WINTER STORM WARNINGS ISSUED FOR LITCHFIELD, TOLLAND AND WINDHAM COUNTIES…MAJORWINTER STORM EXPECTED TONIGHT THRU WEDNESDAY MORNING…HIGHER ELEVATION TOWNS IN THE NW AND NE HILLS SHOULD PLAN FOR POTENTIAL MAJOR IMPACTS FROM THIS STORM
WINTER STORM WARNINGS ISSUED FOR LITCHFIELD, TOLLAND AND WINDHAM COUNTIES…MAJORWINTER STORM EXPECTED TONIGHT THRU WEDNESDAY MORNING…HIGHER ELEVATION TOWNS IN THE NW AND NE HILLS SHOULD PLAN FOR POTENTIAL MAJOR IMPACTS FROM THIS STORM…
A low pressure system continues developing off the North Carolina coast. This low is forecast to rapidly intensify into a major Nor’Easteras it moves towards New England tonight. The storm is then forecast to stall near Cape Cod on Tuesday before departing to the east on Wednesday. Forecast confidence remains only fair and towns should still be prepared in the event that we receive more wet snow than expected especially in western CT. The following forecast is based on a blend of the GFS, NAM and EURO models:
RestofThisAfternoon:Light mixed precipitation with little or no accumulation. Highs in the upper 30’s with east winds gradually increasing during the afternoon. Steadier rain mixed with wet snow in the NW hills is expected to enter western CT by late afternoon.
This Evening and Overnight: Mixed precipitation quickly becoming heavier during the evening and changing over to wet snow in the NW hills by 9:00 PM. The rain/snow line is then forecast to move slowly southeast overnight. Snowfall rates overnight could reach 1 –2 inches per hour causing a major impact on driving especially above 1,000 feet. Northeast winds gusting to 40 –45 MPH at times combined with the wet snow sticking to trees are likely to cause a moderate number of power outages from broken limbs and a few uprooted trees in western CT.
Tuesday:After a morning lull (dry slot expected to move across the state between 6:00 -11:00 AM) moderate to heavy wet snow is expected to overspread the entire state during the midday. The wet snow combined with strong north winds will likely cause significant additional power outages during the afternoon. Major impacts are expected on afternoon driving conditions and power outages with snowfall rates of 1 –2 inches per hour at times.
Tuesday Night: The heavy wet snow is forecast to taper down to bands of light snow that may continue overnight. Strong northwest winds will continue to cause additional power outages.
Wednesday Morning: Any lingering bands of light snow should end around daybreak. A minor to moderate impact is expected for the morning rush hour with slush and some black ice on some roads.
DESPP / DEMHS will continue to closely monitor this approaching storm.