Hello to all..

..Another weekend and another Winter Storm for Southern New England. This winter storm not as cold or intense as prior winter storms but will bring a wintry mix scenario to much of Southern New England and a wintry mix to rain scenario in coastal areas that could exacerbate roof collapse issues and cause urban/poor drainage flooding that will be further hampered by snow clogged drains..
..A Winter Weather Advisory remains effect from 1 PM Saturday to 1 PM Sunday for the entire NWS Taunton Coverage Area and has been expanded to include Cape Cod but does not include the Islands. Snow accumulation of 2-6″ is likely in the advisory area with the lowest amounts near the coast and the higher amounts in the western and northwest parts of the area and a trace to a tenth of an inch of ice likely across the advisory area with isolated higher icing amounts possible..
..Any rainfall that occurs, albeit likely to remain around or under 1″ of total rainfall, could cause urban and poor drainage flooding due to snow clogged drains in some locations. Roof collapse concerns will increase if the snow that falls is heavy and wet and/or in any rainfall that will be absorbed by the deep snow pack..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will likely monitor this storm system over the course of the weekend. Ops at NWS Taunton are possible but currently looking like a self-activation/remote monitoring situation..

Another weekend storm system will affect Southern New England. This system not as cold and less intense then prior storms but will likely still provide an accumulating snowfall and wintry mix to the region and then a period of rain particularly over Coastal Southern New England possibly extending into portions of Eastern New England. The headlines reflect the current thinking on snow/ice amounts and rainfall. There are a number of factors that will affect precipitation type. They include:

1.) Deep snow cover over the area holding temperatures down and potentially allowing for a more extended period of freezing rain and sleet or possibly wet snow over the area.
2.) Any additional snow accumulation, particularly if its a wet snow or rain that falls could add to and exacerbate roof concerns over the region particularly in Central and Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
3.) Any rainfall with the heavy snow pack on streets that are narrow may cause flooding in unusual locations where storm drains are clogged by the snow.
4.) Even with above freezing temperatures, the ground is so cold that it may allow any rain that falls to freeze on cold surfaces even if temperatures rise up to near 40 degrees.

All of the above items will need to be monitored with this particular storm system in addition to snowfall report and precipitation type changeover in the region. The following link provides Roof Collapse and Storm Drain Safety Information via the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/ready-massachusetts/roof-collapse-and-storm-dain-safety-information.html

This will likely be the last coordination message on this storm situation unless a significant upgrade to the situation occurs. Below is the NWS Taunton Winter Weather Advisory Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook and Winter Weather Graphics Page:

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

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

NWS Taunton MA Winter Weather Graphics Page:
http://www.weather.gov/box/winter

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant 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
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
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Hello to all..

..Another weekend and another Winter Storm for Southern New England. This winter storm not as cold as prior winter storms but will bring a wintry mix scenario to much of Southern New England and a wintry mix to rain scenario in coastal areas that could exacerbate roof collapse issues and cause urban/poor drainage flooding that will be further hampered by snow clogged drains..
..A Winter Weather Advisory is now in effect from 1 PM Saturday to 1 PM Sunday for the entire NWS Taunton Coverage Area except for Cape Cod and the Islands. Snow accumulation of 3-5″ is likely in the advisory area with the lowest amounts near the coast and the higher amounts in the northwest parts of the area and a trace to a tenth of an inch of ice likely..
..Any rainfall that occurs, albeit likely to remain under 1″ of total rainfall, could cause urban and poor drainage flooding due to snow clogged drains in some locations. Roof collapse concerns will increase if the snow that falls is heavy and wet or in any rainfall that will be absorbed by the deep snow pack..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will likely monitor this storm system over the course of the weekend. Ops at NWS Taunton are possible but currently looking like a self-activation/remote monitoring situation..

Another weekend storm system will affect Southern New England. This system not as cold and less intense then prior storms but will likely provide an accumulating snowfall and wintry mix to the region and then a period of rain particularly over Coastal Southern New England possibly extending into portions of Eastern New England. The headlines reflect the current thinking on snow/ice amounts and rainfall. There are a number of factors that will affect precipitation type. They include:

1.) Deep snow cover over the area holding temperatures down and potentially allowing for a more extended period of freezing rain and sleet or possibly wet snow over the area.
2.) Any additional snow accumulation, particularly if its a wet snow or rain that falls could add to and exacerbate roof concerns over the region particularly in Central and Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
3.) Any rainfall with the heavy snow pack on streets that are narrow may cause flooding in unusual locations where storm drains are clogged by the snow.

All of the above items will need to be monitored with this particular storm system in addition to snowfall report and precipitation type changeover in the region. The following link provides Roof Collapse and Storm Drain Safety Information via the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/ready-massachusetts/roof-collapse-and-storm-dain-safety-information.html

Another coordination message on this storm system will be issued by 11 AM Saturday Morning. Below is the NWS Taunton Winter Weather Advisory Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook and Winter Weather Graphics Page:

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

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

NWS Taunton MA Winter Weather Graphics Page:
http://www.weather.gov/box/winter

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant 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
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

 

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Hello to all..

..Accumulating snowfall to the North Shore of Massachusetts overnight into Thursday Morning..
..A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Essex County Massachusetts from 7 PM Tonight through 11 AM Thursday Morning for 3-5″ of snow. Across the rest of the NWS Taunton Coverage area, 1-3″ of snow is expected with most of the 3″ amounts by Southeast Coastal Massachusetts and Cape Cod. There is a bit of uncertainty in the forecast in that if the costal low track is a bit closer, some advisory level snow totals could affect other portions of Eastern New England. If the low track is further offshore, less snowfall will occur..
..The Late Saturday into Sunday Evening storm system will need to be monitored for a significant wintry mix/rain situation. This will exacerbate roof collapse concerns in particular if the current storm track verifies. A reminder to remove snow from strained roofs wherever possible. Coordination messages for this system will likely start towards the Thursday Evening or Friday timeframe..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor this storm on Thursday Morning. This is likely the only coordination message for this storm system unless a significant upgrade to the situation occurs. Below is the NWS Taunton Winter Weather Advisory Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook and NWS Taunton Winter Graphics Page..

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

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

NWS Taunton MA Winter Weather Graphics Page:
http://www.weather.gov/box/winter

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant 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
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

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Hello to all..

..Another winter storm to affect the region. This storm will be much smaller but will add additional snow to the deep snow pack in Southern New England..
..A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Cape Cod and the Islands from 6 AM-6 PM Tuesday for 3-5″ of snow. The rest of the region is expected to receive 1-3″ of snow. It is possible that some parts of Southeast Massachusetts could receive slightly more than 1-3″ of snow depending on the storm track and any coastal front setup over the area..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor for snowfall totals from this storm. This will likely be the only coordination message on this storm event unless a significant upgrade to the situation occurs. Below is the NWS Taunton Winter Weather Advisory Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook and the Winter Weather Graphics Page..

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

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

NWS Taunton MA Winter Weather Graphics Page:
http://www.weather.gov/box/winter

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant 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
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

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Hello to all..

..Another Blizzard/Major Winter Storm taking aim on the region, particularly for Eastern New England but Winter Storm Warning criteria snowfall will occur in western pars of the region for late Saturday Afternoon through Sunday Morning. Clearing of roofs and preparations for this major winter storm/blizzard should be completed by late Saturday Afternoon/early evening..
..A Blizzard Warning is now in effect from 7 PM Saturday Evening to 7 AM Monday Morning for Cape Cod, Nantucket, Essex, Suffolk, Southeastern Middlesex, Eastern Norfolk, and Eastern Plymouth Counties for 10-14″ of snow, higher amounts possible in localized areas, snow drifts of several feet and sustained winds 30-40 MPH and sustained wind potentially as high as 50 MPH on Cape Cod and the Islands with gusts up to 60-75 MPH and isolated higher wind gusts on the Cape and Islands. These winds will likely cause scattered to possibly numerous pockets of tree and wire damage and could exacerbate roof structural issues in addition to snow load..
..A Blizzard Warning is now in effect from 7 PM Saturday Evening to 4 AM Monday Morning for Central Middlesex, Western Norfolk, Bristol, North-Central and Southern Plymouth, Central Middlesex, Dukes Counties of Massachusetts and Washington, Newport Counties of Rhode Island including Block Island RI for 6-12″ of snow, higher amounts possible in localized areas, snow drifts of a few feet and sustained winds of 25-35 MPH with gusts to 65 MPH. These winds will likely cause scattered to possibly numerous pockets of tree and wire damage, power outages and could exacerbate roof structural issues in addition to snow load..
..A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect from 3 PM Saturday Afternoon through 7 PM Sunday Evening for Providence, Kent and Bristol Counties of Rhode Island, Worcester and Northern Middlesex Counties of Massachusetts and Windham Counties of Connecticut for 6-12″ of snow, isolated higher amounts possible and sustained winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts of 50-55 MPH likely causing a period of near blizzard conditions and isolated to scattered pockets of tree and wire damage and power outages..
..A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect from 3 PM Saturday Afternoon through 4 PM Sunday Afternoon for Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden Counties of Massachusetts and Hartford and Tolland Counties of Connecticut for 4-8″ of snow and some blowing and drifting of snow with sustained winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts to 50 MPH causing isolated pockets of tree and wire damage and power outages..
..The NWS Gray Maine office has issued Blizzard and Winter Storm Warnings for their area. A link to their statement is posted..
..A Coastal Food Warning remains in effect for minor to pockets of Moderate Coastal Flooding for the Sunday Morning high tide from 6 AM-11 AM for Eastern Essex, Eastern Plymouth and Barnstable Counties of Massachusetts. A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for the Sunday Morning high tide from 6-11 AM for Nantucket, Suffolk and Eastern Norfolk Counties for minor coastal flooding. Areas hit by the past winter storms with coastal flooding are potentially vulnerable for this event..
..In the wake of the blizzard, bitter cold conditions, the coldest in several years will affect much of Southern New England. Wind Chill Warnings are in effect for all of Southern New England except for South Coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island and Cape Cod and the Islands from 4 PM Sunday Afternoon to 8-11 AM Monday Morning for wind chill indices of 27 to 38 below zero across the warning area with the coldest readings in northwest parts of the Wind Chill Warning area. Wind Chill Advisories may be needed for Southeast New England in future updates..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will commence by 6 PM Saturday Evening lasting through mid Sunday Afternoon with overnight operations likely. ARES/RACES and other EMCOMM Groups specifically in Eastern New England should closely monitor the progress of this major winter storm/blizzard potential and ARES/RACES/EMCOMM groups in Western New England should monitor for any mutual aid team assistance to Eastern New England. Given snow already on the ground, roof loading etc., the impacts from this potential blizzard/major winter storm may be higher in the region given these factors..
..Pictures of the snow, coastal flooding and damage from wind and snow load can be sent to pics@nsradio.org, as a reply to this email or via our Facebook and Twitter feeds..

Another blizzard/major winter storm is in the offing for portions of the NWS Taunton Coverage Area, specifically Eastern New England but Winter Storm Warning criteria snowfall across the entire NWS Taunton coverage area. The headlines of the coordination message depict the latest thinking based on the latest weather models. A number of factors for consideration in the forecast:

1.) As typically is the case with these intense major winter storms/blizzards, there will be a sharp western cutoff on the snowfall. This has wobbled to the west in the last model runs which has increased snow and wind issues for Eastern New England and has caused the issuance of Winter Storm Warnings for western Massachusetts and the remainder of North-Central Connecticut.
2.) The wind threat is significant especially for Cape Cod and the Islands and East Coastal Massachusetts but now extends through much of Central and Eastern New England. Parts of this coast line could see wind gusts near or over hurricane force. Given snow loading and the potential for these damaging winds, an enhanced tree/power outage structural damage threat may be noted in a part of this area. Strong wind gusts to 50-65 MPH will reach farther back into Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Even in Western New England, isolated pockets of tree and wire damage are possible with wind gusts to 50 MPH.
3.) Snowfall total forecasts may continue to be revised based on model trends and as is typically the case, there will be mesoscale or short-term forecast situations with regards to snow banding and where these bands setup whether it be Eastern New England or just offshore. Amounts have been increased slightly since the last update but that said, even if snowfall amounts are closer to 6″ versus 8-14″ with isolated higher amounts, given the strong winds, blowing and drifting snow and falling snow, blizzard conditions are considered likely over much of Eastern New England prompting the issuance and expansion of Blizzard Warnings for much of Eastern Massachusetts with considerable blowing and drifting in the Winter Storm Warning area. Recall the late March 2014 storm that affected portions of the mid-outer Cape, this storm had wind gusts to hurricane force with snow totals in the 5-10″ range which may be thought as ‘lower’ snow totals for a blizzard but can still cause significant issues with visibility and potential pockets of damage.

It is noted that snow measuring with these conditions and with all the snow currently on the ground can be very difficult. Here are some tips to help with snow measuring with the current conditions based on feedback from NWS Taunton forecasters:

1.) Put a plywood board or other hard surface on top of existing snow pack and do your measurement in that manner and perhaps do that at a few locations. If no plywood board or hard surface is available, measure on the existing snow pack and try and feel when the ruler hits the frozen pack of prior snow.
2.) Given the blowing and drifting, take many measurements and average (10-15 or even 20). This will help average the snowfall.
3.) The National Weather Service understands that it is very difficult to measure snow given prior storms and the conditions upcoming for the blizzard. All of the reports are appreciated and its understood that all volunteers are making a best effort.

It is noted that Wind Chill Warnings are in effect as the blizzard pulls away for much of Southern New England away from the Southeast New England coast. Wind Chill Headlines may be needed for the Southeast New England coast in future outlooks. Extreme cold will follow in the wake of the blizzard. The extreme cold could exacerbate any power outages that occur in the region.

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will commence by 6 PM Saturday Evening lasting through mid Sunday Afternoon with overnight operations likely. ARES/RACES and other EMCOMM Groups specifically in Eastern New England should closely monitor the progress of this major winter storm/blizzard potential and ARES/RACES/EMCOMM groups in Western New England should monitor for any mutual aid team assistance to Eastern New England. Given snow already on the ground, roof loading etc., the impacts from this potential blizzard/major winter storm may be higher in the region given these factors. Pictures of the snow, coastal flooding and damage from wind and snow load can be sent to pics@nsradio.org, as a reply to this email or via our Facebook and Twitter feeds. Below is the NWS Taunton Blizzard Warning/Winter Storm Warning Statement, Coastal Flood Warning/Advisory Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Winter Weather Graphics Page and NWS Gray Maine Blizzard/Winter Storm Warning Statement:

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

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

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

NWS Taunton MA Winter Weather Graphics Page:
http://www.weather.gov/box/winter

NWS Gray ME Blizzard/Winter Storm Warning Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/me/latest.wwus41.KGYX.html

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant 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
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

 

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Hello to all..

..Another Blizzard/Major Winter Storm taking aim on the region, particularly for Eastern New England for late Saturday Afternoon through Sunday Morning. Clearing of roofs and preparations for this major winter storm/blizzard should be completed by late Saturday Afternoon..
..A Blizzard Warning is now in effect from 7 PM Saturday Evening to 11 AM Sunday Morning for Cape Cod, Nantucket, Essex, Suffolk, Southeastern Middlesex, Eastern Norfolk, and Eastern Plymouth Counties for 8-14″ of snow, higher amounts possible in localized areas, snow drifts of several feet and sustained winds 30-40 MPH with gusts up to 75 MPH and isolated higher wind gusts on the Cape and Islands. These winds will likely cause scattered to possibly numerous pockets of tree and wire damage and could exacerbate roof structural issues in addition to snow load..
..A Blizzard Warning is now in effect from 7 PM Saturday Evening to 11 AM Sunday Morning for Central Middlesex, Western Norfolk, Bristol, North-Central and Southern Plymouth, Central Middlesex and Dukes Counties for 8-12″ of snow, higher amounts possible in localized areas, snow drifts of a few feet and sustained winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts to 60 MPH. These winds will likely cause isolated to scattered pockets of tree and wire damage and could exacerbate roof structural issues in addition to snow load..
..A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect from 3 PM Saturday Afternoon through 11 AM Sunday Morning for All of Rhode Island, Worcester and Northern Middlesex Counties of Massachusetts and Windham Counties of Connecticut for 6-10″ of snow, isolated higher amounts possible and sustained winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts of 45-50 MPH likely causing a period of near blizzard conditions and isolated pockets of tree and wire damage..
..A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect from Saturday Afternoon through Sunday Morning for Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden Counties of Massachusetts and Hartford and Tolland Counties of Connecticut for 4-8″ of snow and some blowing and drifting of snow..
..The NWS Gray Maine office has issued Blizzard and Winter Storm Warnings for their area. A link to their statement is posted..
..A Coastal Food Warning is now in effect for minor to pockets of Moderate Coastal Flooding for the Sunday Morning high tide from 6 AM-11 AM for Eastern Essex, Eastern Plymouth and Barnstable Counties of Massachusetts. A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for the Sunday Morning high tide from 6-11 AM for Nantucket, Suffolk and Eastern Norfolk Counties for minor coastal flooding. Areas hit by the past winter storms with coastal flooding are potentially vulnerable for this event..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will commence by 6 PM Saturday Evening lasting through mid Sunday Afternoon with overnight operations likely. ARES/RACES and other EMCOMM Groups specifically in Eastern New England should closely monitor the progress of this major winter storm/blizzard potential and ARES/RACES/EMCOMM groups in Western New England should monitor for any mutual aid team assistance to Eastern New England. Given snow already on the ground, roof loading etc., the impacts from this potential blizzard/major winter storm may be higher in the region given these factors..

Another blizzard/major winter storm is in the offing for portions of the NWS Taunton Coverage Area, specifically Eastern New England. The headlines of the coordination message depict the latest thinking based on the latest weather models. A number of factors for consideration in the forecast:

1.) As typically is the case with these intense major winter storms/blizzards, there will be a sharp western cutoff on the snowfall. This has wobbled to the west in the last model runs which has increased snow and wind issues for Eastern New England and has caused the issuance of Winter Storm Watches for western Massachusetts and the remainder of North-Central Connecticut.
2.) The wind threat is significant especially for Cape Cod and the Islands and East Coastal Massachusetts. Parts of this coast line could see wind gusts near or over hurricane force. Given snow loading and the potential for these damaging winds, an enhanced tree/power outage structural damage threat may be noted in a part of this area. Strong wind gusts to 50-60 MPH will reach farther back into Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
3.) Snowfall total forecasts may continue to be revised based on model trends and as is typically the case, there will be mesoscale or short-term forecast situations with regards to snow banding and where these bands setup whether it be Eastern New England or just offshore. Amounts have been increased slightly since the morning update but that said, even if snowfall amounts are closer to 6″ versus 8-14″ with isolated higher amounts, given the strong winds, blowing and drifting snow and falling snow, blizzard conditions are considered likely over much of Eastern New England prompting the issuance and expansion of Blizzard Warnings for much of Eastern Massachusetts with considerable blowing and drifting in the Winter Storm Warning and Watch area. Recall the late March 2014 storm that affected portions of the mid-outer Cape, this storm had wind gusts to hurricane force with snow totals in the 5-10″ range which may be thought as ‘lower’ snow totals for a blizzard but can still cause significant issues with visibility and potential pockets of damage.

It is noted that snow measuring with these conditions and with all the snow currently on the ground can be very difficult. Here are some tips to help with snow measuring with the current conditions based on feedback from NWS Taunton forecasters:

1.) Put a plywood board or other hard surface on top of existing snow pack and do your measurement in that manner and perhaps do that at a few locations. If no plywood board or hard surface is available, measure on the existing snow pack and try and feel when the ruler hits the frozen pack of prior snow.
2.) Given the blowing and drifting, take many measurements and average (10-15 or even 20). This will help average the snowfall.
3.) The National Weather Service understands that it is very difficult to measure snow given prior storms and the conditions upcoming for the blizzard. All of the reports are appreciated and its understood that all volunteers are making a best effort.

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will commence by 6 PM Saturday Evening lasting through mid Sunday Afternoon with overnight operations likely. ARES/RACES and other EMCOMM Groups specifically in Eastern New England should closely monitor the progress of this major winter storm/blizzard potential and ARES/RACES/EMCOMM groups in Western New England should monitor for any mutual aid team assistance to Eastern New England. Given snow already on the ground, roof loading etc., the impacts from this potential blizzard/major winter storm may be higher in the region given these factors. Below is the NWS Taunton Blizzard Warning/Winter Storm Warning/Watch Statement, Coastal Flood Warning/Advisory Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Winter Weather Graphics Page and NWS Gray Maine Blizzard/Winter Storm Warning Statement:

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

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

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

NWS Taunton MA Winter Weather Graphics Page:
http://www.weather.gov/box/winter

NWS Gray ME Blizzard/Winter Storm Warning Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/me/latest.wwus41.KGYX.html

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant 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
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

Read more

Hello to all..

..Bitter Cold conditions for Friday followed by another Blizzard/Major Winter Storm Particularly for Eastern New England for late Saturday Afternoon through Sunday Evening..
..A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect through 11 AM Friday for Northern Connecticut, Worcester, Eastern Franklin, Eastern Hampshire, and Eastern Hampden Counties of Massachusetts and Northwest Providence County Rhode Island for wind chill readings as low as 22 below zero. A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect though 2 PM Friday Afternoon for Western Franklin, Western Hampden and Western Hampshire Counties of Massachusetts for wind chill readings as low as 24 below zero. Bitter cold wind chills short of advisory criteria will affect the rest of Southern New England overnight through Friday Morning..
..A Blizzard Watch is now in effect from Saturday Evening to Sunday Evening for Cape Cod, Nantucket, Essex, Suffolk, Eastern Norfolk, and Eastern Plymouth Counties for 6-14″ of snow, higher amounts possible with adjustments to the snowfall forecast likely and sustained winds 30-40 MPH with gusts to 60-65 MPH except for wind gusts to 75 MPH with isolated higher gusts over Cape Cod and the Islands..
..A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Saturday Afternoon through Sunday Evening for All of Rhode Island, Bristol, West-Central Plymouth, Worcester, Western Norfolk, Middlesex and Western Essex Counties and expanded to Tolland and Windham Counties of Connecticut for 6-14″ of snow, higher amounts possible with adjustments to the snowfall forecast likely and sustained winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts of 45-55 MPH likely causing a period of near blizzard conditions..
..Model trends have been slightly further east so Winter Storm Watches have not been expanded into other portions of Western New England at this time but will bear close watching. Winter Storm and Blizzard Watches are posted for New Hampshire and Southern and Easter Maine. That statement is listed in this coordination message..
..A Coastal Food Watch is now in effect for the possibility of minor to pockets of Moderate Coastal Flooding for late Saturday Night through Sunday Afternoon for the Sunday Morning high tide cycle for East Coastal Massachusetts, Cape Cod and Nantucket Island. Areas affected by the past winter storms with coastal flooding are potentially vulnerable for this event..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely early Saturday Evening through Sunday Evening. ARES/RACES and other EMCOMM Groups specifically in Eastern New England should closely monitor the progress of this major winter storm/blizzard potential and ARES/RACES/EMCOMM groups in Western New England should monitor for any mutual aid team assistance to Eastern New England. Given snow already on the ground, roof loading etc., the impacts from this potential blizzard/major winter storm may be higher in the region given these factors..

Another blizzard/major winter storm is in he offing for portions of the NWS Taunton Coverage Area, specifically Eastern New England. The headlines of the coordination message depict the latest thinking based on the latest weather models. A number of factors for consideration in the forecast:

1.) As typically is the case with these intense major winter storms/blizzards, there will be a sharp western cutoff on the snowfall. This has wobbled to the east in the latest models but could wobble back west, stay the same or wobble east.
2.) The wind threat is significant especially for Cape Cod and the Islands and East Coastal Massachusetts. Parts of this coast line could see wind gusts near or over hurricane force. Given snow loading and the potential for these damaging winds, an enhanced tree/power outage structural damage threat may be noted in a part of this area. Strong wind gusts to 55 MPH will reach farther back into Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
3.) Snowfall total forecasts may continue to be revised based on model trends and as is typically the case, there will be mesoscale or short-term forecast situations with regards to snow banding and where these bands setup whether it be Eastern New England or just offshore. That said, even if snowfall amounts are closer to 6″ versus 10-14″, given the strong winds, blowing and drifting snow and falling snow, blizzard conditions are quite possible in the Blizzard Watch area with considerable blowing and drifting in the Winter Storm Watch area. Recall the late March 2014 storm that affected portions of the mid-outer Cape, this storm had wind gusts to hurricane force with snow totals in the 5-10″ range which may be thought as ‘lower’ snow totals for a blizzard but can still cause significant issues.

It is noted that snow measuring with these conditions and with all the snow currently on the ground can be very difficult. Here are some tips to help with snow measuring with the current conditions based on feedback from NWS Taunton forecasters:

1.) Put a plywood board or other hard surface on top of existing snow pack and do your measurement in that manner and perhaps do that at a few locations. If no plywood board or hard surface is available, measure on the existing snow pack and try and feel when the ruler hits the frozen pack of prior snow.
2.) Given the blowing and drifting, take many measurements and average (10-15 or even 20). This will help average the snowfall.
3.) The National Weather Service understands that it is very difficult to measure snow given prior storms and the conditions upcoming for the blizzard. All of the reports are appreciated and its understood that all volunteers are making a best effort.

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely early Saturday Evening through Sunday Evening. ARES/RACES and other EMCOMM Groups specifically in Eastern New England should closely monitor the progress of this major winter storm/blizzard potential and ARES/RACES/EMCOMM groups in Western New England should monitor for any mutual aid team assistance to Eastern New England. Given snow already on the ground, roof loading etc., the impacts from this potential blizzard/major winter storm may be higher in the region given these factors. The next coordination message will be issued by 11 PM this evening. Below is the NWS Taunton Blizzard Watch/Winter Storm Watch Statement, Coastal Flood Watch Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Winter Weather Graphics Page and NWS Gray Maine Blizzard Watch/Winter Storm Watch Statement:

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

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

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

NWS Taunton MA Winter Weather Graphics Page:
http://www.weather.gov/box/winter

NWS Gray ME Blizzard/Winter Storm Watch Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/me/latest.wwus41.KGYX.html

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant 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
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Hello to all..

..After a round of light snow for Cape Cod and Nantucket, another Blizzard and Major Winter Storm is expected for the region Saturday Evening through Sunday Evening. Its impacts will be heightened by the prior major winter storms and blizzards from the past several weeks with the potential for significant impact..
..A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect through 7 AM Friday for Cape Cod and Nantucket for 2-4″ of snow. A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect through 2 PM Friday for Western Franklin, Western Hampshire and Western Hampden Counties for wind chill readings as low as 22 below zero. A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect from 3-11 AM Friday for Northern Connecticut, Worcester, Eastern Franklin, Eastern Hampshire, and Eastern Hampden Counties of Massachusetts and Northwest Providence County Rhode Island for wind chill readings as low as 16 below zero. Bitter cold wind chills short of advisory criteria will affect the rest of Southern New England overnight through Friday Morning..
..A Blizzard Watch is in effect from Saturday Evening to Sunday Evening for Cape Cod, Nantucket, Eastern Essex, Suffolk, Eastern Norfolk, and Eastern Plymouth Counties for 6-14″ of snow, higher amounts possible with adjustments to the snowfall forecast likely and sustained winds 30-40 MPH with gusts to 60-65 MPH..
..A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday Afternoon for All of Rhode Island, Bristol, West-Central Plymouth, Worcester, Western Norfolk, Middlesex and Western Essex Counties for 6-12″ of snow, higher amounts possible with adjustments to the snowfall forecast likely and sustained winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts of 45-50 MPH likely causing a period of near blizzard conditions..
..Winter Storm Watches could be expanded into portions of Western New England in future updates. Minor to pockets of Moderate Coastal Flooding are possible at the time of high tide Sunday Morning..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor snowfall for Cape Cod and the Islands. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely Saturday Afternoon through Sunday Evening. A complete coordination message will be posted by 1000 AM Friday Morning. Below is the NWS Taunton Blizzard Watch/Winter Storm Watch Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook and Winter Weather Graphics Page detailing the light snow event for overnight into Friday Morning and will be updated to provide snowfall forecasts for this upcoming major winter storm/blizzard in future updates..
..ARES/RACES and other EMCOMM Groups should closely monitor the progress of this major winter storm/blizzard potential. Given snow already on the ground, roof loading etc., the impacts from this potential blizzard/major winter storm may be higher in the region given these factors..

NWS Taunton Blizzard/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

NWS Taunton Winter Weather Graphics Page:
http://www.weather.gov/box/winter

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant 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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Hello to all..

..A Light Snowfall for Southern New England today through early Friday Morning with a Coating to 2″ across much of Southern New England but higher amounts reaching advisory criteria for Cape Cod and the Islands. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 1 PM this Afternoon to 7 AM Friday Morning for Cape Cod and the Islands for 2-4″ of snow..
..Bitterly Cold Air is expected overnight into Friday Afternoon over portions of interior Southern New England overnight into early Friday Afternoon. A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect from Midnight tonight to 1 PM Friday for Western Franklin, Western Hampshire and Western Hampden Counties for wind chill readings as low as 24 below zero. A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect from 3-11 AM Friday for Northern Connecticut, Worcester, Eastern Franklin, Eastern Hampshire, and Eastern Hampden Counties of Massachusetts and Northwest Providence County Rhode Island for wind chill readings as low as 24 below zero. Bitter cold wind chills short of advisory criteria will affect the rest of Southern New England..
..Another in a series of significant major winter storms is likely Saturday Afternoon through Sunday Evening particularly for Eastern New England. The potential exists for heavy snow, strong to damaging winds, minor to moderate coastal flooding and potentially blizzard conditions. All SKYWARN Spotters and Amateur Radio Operators need to closely monitor the progress of this system. Given prior significant winter storms, all the snow that is currently on the ground and potential for significant additional accumulations, the impacts of this storm will be enhanced due to prior storms that have affected the area..
..If time allows, a post blizzard/storm coordination message will be posted covering the significant storms of the past. SKYWARN Spotters and Amateur Radio Operators with pictures from these prior storms are encouraged to relay pictures of damage, snowfall etc. as a reply to this message or to pics@nsradio.org. Please give the timeframe of the storm related photos if they were taken after a specific storm. Credit will be given to the spotters for those pictures unless the spotter indicates otherwise and they will be used in continuing post storm damage assessments and for storm related videos on a winter that has become historic for much of the region..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor the light snowfall for today into Friday Morning. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely Saturday Afternoon into Sunday. Further details will follow as we get closer to the event. Below is the NWS Taunton Winter Weather Advisory Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook and NWS Taunton Snowfall Graphics:

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

NWS Taunton Winter Weather Graphics:
http://www.weather.gov/box/winter

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant 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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Hello to all..

..A prolonged significant winter storm has started its impacts on Southern New England and will continue through early Tuesday with 1-4″ of snow across much of Southern New England during the overnight hours Saturday into Sunday Morning..
..A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through 1 AM Tuesday Morning for Norfolk County Massachusetts north and west to the New Hampshire state border for a widespread 10-20″ snowfall with potential for an enhanced band of snowfall of 18-24″ in central and Northeast Massachusetts. That corridor could change as we get closer to the winter storm event. There will be some blowing and drifting snow in coastal portions of the warning area..
..A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through 1 AM Tuesday Morning for Northern Connecticut, North-Central Rhode Island through Kent and Bristol Counties of Rhode Island and North-Central Bristol and North-Central Plymouth Counties of Massachusetts for 10-14 inches of snow. There will be some blowing and drifting snow in coastal portions of the warning area..
..A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect through 1 AM Tuesday Morning for Washington and Newport Counties of Rhode Island and Southern Bristol and Southern Plymouth Counties of Massachusetts for 6-10″ of snow and a trace of ice with a period of mixed precipitation in this area. There will be some blowing and drifting snow in coastal portions of the warning area depending upon the precipitation type when wind gusts of up to 40-45 MPH occur..
..A Winter Weather Advisory is now in effect through 1 AM Tuesday Morning for Barnstable County Massachusetts for 2-4″ of snow mainly on the upper Cape. In this area mixed precipitation and even rain will occur holding down snowfall amounts. Block Island Rhode Island, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Island will receive even lighter snowfall amounts with a period of rain holding down snow amounts..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor this winter storm over the next 2-day period..

Models have maintained a storm track conducive to heavy snowfall amounts over a prolonged period of time across Southern New England. There has been no significant change in previous thinking as the headlines depict the storm well though there has been a change along South Coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island and Cape Cod. Across South Coastal Massachusetts/Rhode Island, Winter Storm Watches have been converted to Winter Storm Warnings for 6-10″ of snow and a trace of ice. This area should see mostly frozen precipitation based on current trends but will see a period of sleet/freezing rain and rain mix at the height of the storm as we get into Monday. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect through 1 AM Tuesday Morning for Barnstable County Massachusetts where snowfall amounts will be held down to 2-4″ and mostly over the upper Cape with an extended period of sleet/freezing rain and rain.

Overnight into Sunday Morning, 1-4″ of snow has fallen in the region. Latest snowfall totals can be seen via the following link:

NWS Taunton Public Information Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.nous41.KBOX.html

From a reporting perspective, snow that fell Saturday Night through the end of this storm early Tuesday Morning will be classified as one storm event. There will likely be a fairly significant break in the snow over much of the NWS Taunton coverage area over the course of Sunday but its all part of the same storm system so reports will be cumulative from Saturday Evening through early Tuesday Morning. The core and strongest part of the storm will be late Sunday Evening through early Tuesday Morning where snowfall rates will increase and snow should remain continuous over much of this timeframe. A band of heavier snow greater than 18″ is likely to setup over Central and Northeast Massachusetts. The exact location of that band is uncertain but will likely be over the Central/Northeast Mass area.

SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor this winter storm over the next 2-day period. This will likely be the last coordination message on this prolonged winter storm barring a further upgrade to the situation. Below is the NWS Taunton Winter Storm Warning/Winter Weather Advisory Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook and Winter Weather Graphics:

NWS Taunton Winter Storm Warning/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

NWS Taunton Winter Weather Graphics:
http://www.weather.gov/box/winter

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Assistant 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
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

Read more