MAJOR WINTER STORM STILL EXPECTED ON SATURDAY…WINTER STORM WATCHES ISSUED FOR THE ENTIRE STATE…
MAJOR WINTER STORM STILL EXPECTED ON SATURDAY…WINTER STORM WATCHES ISSUED FOR THE ENTIRE STATE…
The latest runs of the GFS, EURO, Canadian and NAM (see tracks below) computer models have remained basically the same as the last set of models this morning. However a sharper cutoff of snow on the western edge of the storm is more apparent in the models. A low pressure system is still forecast to form off the North Carolina coast Friday evening. This low is forecast to very rapidly intensify as the storm moves to the northeast. At this time the consensus (aka Average) track of all 4 models brings the center of this major winter storm approximately 70 miles southeast of Cape Cod at approximately 6:00 PM Saturday evening.
If the storm follows this track, we can expect a Nor’Easter(with possible blizzard conditions in eastern CT) starting before daybreak on Saturday and continuing until Saturday evening. Northeast winds could gust to 50 -60 MPH at times along the coast with temperatures in the upper teens and low 20’s. The impact on travel could be major with very low visibilities and snow-covered roads. A minor to moderate number of power outages are possible. Most air travel in the Northeast could be cancelled. Total snowfall could range from 6” -12” in Western CT, 12” –16” in Central CT and 16” –20” in Eastern CT (especially near the RI border).
Snowfall amounts are very dependent on the exact track. Shown to the left are 4 major computer model tracks and a consensus track (magenta line). Any slight change in the track of this very powerful storm will have a significant impact on snowfall amounts here in Connecticut.
DESPP/DEMHS will continue to closely monitor this potentially major winter storm.