate 495 that may come in with a solid foot or more of the wettest snow you can remember.

Winds will gust along the coast to 30-40 mph, perhaps near 50 on Cape Cod, into the wee hours of the morning.

Coastal flooding is NOT an issue with this storm, but with any wet, heavy snow event, power outages may be a concern. The pasty snow will cake to everything, including your shovel and the plow guy’s blade.

With the consistency of the snow mimicking wet concrete, remember to take frequent breaks when moving this snow Monday. It’s only going to get heavier with the sun out and high temperatures nearing 40.

Bend at the knees, go slow with the snowblower and pace yourself!

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