MAJOR WINTER STORM BECOMING MORE LIKELY ON SATURDAY…WINTER STORM WATCHES ISSUED FOR SOUTERN CT AND TOLLAND AND WINDHAM COUNTIES…PRIMARY THREATS REMAIN STRONG WINDS AND HEAVY SNOW…
MAJOR WINTER STORM BECOMING MORE LIKELY ON SATURDAY…WINTER STORM WATCHES ISSUED FOR SOUTERN CT AND TOLLAND AND WINDHAM COUNTIES…PRIMARY THREATS REMAIN STRONG WINDS AND HEAVY SNOW…
The latest storm tracks from the GFS, EURO, Canadian and NAM computer models have started to drift back to the west slightly overnight and tighten-up. A low pressure system is forecast to form off the North Carolina coast Friday evening. This low is forecast to 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 60 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 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” - 10” in Western CT up to 10” – 14” in Eastern CT (especially near the RI border).
This storm is still approximately 48 hours from impact. Snowfall amounts remain highly dependent on the exact track. The tracks from the 4 models have tightened up somewhat in the past 24 hours which may indicate a higher confidence track. However, there is still plenty of time for additional changes and towns are advised to closely monitor the latest forecasts.
DESPP/DEMHS will continue to closely monitor this potentially major winter storm.