Post-Blizzard Coordination Message #3 -Friday 2/9/13-Saturday 2/10/13 Blizzard Event

Hello to all..

..The following is the third in what will likely be a series of four Post-Blizzard Coorination Messages regarding impacts to the region. In this update, NWS Taunton provided an updated snowfall Public Information Statement and we have provided a link to a photo album via Facebook on pictures from the blizzard and damage across the region. The link will likely be updated with additional pictures and video. The Amateur Radio log has also been updated. Also added were links to Public Information Statement and Local Storm Report data that are archived to the wx1box.org web site as well as a link to an updated log at the Amateur Radio Operations desk. The next coordination message will likely have a report on Blizzard Operations on the American Radio Relay League Web Site..
..A widespread 12-30″ snowfall with isolated higher amounts affected much of the region with the exception of Cape Cod and the Islands where a 6-16″ snowfall fell. The combination of damaging to hurricane force winds and heavy wet snowfall resulted in widespread power outages across the Southern half of Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts including Cape Cod and the Islands where at the height of the storm close to 412,000 without power in Massachusetts and approximately 170,000 were without power in Rhode Island. Widespread tree and power line damage occurred in Southeast New England..
..Coastal Flooding made moderate status on Friday Evening and moderate to major status Saturday Morning with the hardest hit area being in the Hull to Scituate area, up towards the Salisbury area of the North Shore and down toward the Sandwich, Mass area..
..Pictures of damage, coastal flooding and structural damage at the coast remains helpful for damage assessment even if its given several days after the fact if you’ve lost power. Pictures can be sent as reply to this message or to pics@nsradio.org and credit will be given to the spotter for the pictures unless otherwise noted..
..Below are the post storm report updates including the ham operations station reporting log..

NWS Taunton Local Storm Reports:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/lsr_1_blizzard.txt
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/lsr_2_blizzard.txt

NWS Taunton Amateur Radio Station Log of Reports (Includes Final Snowfall Totals):
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/blizzard_ham_ops_desk_summary.txt

NWS Taunton Public Information Statement – Snowfall/Blizzard Conditions Summary:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/blizzard_pns_1.txt
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/blizzard_pns_2.txt
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/pns_blizzard_3.txt

WX1BOX Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/wx1box

WX1BOX Facebook Page Direct Link to Blizzard Photo Album:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.544038055630217.125360.216287391738620&type=3

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org

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Post Blizzard Coordination Message #2 – Friday 2/9/13-Saturday 2/10/13 Blizzard Event

Hello to all..

..The following is the second of what will likely be at least three Post-Blizzard Coorination Messages regarding impacts to the region. In this update, NWS Taunton has determined that Blizzard conditions occurred across much of Southern New England and have issued a statement on the locations that hit blizzard crtieria. Also added were links to Public Information Statement and Local Storm Report data that are archived to the wx1box.org web site as well as a link to the log at the Amateur Radio Operations desk. The next coordination message will have updates on photos from around the region during the blizzard..
..A widespread 12-30″ snowfall with isolated higher amounts affected much of the region with the exception of Cape Cod and the Islands where a 6-16″ snowfall fell. The combination of damaging to hurricane force winds and heavy wet snowfall resulted in widespread power outages across the Southern half of Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts including Cape Cod and the Islands where at the height of the storm close to 412,000 without power in Massachusetts and approximately 170,000 were without power in Rhode Island. Widespread tree and power line damage occurred..
..Coastal Flooding made moderate status on Friday Evening and moderate to major status Saturday Morning with the hardest hit area being in the Hull to Scituate area, up towards the Salisbury area of the North Shore and down toward the Sandwich, Mass area..
..Pictures of damage, coastal flooding and structural damage at the coast remains helpful for damage assessment even if its given several days after the fact if you’ve lost power. Pictures can be sent as reply to this message or to pics@nsradio.org and credit will be given to the spotter for the pictures unless otherwise noted..
..Below are the post storm report updates including the ham operations station reporting log..

NWS Taunton Local Storm Reports:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/lsr_1_blizzard.txt
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/lsr_2_blizzard.txt

NWS Taunton Amateur Radio Station Log of Reports (Includes Final Snowfall Totals):
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/blizzard_ham_ops_desk_summary.txt

NWS Taunton Public Information Statement – Snowfall/Blizzard Conditions Summary:
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/blizzard_pns_1.txt
http://beta.wx1box.org/local/blizzard_pns_2.txt

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org

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Post Blizzard Coordination Message #1 – February 9th-10th, 2013 Blizzard Event

Hello to all..

..The following is the first of what will likely be at least two Post-Blizzard Coorination Messages regarding impacts to the region..
..A widespread 12-30″ snowfall with isolated higher amounts affected much of the region with the exception of Cape Cod and the Islands where a 6-16″ snowfall fell. The combination of damaging to hurricane force winds and heavy wet snowfall resulted in widespread power outages across the Southern half of Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts including Cape Cod and the Islands where at the height of the storm close to 412,000 without power in Massachusetts and approximately 170,000 were without power in Rhode Island. Widespread tree and power line damage occurred..
..Coastal Flooding made moderate status on Friday Evening and moderate to major status Saturday Morning with the hardest hit area being in the Hull to Scituate area, up towards the Salisbury area of the North Shore and down toward the Sandwich, Mass area..
..Pictures of damage, coastal flooding and structural damage at the coast remains helpful for damage assessment even if its given several days after the fact if you’ve lost power. Pictures can be sent as reply to this message or to pics@nsradio.org and credit will be given to the spotter for the pictures unless otherwise noted..
..A weaker/warmer storm system will affect the region today and a storm coordination message has been sent to cover that threat. Below are the post storm reports and the storm coordination message posted yesterday. A complete wx1box log of reports will be posted in the next post-blizzard coordination message..

NWS Tauton Local Storm Reports:
http://kamala.cod.edu/offs/KBOX/nwus51.chunk.html
http://kamala.cod.edu/offs/KBOX/1302090812.nwus51.html

NWS Taunton Public Information Statement – Snowfall:
http://kamala.cod.edu/offs/KBOX/1302101949.nous41.html

Storm Coordination Message:
http://beta.wx1box.org/node/3257

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org

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Storm Coordination Message #1 – Monday February 11th, 2013 Light Snow/Ice/Rain Event

Hello to all..

..A much weaker and warmer storm system will affect the area on Monday though its impacts maybe slightly more significant due to Blizzard recovery efforts. A Blizzard Post Coordination Message will be posted later tonight..
..A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 6 AM to 11 AM for Northern Connecticut for freezing rain and sleet accumulations of one-tenth inch or less. A Winter Weather Advisory is also in effect for Southern New Hampshire and Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, Northern Worcester, Northern and Central Middlesex counties of Massachusetts from 6 AM to 1 PM Monday for 1 to 2 inches of snow and up to a tenth inch of ice..
..Outside of the Winter WX advisory areas, a brief period of snow/ice will changeover to rain. Rain will only amount to 0.25 to 0.50 inches but this rain on top of the snow may cause issues with any roofs that have not been able to be cleared and may cause flooding of urban and poor drainage area roadways and roadways that do not have their drainage systems cleared..
..SKYWARN self-activation will monitor this storm on Monday. This will be the only coordination message posted on this storm unless a significant upgrade to the situation occurs. Below is the NWS Taunton Winter Weather Advisory statement and Hazardous Weather Outlook..

NWS Taunton Winter Weather Advisory Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus41.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org

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Blizzard Coordination Message #5 – Friday Morning 2/8/13-Saturday 2/9/13 Major Nor’easter/Blizzard Event

Hello to all..

..Major Nor’easter/Blizzard Taking Aim on Southern New England. Preparations for this major system should be completed by Friday late Morning to early afternoon at the latest..
..A Blizzard Warning remains in effect through 1 PM Saturday Afternoon for Essex, Central and Southeast Middlesex, Southern Worcester, Norfolk, Suffolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Dukes and Barnstable Counties of Massachusetts and all of Rhode Island for blizzard conditions and 24 inches or more of snow. Winds sustained at 30 to 40 MPH with gusts to at least 65-70 MPH with possible higher gusts to hurricane force possible along the Southeast New England coast will cause potential for tree and wire damage and scattered power outages. The Blizzard Warning covers both the damaging wind threat as well as heavy snowfall..
..A Blizzard Warning remains in effect through 1 PM Saturday Afternoon for Northern Connecticut for 24 Inches or more of snow and sustained winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts up to 50-55 MPH leading to Blizzard Conditions and the potential for isolated to scattered pockets of tree and wire damage and power outages..
..A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Franklin, Northern Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire and Northern Middlesex Counties of Massachusetts, and Southern New Hampshire from Friday Morning through Saturday Afternoon 24 inches or more of snow and the potential for near blizzard conditions with sustained winds of 15-25 MPH with gusts up to 50 MPH..
..A Winter Storm Warning and High Wind Warning remains in effect from 1 PM Friday to 7 PM Saturday in Nantucket Island for 4-8 inches of snow with sustained winds 30-50 MPH with gusts up to 70 MPH and possibly wind gusts to hurricane force. Near Blizzard conditions are possible if the highest winds overlap with the heaviest snowfall..
..A Coastal Flood Warning remains in effect from 8 PM Friday Evening through Noon Saturday for Eastern Essex, Suffolk, Eastern Norfolk, Eastern Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket Counties from Friday Evening through Saturday Afternoon. The potential exists for a moderate coastal flood event for the Friday Evening high tide and a moderate to major coastal flood event for the Saturday Morning high tide for East Coastal Massachusetts. Moderate Coastal Flooding is defined as numerous shore road closures and possibly isolated minor structural damage possible. Major Coastal Flooding is defined as at least scattered structural damage with widespread flooding of vulnerable shore roads and/or basements..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will commence no later than 1-2 PM lasting through late Saturday Afternoon with overnight operations Friday Night likely..
..ARES/RACES/EMCOMM Groups across the region are asked to monitor this potential major nor’easter/blizzard closely and seek advice from local leadership..
..Pictures from this major storm event will likely be helpful for situational awareness and disaster intelligence purposes. They can be sent as a reply to this message or to the email address pics@nsradio.org with credit given to the spotter or Ham Operator for sending the pictures unless otherwise noted..

A potentially major nor’easter, blizzard is likely for Southern New England. This system may reach a historic status in its impacts across the region. Preparations for this major system should be completed by Friday late morning to early afternoon at the latest.

The most significant update in this coordination message is to update and raise the snowfall amounts. A widespread snowfall a few inches either side of 2 feet is likely across much of Southern New England except for Nantucket Island with mixed precipitation will knock down amounts to 4-8 inches. Bands of enhanced heavy snowfall will likely result in amounts greater than 24″ in the Blizzard Warning region. Thunderstorms with heavy snow will likely cause enhanced snowfall rates of 2-3″ per hour and possibly more in some locations.

Meantime, the headlines of Blizzard, Winter Storm, High Wind, and Coastal Flood Warnings with snowfall amounts and potential impacts capture this storm’s potential. An update was made to better define moderate and major coastal flooding by National Weather Service definitions in the coastal flood headlines. Of the remaining details that need to be worked out at this stage is the the consistency of the snow, i.e.: heavier wet snow versus a drier snow coupled with the strong to damaging winds could determine the extent of any tree and wire damage and potential power outages. It remains difficult at this stage where the higher impact areas will be for any tree and wire damage areas though East and South Coastal Massachusetts and Cape Cod and the Islands could be the zone of overlap between heavier wetter snow and the strongest winds.

People should prepare for this major storm similar to other past major winter storms for the region. Have plenty of batteries and battery powered equipment on hand and test out this equipment and any generator equipment and have non-perishable food items. Make sure you have gas for your generator as well. If it turns out that you do not lose power in the storm, you will be better prepared for the next storm system.

Pictures from this major storm event will likely be helpful for situational awareness and disaster intelligence purposes. They can be sent as a reply to this message or to the email address pics@nsradio.org with credit given to the spotter or Ham Operator for sending the pictures unless otherwise noted.

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will commence no later than 2 PM Friday Afternoon possibly starting as early as Noon time lasting through the overnight into late Saturday Afternoon. ARES/RACES/EMCOMM Groups across the region are asked to monitor this potential major nor’easter/blizzard closely and seek advice from local leadership. This is the final coordination message for this blizzard. Post Blizzard Coordination Messages will be posted as time allows either Saturday Evening or Sunday Morning. Below is the NWS Taunton Blizzard/Winter Storm Warning Statement, High Wind Warning Statement, Coastal Flood Warning Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook and Snowfall Accumulation Prediction Map:

NWS Taunton Blizzard/Winter Storm Warning Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus41.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Coastal Flood Warning Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.whus41.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton High Wind Warning Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus71.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Snowfall Accumulation Prediction Map:
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/box/StormTotalSnow/index.php

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org

Read more

Blizzard Coordination Message #4 – Friday Morning 2/8/13-Saturday 2/9/13 Major Nor’easter/Blizzard Event

Hello to all..

..Major Nor’easter/Blizzard Remains Likely for Southern New England. Preparations for this major system should be completed by Friday late Morning to early afternoon at the latest..
..A Blizzard Warning is now in effect from 6 AM Friday to 1 PM Saturday Afternoon for Essex, Central and Southeast Middlesex, Southern Worcester, Norfolk, Suffolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Dukes and Barnstable Counties of Massachusetts and all of Rhode Island for potential blizzard conditions and 18 to 24 inches of snow with isolated higher amounts. Winds sustained at 30 to 40 MPH with gusts to at least 65 MPH with possible higher gusts to hurricane force possible along the Southeast New England coast will cause potential for tree and wire damage and scattered power outages. The Blizzard Warning covers both the damaging wind threat as well as heavy snowfall..
..A Blizzard Warning is now in effect from 6 AM Friday Morning through 1 PM Saturday Afternoon for Northern Connecticut for 18 to 24 Inches of snow with isolated higher amounts and sustained winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts up to 50 MPH leading to Blizzard Conditions and the potential for isolated to scattered pockets of tree and wire damage and power outages..
..A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect for Franklin, Northern Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire and Northern Middlesex Counties of Massachusetts, and Southern New Hampshire from Friday Morning through Saturday Afternoon for 18 to 24 inches of snow with isolated higher amounts and the potential for near blizzard conditions with sustained winds of 15-25 MPH with gusts up to 50 MPH..
..A Winter Storm Warning and High Wind Warning is now in effect from 1 PM Friday to 7 PM Saturday in Nantucket Island for 4-8 inches of snow with sustained winds 30-50 MPH with gusts up to 70 MPH and possibly wind gusts to hurricane force. Near Blizzard conditions are possible if the highest winds overlap with the heaviest snowfall..
..A Coastal Flood Warning is now in effect from 8 PM Friday Evening through Noon Saturday for Eastern Essex, Suffolk, Eastern Norfolk, Eastern Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket Counties from Friday Evening through Saturday Afternoon. The potential exists for a moderate coastal flood event for the Friday Evening high tide and a moderate to major coastal flood event for the Saturday Morning high tide for East Coastal Massachusetts..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will commence no later than 2 PM and possibly as early as noon time lasting through late Saturday Afternoon with overnight operations Friday Night likely..
..ARES/RACES/EMCOMM Groups across the region are asked to monitor this potential major nor’easter/blizzard closely and seek advice from local leadership..
..Pictures from this major storm event will likely be helpful for situational awareness and disaster intelligence purposes. They can be sent as a reply to this message or to the email address pics@nsradio.org with credit given to the spotter or Ham Operator for sending the pictures unless otherwise noted..

A potentially major nor’easter, blizzard is likely for Southern New England. This system may reach a historic status in its impacts across the region. Preparations for this major system should be completed by Friday late morning to early afternoon at the latest.

The most significant update in this coordination message is that the Blizzard Watch area has been upgraded to a Blizzard Warning except for Nantucket Island. Snowfall amounts remain similar to the previous message. Isolated higher amounts of snowfall greater than 24″ will likely occur in a band or couple bands within the Blizzard Warning area. For Nantucket Island, the Blizzard Watch has been converted to a Winter Storm Warning and High Wind Warning as conditions may not reach blizzard criteria on the island but near blizzard conditions are possible. The other significant update is that the Coastal Flood Watch for East Coastal Massachusetts has been converted to a Coastal Flood Warning from 8 PM Friday Evening to Noon Saturday. Moderate Coastal flooding remains likely during the evening high tide with moderate to major coastal flooding likely during the Saturday Morning high tide.

Meantime, the headlines of Blizzard, Winter Storm, High Wind, and Coastal Flood Warnings with snowfall amounts and potential impacts capture this storm’s potential. Below are some details that still are not yet known with this major storm system:

1.) Small deviations in storm track will affect where the coastal front sets up that will separate all snow areas from a snow to mixed precipitation/rain back over to snow situation. Since the last coordination message, there are no changes to note here except for lesser snowfall amounts expected on Nantucket Island.

2.) Potential impacts will vary based on the speed of the system. Models continue to show this powerful storm will slow down over the region extending the impacts further into the day on Saturday. This will result in higher snowfall amounts and greater impacts from coastal flooding for 2 high tide cycles as well as a stronger period of strong to damaging winds over the region.

3.) The consistency of the snow, i.e.: heavier wet snow versus a drier snow coupled with the strong to damaging winds could determine the extent of any tree and wire damage and potential power outages. Its not clear at this stage where the higher impact areas will be for any tree and wire damage areas though East and South Coastal Massachusetts and Cape Cod and the Islands could be the zone of overlap between heavier wetter snow and the strongest winds.

People should prepare for this major storm similar to other past major winter storms for the region. Have plenty of batteries and battery powered equipment on hand and test out this equipment and any generator equipment. Make sure you have gas for your generator as well. If it turns out that you do not lose power in the storm, you will be better prepared for the next storm system.

Pictures from this major storm event will likely be helpful for situational awareness and disaster intelligence purposes. They can be sent as a reply to this message or to the email address pics@nsradio.org with credit given to the spotter or Ham Operator for sending the pictures unless otherwise noted.

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will commence no later than 2 PM Friday Afternoon possibly starting as early as Noon time lasting through the overnight into late Saturday Afternoon. ARES/RACES/EMCOMM Groups across the region are asked to monitor this potential major nor’easter/blizzard closely and seek advice from local leadership. The final coordination message will be issued by 1130 AM Friday Morning. Below is the NWS Taunton Blizzard/Winter Storm Warning Statement, High Wind Warning Statement, Coastal Flood Warning Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook and Snowfall Accumulation Prediction Map:

NWS Taunton Blizzard/Winter Storm Warning Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus41.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Coastal Flood Warning Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.whus41.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton High Wind Warning Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus71.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Snowfall Accumulation Prediction Map:
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/box/StormTotalSnow/index.php

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org

Read more

Blizzard Coordination Message #3 – Friday Morning 2/8/13-Saturday 2/9/13 Major Nor’easter/Blizzard Event

Hello to all..

..Major Nor’easter/Blizzard Remains Likely for Southern New England. Preparations for this major system should be completed by Friday Morning at the latest..
..A Blizzard Watch remains in effect from Friday Morning to Saturday Afternoon for Essex, Central and Southeast Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Northern Bristol and Western Plymouth Counties of Massachusetts and Providence and Kent Counties of Rhode Island for potential blizzard conditions and 18 to 24 inches of snow with isolated higher amounts..
..A Blizzard Watch is now in effect from Friday Morning through Saturday Afternoon for Southern Worcester, Eastern Plymouth, Southern Bristol and Southern Plymouth Counties of Massachusetts and Bristol, Plymouth and Washington Counties Rhode Island for 18 to 24 inches of snow with isolated higher amounts and sustained winds 25-35 MPH with gusts to 65 MPH possible leading to the potential for blizzard conditions. While a mix or possible changeover to rain may occur, precipitation is expected to change back to all snow and be extremely heavy at times coupled with strong to damaging winds leading to very heavy snowfall amounts and the potential for blizzard conditions. The Winter Storm and High Wind Watches have been cancelled as the Blizzard Watch covers both of these threats..
..A Blizzard Watch is now in effect for Cape Cod and the Islands from Friday Morning through Saturday Afternoon for 10-16 Inches of snow and sustained winds of 40-50 MPH with gusts to 75 MPH possible leading to the potential for blizzard conditions. Somewhat lesser amounts are possible over Nantucket and possibly Marthas Vineyard depending on the mix and changeover to rain and when it changes back to snow in those locations. On Cape Cod and Block Island RI, a changeover to rain may occur but will flip back to snow and accumulate rapidly with very strong winds leading to the potential for blizzard conditions. The Winter Storm and High Wind Watches have been cancelled as the Blizzard Watch covers both of these threats..
..A Blizzard Watch is now in effect from Friday Morning through Saturday Afternoon for Northern Connecticut for 18 to 24 Inches of snow and sustained winds of 15-25 MPH with gusts up to 50 MPH possible leading to the potential for Blizzard Conditions. In this area, the potential for stronger winds warranted an upgrade to a Blizzard Watch and therefore the Winter Storm Watch has been cancelled and upgraded to this Blizzard Watch..
..A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for Franklin, Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire and Northern Middlesex Counties of Massachusetts, Northern Connecticut and Southern New Hampshire from Friday Morning through Saturday Afternoon for 18 to 24 inches of snow with isolated higher amounts and the potential for near blizzard conditions..
..A Coastal Flood Watch is now in effect from Friday Evening through Saturday Afternoon for Eastern Essex, Suffolk, Eastern Norfolk, Eastern Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket Counties from Friday Evening through Saturday Afternoon. The potential exists for a moderate coastal flood event for the Friday Evening high tide and a moderate to major coastal flood event for the Saturday Morning high tide for East Coastal Massachusetts..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely starting Friday Morning lasting through late Saturday Afternoon with overnight operations Friday Night likely..
..ARES/RACES/EMCOMM Groups across the region are asked to monitor this potential major nor’easter/blizzard closely and seek advice from local leadership..
..Pictures from this major storm event will likely be helpful for situational awareness and disaster intelligence purposes. They can be sent as a reply to this message or to the email address pics@nsradio.org with credit given to the spotter or Ham Operator for sending the pictures unless otherwise noted..

A potentially major nor’easter, blizzard is likely for Southern New England. This system may reach a historic status in its impacts across the region. Preparations for this major system should be completed by Friday Morning at the latest.

The most significant update in this coordination message is the potential for colder temperatures in Southeast New England which could potentially minimize the time of any mixed precipitation or changeover to rain. This will lead to higher snowfall amounts in this region and overlap with the period of very strong winds. This has necessitated an upgrade to Blizzard Watches for Southeast New England. Since the Blizzard Watch covers both the strong to damaging wind and heavy snowfall threats, the Winter Storm and High Wind Watches for these areas have been cancelled. Across Northern Connecticut, winds strong enough to potentially hit blizzard criteria are possible so Winter Storm Watches have been upgraded to Blizzard Watches for this area as well.

Meantime, the headlines of Blizzard, Winter Storm, High Wind, and Coastal Flood Watches with snowfall amounts and potential impacts capture this storm’s potential. Below are some details that still are not yet known with this major storm system:

1.) Small deviations in storm track will affect where the coastal front sets up that will separate all snow areas from a snow to mixed precipitation/rain back over to snow situation. This could affect snowfall amounts particularly over Southeast New England and that is why Blizzard Watches have been expanded to this region as a track just southeast of the 40 North/70 West benchmark is likely.

2.) Potential impacts will vary based on the speed of the system. Models are beginning to show this powerful storm may slow down over the region extending the impacts further into the day on Saturday. This may result in higher snowfall amounts and greater impacts from coastal flooding over more than 1 tide cycle as well as a stronger period of strong to damaging winds over the region.

3.) The consistency of the snow, i.e.: heavier wet snow versus a drier snow coupled with the strong to damaging winds could determine the extent of any tree and wire damage and potential power outages. Its not clear at this stage where the higher impact areas will be for any tree and wire damage areas.

People should prepare for this major storm similar to other past major winter storms for the region. Have plenty of batteries and battery powered equipment on hand and test out this equipment and any generator equipment. Make sure you have gas for your generator as well. If it turns out that you do not lose power in the storm, you will be better prepared for the next storm system.

Pictures from this major storm event will likely be helpful for situational awareness and disaster intelligence purposes. They can be sent as a reply to this message or to the email address pics@nsradio.org with credit given to the spotter or Ham Operator for sending the pictures unless otherwise noted.

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely starting Friday Morning lasting through late Saturday Afternoon with overnight operations Friday Night likely. ARES/RACES/EMCOMM Groups across the region are asked to monitor this potential major nor’easter/blizzard closely and seek advice from local leadership. The next coordination message will be issued by 1130 PM Thursday Evening. Below is the NWS Taunton Blizzard/Winter Storm Watch Statement, Coastal Flood Watch Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook and Snowfall Accumulation Prediction Map:

NWS Taunton Blizzard/Winter Storm Watch Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus41.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Coastal Flood Watch Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.whus41.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Snowfall Accumulation Prediction Map:
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/box/StormTotalSnow/index.php

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org

Read more

Blizzard Coordination Message #2

Hello to all..

..Major Nor’easter/Blizzard Likely for Southern New England. Preparations for this major system should be completed by Friday Morning at the latest..
..A Blizzard Watch is now in effect from Friday Morning to Saturday Afternoon for Essex, Central and Southeast Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Northern Bristol and Western Plymouth Counties of Massachusetts and Providence and Kent Counties of Rhode Island for potential blizzard conditions and 12 to 24 inches of snow with isolated higher amounts..
..A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect for Franklin, Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire and Northern Middlesex Counties of Massachusetts, Northern Connecticut and Southern New Hampshire from Friday Morning through Saturday Afternoon for 12 to 24 inches of snow with isolated higher amounts and the potential for near blizzard conditions..
..A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect  from Friday Morning through Saturday Afternoon for Eastern Plymouth, Southern Bristol, and Southern Plymouth Counties of Massachusetts and Bristol, Washington and Newport Counties of Rhode Island for 8-15 inches of snow with isolated higher amounts and the potential for near blizzard conditions..
..A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect from Friday Morning through Saturday Afternoon for Cape Cod and the Islands for 6″ or more of a heavy wet snow which coupled with winds to near hurricane force may cause significant tree and wire damage and scattered power outages with a potential for near blizzard conditions..
..A High Wind Watch is now in effect from Friday Evening through Saturday Afternoon for South Coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island including Cape Cod and the Islands as well as Eastern Plymouth County Massachusetts and Bristol County Rhode Island for sustained winds of 35-45 MPH with gusts to 65 MPH. Wind Gusts to hurricane force are possible over portions of Cape Cod and Nantucket Island..
..A Coastal Flood Watch is now in effect from Friday Evening through Saturday Afternoon for Eastern Essex, Suffolk, Eastern Norfolk, Eastern Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket Counties from Friday Evening through Saturday Afternoon. The potential exists for a moderate coastal flood event for the Friday Evening high tide and a moderate to major coastal flood event for the Saturday Morning high tide for East Coastal Massachusetts..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely starting Friday Morning lasting through late Saturday Afternoon with overnight operations Friday Night likely..
..ARES/RACES/EMCOMM Groups across the region are asked to monitor this potential major nor’easter/blizzard closely and seek advice from local leadership..
..Pictures from this major storm event will likely be helpful for situational awareness and disaster intelligence purposes. They can be sent as a reply to this message or to the email address pics@nsradio.org with credit given to the spotter or Ham Operator for sending the pictures unless otherwise noted..

A potentially major nor’easter, blizzard is likely for Southern New England. This system may reach a historic status in its impacts across the region. Preparations for this major system should be completed by Friday Morning at the latest.

The headlines of Blizzard, Winter Storm, High Wind, and Coastal Flood Watches with snowfall amounts and potential impacts capture this storm’s potential. Below are some details that still are not yet known with this major storm system:

1.) Small deviations in storm track will affect where the coastal front sets up that will separate all snow areas from a snow to mixed precipitation/rain back over to snow situation. This could affect snowfall amounts particularly over Southeast New England.

2.) Potential impacts will vary based on the speed of the system. Models are beginning to show this powerful storm may slow down over the region extending the impacts further into the day on Saturday. This may result in higher snowfall amounts and greater impacts from coastal flooding over more than 1 tide cycle as well as a stronger period of strong to damaging winds over the region.

3.) The consistency of the snow, i.e.: heavier wet snow versus a drier snow coupled with the strong to damaging winds could determine the extent of any tree and wire damage and potential power outages. Its not clear at this stage where the higher impact areas will be for any tree and wire damage areas.

People should prepare for this major storm similar to other past major winter storms for the region. Have plenty of batteries and battery powered equipment on hand and test out this equipment and any generator equipment. If it turns out that you do not lose power in the storm, you will be better prepared for the next storm system.

Pictures from this major storm event will likely be helpful for situational awareness and disaster intelligence purposes. They can be sent as a reply to this message or to the email address pics@nsradio.org with credit given to the spotter or Ham Operator for sending the pictures unless otherwise noted.

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely starting Friday Morning lasting through late Saturday Afternoon with overnight operations Friday Night likely. ARES/RACES/EMCOMM Groups across the region are asked to monitor this potential major nor’easter/blizzard closely and seek advice from local leadership. The next coordination message will be issued by 8 AM Thursday Morning. Below is the NWS Taunton Blizzard/Winter Storm Watch Statement, High Wind Watch Statement, Coastal Flood Watch Statement and Hazardous Weather Outlook:

NWS Taunton Blizzard/Winter Storm Watch Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus41.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton High Wind Watch Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus71.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Coastal Flood Watch Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.whus41.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Snowfall Accumulation Prediction Map:
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/box/StormTotalSnow/index.php

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org

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Storm Coordination Message #1 – Major Winter Storm/Nor’easter Potential late Thursday Night 2/7/13 through Saturday Morning 2/9/13

Hello to all..

..Major Nor’easter becoming likely with significant impacts to Southern New England including Heavy Snowfall, minor to moderate coastal flooding and strong to damaging winds..
..A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect from late Thursday Night through Saturday Morning for Southern New Hampshire and Massachusetts from Norfolk County north and west for at least 6″ or more of snow. Winter Storm Watches will likely be extended into parts of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts in future updates..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely for this poentially major Winter Storm centered around the Friday to Saturday Morning timeframe..

After several days of the international European or ‘Euro’ model hinting at a major storm, several other computer models including the GFS model are now also supporting a major winter storm for much of Southern New England. There are still a number of details that need to be worked out at this time. They are as follows:

1.) Track position of the storm. A difference of as little as 50 miles west or east could either push the heaviest snowfall further west into the interior if a further west track verifies or closer to the coast if the track is 50 miles further east.

2.) Potential mixed precipitation or period of rain at the coast. This will be determined by the track position as highlighted in factor 1.

A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect from late Thursday Night through Saturday Morning for Southern New Hampshire and Massachusetts from Norfolk County north and west for at least 6″ or more of snow. Winter Storm Watches will likely be extended into parts of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts in future updates.

Strong to Damaging winds will be possible particularly along East and South Coastal Massachusetts including Cape Cod and the Islands, portions of Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts and higher elevation interior locations of Northeast and Central Massachusetts Friday Evening. This may prompt wind or other headlines as we get closer to this major storm event.

Minor to Moderate coastal flooding will be possible on one to potentially two high tide cycles depending on the speed of the storm system. This may prompt Coastal flood headlines as we get closer to this major storm event.

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely Friday into Saturday Morning. The next coordination message will be issued by 1130 PM this evening. Below is the NWS Taunton Winter Storm Watch Statement and Hazardous Weather Outlook:

NWS Taunton Winter Storm Watch Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus41.KBOX.html

NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.flus41.KBOX.html

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 508-346-2929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org

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