Hello to all..

..Strong Coastal Storm on track to impact Southern New England Thursday into Friday. Light Snows affecting most of the region now and will be intermittent through the day, steadiest north of the Massachusetts Turnpike. The peak of the storm and the worst conditions is still expected Thursday Night into Friday Morning..
..The coastal storm has the potential to bring heavy snow region wide with blizzard conditions in Eastern Plymouth County and Cape Cod and near blizzard conditions to other parts of east and south coastal Massachusetts, strong winds near and at the coast and minor to moderate coastal flooding to East Coastal Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands with the potential for more significant coastal flooding during the Friday midday high tide..
..A Blizzard Warning is now in effect through 11 AM Friday Morning for Eastern Plymouth County and Cape Cod. Total snowfall of 10-14″ with isolated higher amounts are expected along with winds sustained at 30-40 MPH with gusts to 50 MPH likely..
..A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the remainder of the NWS Taunton Coverage Area through 10 AM Friday. A widespread 6-14″ snowfall is expected with isolated higher amounts over portions of East Coastal and Southeast Massachusetts. Near Blizzard conditions are likely along portions of the Eastern Massachusetts coast line with sustained winds of 30-40 MPH with gusts to 50 MPH possible later Thursday Night into Friday Morning. In the interior, winds of 10-20 MPH with gusts to 30 MPH are possible later Thursday Night into Friday Morning..
..A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect from 10 AM-4 PM Thursday for minor coastal flooding at the time of high tide for East Coastal Massachusetts and Cape Cod and the Islands. A Coastal Flood Warning is now in effect for East Costal Massachusetts including Cape Cod and the Islands from Thursday Evening through Friday Afternoon timeframe for the potential of widespread minor to moderate coastal flooding at the time of high tides late night Thursday and midday Friday. Coastal flooding for the midday Friday high tide is of particular concern for more significant moderate to possibly isolated pockets of major coastal flooding especially south of Boston through Cape Cod and the Islands..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor storm conditions and gather snowfall reports and reports on the Thursday midday high tide in East Coastal Massachusetts during the morning and afternoon hours Thursday. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will start at 5 PM Thursday lasting through mid-afternoon Friday. Overnight SKYWARN Operations at NWS Taunton are likely as well..
..Pictures of damage, coastal flooding, and the snowfall are appreciated. They can be sent over our Facebook/Twitter feeds or sent to pics@nsradio.org and will provide the National Weather Service, emergency management, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and media situational awareness information. As always, credit will be given to the spotter for the information unless the spotter indicates otherwise..

As of 845 AM, much of the region has seen light snow with snow accumulations ranging from a dusting to 2″ across the area. Light snow will continue especially in areas along and north of the Mass. Pike with another 1-2″ possible. South of the Mass. Pike, light snow and flurries will be more intermittent through the day with another inch of snow possible. As we get into Thursday Night, steadier and heavier snow will move into the region and last into early Friday Morning and its during this timeframe where the worst of the heavy snowfall and strong winds will occur. There has been no change to snowfall forecasts with a widespread 6-14″ of snow likely. The heaviest amounts of snow and isolated higher amounts greater than 14″ are possible over East Coastal and Southeast Massachusetts and Cape Cod.

A Blizzard Warning is now in effect through 11 AM Friday Morning for Eastern Plymouth County and Cape Cod. This area has the most likely chance of seeing blizzard criteria defined as sustained or frequent winds of 35 mph or higher with considerable falling and/or blowing snow that frequently reduces visibility to 1/4 of a mile or less for at least a 3 hour period. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through 10 AM for the rest of the NWS Taunton Coverage Area. Near Blizzard conditions could still occur across other parts of East and South Coastal Massachusetts Thursday Night into Friday. While blizzard to near blizzard conditions will be likely due to the strong winds and heavy snow along the coast, the snow is still right now expected to be a lighter and fluffier snow and winds are still not expected to be as strong as the February 2013 blizzard. Isolated pockets of tree and wire damage and isolated power outages will be possible along the Eastern Massachusetts coast line and Cape Cod and the Islands but the extent of any damage from a wind perspective is still right now expected to be less than the February 2013 blizzard. This will continue to be monitored. Like with any larger storm, it is always good to be prepared and have any battery operated and generator equipment prepared just in case and if its not needed, you will be better prepared for the next major storm.

A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect from 10 AM-4 PM Thursday for East Coastal Massachusetts and Cape Cod and the Islands for minor coastal flooding at the time of high tide. A Coastal Flood Warning is now in effect for East Coastal Massachusetts including Cape Cod and the Islands for Thursday Evening through Friday Afternoon for the potential of widespread minor to moderate coastal flooding at the time of high tides late night Thursday and midday Friday. Tides are astronomically high and this coupled with a long period of onshore winds will create the threat of minor to moderate coastal flooding. If the storm were to slow down over the course of Friday, the midday Friday high tide could have the highest concerns for more significant coastal flooding meaning the potential for isolated pockets of major coastal flooding and a widespread moderate coastal flood event particularly south of Boston along East Coastal Massachusetts and this will be monitored.

SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor storm conditions and gather snowfall reports and reports on the Thursday midday high tide in East Coastal Massachusetts during the morning and afternoon hours Thursday. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will start at 5 PM Thursday lasting through mid-afternoon Friday. Overnight SKYWARN Operations at NWS Taunton are likely as well. Pictures of damage, coastal flooding, and the snowfall are appreciated. They can be sent over our Facebook/Twitter feeds or sent to pics@nsradio.org and will provide the National Weather Service, emergency management, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and media situational awareness information. As always, credit will be given to the spotter for the information unless the spotter indicates otherwise. This will be the last coordination message as we move into operations mode. Below are the NWS Taunton Blizzard/Winter Storm Warning Statement, Coastal Flood Advisory/Warning Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook and NWS Taunton Snowfall Forecast Map:

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

NWS Taunton Coastal Flood Advisory/Warning 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 Forecast 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
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

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Hello to all..

..Happy New Year to all SKYWARN Spotters and Amateur Radio Operators..
..Strong Coastal Storm taking aim on Southern New England Thursday into Friday. The peak of the storm and the worst conditions is still expected Thursday Night into Friday Morning. The coastal storm has the potential to bring heavy snow region wide with near blizzard conditions at the coast, strong winds near and at the coast and minor to moderate coastal flooding to East Coastal Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands with the potential for more significant coastal flooding during the Friday midday high tide..
..A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect for the entire NWS Taunton Coverage Area from 4 AM Thursday to 10 AM Friday. A widespread 8-14″ snowfall is expected with isolated higher amounts over portions of East Coastal and Southeast Massachusetts including Cape Cod. Across Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Block Island Rhode Island, 6-10″ of snow is expected. Near Blizzard conditions are likely along portions of the Eastern Massachusetts coast line with sustained winds of 30-40 MPH with gusts to 50 MPH possible later Thursday Night into Friday Morning. In the interior, winds of 10-20 MPH with gusts to 30 MPH are possible later Thursday Night into Friday Morning..
..A Coastal Flood Advisory is now in effect from 10 AM-4 PM Thursday for minor coastal flooding at the time of high tide for East Coastal Massachusetts and Cape Cod and the Islands. A Coastal Flood Watch remains in effect for East Costal Massachusetts including Cape Cod and the Islands from Thursday Evening through Friday Afternoon for the potential of widespread minor to moderate coastal flooding at the time of high tides late night Thursday and midday Friday. Coastal flooding for the midday Friday high tide is of particular concern for more significant moderate to possibly major coastal flooding especially south of Boston through Cape Cod and the Islands..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor storm conditions and gather snowfall reports and reports on the Thursday midday high tide in East Coastal Massachusetts during the morning and afternoon hours Thursday. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will start at 5 PM Thursday lasting through mid-afternoon Friday. Overnight SKYWARN Operations at NWS Taunton are likely as well..

Confidence continues to grow in a widespread heavy snowfall across Southern New England Thursday into Friday with Winter Storm Warnings now in effect for the entire region. Snow will begin Thursday Morning. At first snow will be steadiest north of the Mass. Pike during the day with accumulations of 2-5″ by Thursday Evening. South of the Mass. Pike, there will be some snow during the day but there could be a lull during the late morning and afternoon hours with 1-3″ of snow accumulation. As we get into Thursday Night, steadier and heavier snow will move into the region and last into early Friday Morning and its during this timeframe where near blizzard conditions could occur along East Coastal and South Coastal Massachusetts and Cape Cod and the Islands before becoming more intermittent and ending later Friday Morning into the afternoon. By the time the storm winds down midday Friday, total snowfall of 8-14 is expected pretty much across the entire region with isolated higher amounts in East Coastal and Southeast Massachusetts and Cape Cod. Across the islands of Block Island Rhode Island, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, 6-10″ of snow is expected.

As mentioned above, near Blizzard conditions are possible along portions of the Eastern Massachusetts coast line including Cape Cod and the Islands as sustained winds of 30-40 MPH with gusts to 50 MPH will be possible. Inland, winds of 10-20 MPH with gusts of 30 MPH are possible. While near blizzard conditions will be possible due to the strong winds and heavy snow along the coast, the snow is still right now expected to be a lighter and fluffier snow and winds are still not expected to be as strong as the February 2013 blizzard. Isolated pockets of tree and wire damage and isolated power outages will be possible along the Eastern Massachusetts coast line and Cape Cod and the Islands but the extent of any damage from a wind perspective is still right now expected to be less than the February 2013 blizzard. This will continue to be monitored and its possible some areas may actually reach blizzard criteria defined as sustained or frequent winds of 35 mph or higher with considerable falling and/or blowing snow that frequently reduces visibility to 1/4 of a mile or less for at least a 3 hour period. Like with any larger storm, it is always good to be prepared and have any battery operated and generator equipment prepared just in case and if its not needed, you will be better prepared for the next major storm.

A Coastal Flood Advisory is now in effect from 10 AM-4 PM Thursday for East Coastal Massachusetts and Cape Cod and the Islands for minor coastal flooding at the time of high tide. A Coastal Flood Watch remains effect for East Coastal Massachusetts including Cape Cod and the Islands for Thursday Evening through Friday Afternoon for the potential of widespread minor to moderate coastal flooding at the time of high tides late night Thursday and midday Friday. Tides are astronomically high and this coupled with a long period of onshore winds will create the threat of minor to moderate coastal flooding. If the storm were to slow down over the course of Friday, the midday Friday high tide could have the highest concerns for more significant coastal flooding meaning the potential for major coastal flooding and a widespread moderate coastal flood event particularly south of Boston along East Coastal Massachusetts and this will be monitored.

SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor storm conditions and gather snowfall reports and reports on the Thursday midday high tide in East Coastal Massachusetts during the morning and afternoon hours Thursday. SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will start at 5 PM Thursday lasting through mid-afternoon Friday. Overnight SKYWARN Operations at NWS Taunton are likely as well. The next coordination message will be posted by 11 AM Thursday. Below are the NWS Taunton Winter Storm Warning Statement, Coastal Flood Advisory/Watch Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook and NWS Taunton Snowfall Forecast Map:

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

NWS Taunton Coastal Flood Advisory/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 Forecast 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
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

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Hello to all..

..Happy New Year to all SKYWARN Spotters and Amateur Radio Operators..
..Strong Coastal Storm taking aim on Southern New England Thursday into Friday. The peak of the storm and the worst conditions are expected Thursday Night into Friday Morning. The coastal storm has the potential to bring heavy snow region wide with near blizzard conditions at the coast, strong winds near and at the coast and minor to moderate coastal flooding to East Coastal Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands..
..A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect for the entire NWS Taunton Coverage Area for late tonight through Friday Morning. A widespread 6-12″ snowfall is expected with portions of Eastern Massachusetts potentially receiving 8-14 inches of snow with locally higher amounts. Near Blizzard conditions are possible along portions of the Eastern Massachusetts coast line with sustained winds of 30-40 MPH with gusts to 50 MPH possible. In the interior, winds of 10-20 MPH with gusts to 30 MPH are possible..
..A Coastal Flood Watch is now in effect for East Costal Massachusetts including Cape Cod and the Islands from Thursday Morning through Friday Afternoon for the potential of minor to moderate coastal flooding at the time of high tides Midday Thursday, late night Thursday and midday Friday..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely some time on Thursday lasting through mid-afternoon Friday. Overnight SKYWARN Operations at NWS Taunton are likely as well..

Overnight, some computer models have trended a bit stronger with a similar track as prior runs with the strong coastal storm taking aim on Southern New England. A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect for the entire NWS Taunton coverage area for late tonight through Friday Morning. The headlines depict the potential scenario at hand and snowfall amounts. It is noted that on Thursday, along and south of the Mass. Pike, there may be an initial burst of snow and then a lull before conditions deteriorate Thursday Night. North of the Mass. Pike there could be an extended period of steady snow before it becomes heavier Thursday Night.

Near Blizzard conditions are possible along portions of the Eastern Massachusetts coast line including Cape Cod and the Islands as sustained winds of 30-40 MPH with gusts to 50 MPH will be possible. Inland, winds of 10-20 MPH with gusts of 30 MPH are possible. While near blizzard conditions will be possible due to the strong winds and heavy snow along the coast, the snow is still right now expected to be a lighter and fluffier snow and winds are still not expected to be as strong as the February 2013 blizzard. Isolated pockets of tree and wire damage will be possible along the Eastern Massachusetts coast line and Cape Cod and the Islands but the extent of any damage from a wind perspective is still right now expected to be less than the February 2013 blizzard. This will continue to be monitored. Like with any larger storm, it is always good to be prepared and have any battery operated and generator equipment prepared just in case and if its not needed, you will be better prepared for the next major storm.

A Coastal Flood Watch is now in effect for East Coastal Massachusetts including Cape Cod and the Islands from Thursday Morning through Friday Afternoon for the potential of minor to moderate coastal flooding at the time of high tides midday Thursday, late night Thursday and midday Friday. Tides are astronomically high and this coupled with a long period of onshore winds will create the threat of minor to moderate coastal flooding. If the storm were to slow down over the course of Friday, the midday Friday high tide could have the highest concerns for more significant coastal flooding and this will be monitored.

As mentioned in the prior coordination message, during and after the storm passes, bitterly cold air will affect the region later Thursday Night through Saturday and into Sunday. It will be the coldest air of the winter season to date. This could have an impact on schools or other buildings where heat has been turned down for school vacation weeks where vacations extend into the Thursday/Friday period or other reasons. It is advised to raise heat in these buildings where needed to avoid frozen/bursting pipes in various buildings. Also, portable space heaters should be properly maintained to avoid any overheating and fire issues.

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely some time on Thursday lasting through mid-afternoon Friday. Overnight SKYWARN operations at NWS Taunton are likely as well. The next coordination message will be posted by 10 PM this evening. Below are the NWS Taunton Winter Storm Watch Statement, Coastal Flood Watch Statement, Special Weather Statement for the Bitter Cold conditions, Hazardous Weather Outlook and NWS Taunton Snowfall Forecast Map:

NWS Taunton 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 Special Weather Statement on Bitter Cold Conditions:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus81.KBOX.html

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

NWS Taunton Snowfall Forecast 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
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

Read more

Hello to all..

..Happy New Year to all SKYWARN Spotters and Amateur Radio Operators..
..Coastal Storm likely to impact Southern New England with the potential for Moderate to Heavy Snow, Strong Winds in coastal areas and several tide cycles of minor to moderate coastal flooding Thursday into Friday. Snowfall amounts, wind and coastal flood impacts to be better defined over the next 24 hours..
..Bitter cold air will move into the region as the storm moves into and passes the region later Thursday through the weekend..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely Thursday into Friday..

A coastal storm will likely impact Southern New England Thursday into Friday. While there have been stronger storms to impact the region, this coastal storm will bring some potent impacts to Southern New England. A moderate to heavy snowfall is likely for much of Southern New England due to the fact that it will be quite cold allowing for higher snow to water ratios and current precipitation forecasts in the 0.40 to 0.90″ range with those potential higher snow to water ratios.

At this time, the heaviest snowfall is expected to be across Rhode Island and portions of Southeast and East Coastal Massachusetts though all areas will get a plowable snowfall. Nearly all of Southern New England will have the potential to see snowfall of 4″ or more. Across Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts as well as East Coastal Massachusetts, the potential exist for 6″ or more of snow and the potential is there for some snowfall totals greater than 8″ in this region. In addition, strong winds particularly at the coast with gusts to 50 MPH may allow for a period or two of near blizzard conditions. Unlike the Blizzard of February 2013, the lighter consistency of the snow along with winds not as strong as that blizzard means that any possible power outages or tree and wire damage will be in isolated pockets based on the current track and intensity of the storm though this will continue to bear watching. Winter Storm Watches will likely be required for at least a portion of the NWS Taunton coverage area as we get into the day on Wednesday. As always with coastal storms, the track of the storm will determine the impacts and that will be better defined in future model runs.

Due to the long duration of the storm, there will be several high tide cycles with the potential for minor to moderate coastal flooding. These tide cycles include the Thursday Midday and evening high tide cycles and the Friday midday high tide cycle. These impacts will be better defined in future outlooks based on storm track and intensity and the direction of the winds and length of the fetch over the area.

During and after the storm passes, bitterly cold air will affect the region later Thursday Night through Saturday and into Sunday. It will be the coldest air of the winter season to date. This could have an impact on schools or other buildings where heat has been turned down for school vacation weeks where vacations extend into the Thursday/Friday period or other reasons. It is advised to raise heat in these buildings where needed to avoid frozen/bursting pipes in various buildings. Also, portable space heaters should be properly maintained to avoid any overheating and fire issues.

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are likely Thursday into Friday. The next coordination message will be issued by Noon Wednesday. Below is the NWS Taunton Special Weather Statement on the cold air moving into the region, Hazardous Weather Outlook detailing Coastal Storm impacts and the NWS Taunton Snowfall Probability Graphics (Snowfall total graphics won’t be available until Wednesday):

NWS Taunton Special Weather Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus81.KBOX.html

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

NWS Taunton Snowfall Probability Graphics:
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
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

Read more

Hello to all..

..Happy New Year to All SKYWARN Spotters and Amateur Radio Operators..
..Potential exists for a significant coastal storm to impact Southern New England in the Thursday into Friday timeframe. It is too soon to get into specific details but a plowable to potentially significant snowfall is possible and at least minor coastal flooding and potentially strong winds are also possible. More significant impacts are possible depending on the track and intensity of the storm system. Message being sent earlier than normal given the New Year’s Day holiday..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are possible Thursday into Friday..

The potential exists for a significant coastal storm to impact Southern New England in the Thursday into Friday timeframe. At this time, it is a bit early to speak of snowfall amounts as we are more than 2 days away from potential storm impacts but the potential exists for a plowable to a potentially significant snowfall. Minor coastal flooding is possible at the time of high tide cycles Thursday into Friday in East Coastal Massachusetts along with strong winds at the coast as well. The potential exists for significant impacts from heavy snow, strong winds and coastal flooding but this will depend on the track and intensity of the storm which is still a bit early to determine at the present time. Given the New Year’s holiday and that some people will be headed back to work and school immediately after the holiday, it made sense at this stage given the latest weather model runs to put together a coordination message ahead of time to raise situational awareness on the potential storm situation. As we get into Tuesday Night and especially Wednesday (New Year’s Day), the potential impacts will be better understood.

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton are possible Thursday into Friday. The next coordination message on the storm situation will be posted late Tuesday Afternoon or early evening. Below is the NWS Taunton Hazardous Weather Outlook:

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
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

Read more

Hello to all..

..Strong and Quick Moving Coastal Storm On Track for Impacts to Southern New England including strong to damaging winds at the coast, heavy rainfall of 1-1.5″ with isolated higher amounts in a 6-9 hour period resulting in possible urban and poor drainage flooding and a period of snow and ice in northwest parts of the NWS Taunton coverage area..
..A Winter Weather Advisory is now in effect for Southern New Hampshire, Franklin, Western Hampshire, Western Hampden, Northern Worcester and Northern Middlesex Counties of Massachusetts through Midnight tonight for 2-5 inches of wet snow, a trace of ice and the possibility of isolated tree and wire damage and power outages due to the weight of the wet snow..
..A High Wind Warning remains in effect for Cape Cod and the Islands from 5 PM Sunday Afternoon to 1 AM Monday Morning for sustained winds of 35-45 MPH with gusts to 50-60 MPH. These winds are likely to cause isolated to scattered pockets of tree and wire damage and power outages..
..A Wind Advisory remains in effect from 5 PM Sunday Afternoon to 1 AM Monday Morning South Coastal Massachusetts, Newport County and Block Island Rhode Island and Eastern Essex County of Massachusetts for sustained winds of 25-35 MPH with gusts to 40-50 MPH. These winds are likely to cause isolated pockets of tree and wire damage and power outages..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor the storm threat today and tonight..

A strong and quick moving coastal storm will affect the region this Sunday Afternoon and evening. Rain will overspread this area this afternoon and become heavy by late afternoon and evening. Rainfall amounts of 1-1.5″ with isolated higher amounts in a 6-9 hour period may result in possible urban and poor drainage flooding.

Computer models and current observations have a bit colder air across Southern New Hampshire, Franklin, Northern Worcester and Northern Middlesex Counties of Massachusetts. Rain is expected to be mixed with freezing rain in some locations at the start before changing over to a period of heavy wet snow between 6 and 8 PM. Snow accumulations of 2-5 inches is now expected along with a trace of ice. The snow has the potential to be wet and heavy possibly resulting in the potential for isolated tree and wire damage and power outages. A Winter Weather Advisory is now in effect for Southern New Hampshire, Franklin, Western Hampshire, Western Hampden, Northern Worcester and Northern Middlesex Counties of Massachusetts through Midnight tonight.

A High Wind Warning remains in effect for Cape Cod and the Islands from 5 PM Sunday Afternoon to 1 AM Monday Morning for sustained winds of 35-45 MPH with gusts to 50-60 MPH. These winds are likely to cause isolated to scattered pockets of tree and wire damage and power outages. A Wind Advisory remains in effect from 5 PM Sunday Afternoon to 1 AM Monday Morning for South Coastal Massachusetts, Newport County and Block Island Rhode Island and Eastern Essex County of Massachusetts for sustained winds of 25-35 MPH with gusts to 40-50 MPH. Isolated pockets of tree and wire damage and power outages are possible in the Wind Advisory area.

SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor the storm threat today. This will most likely be the last complete coordination message unless another significant change to the storm situation occurs. Below are the NWS Taunton Winter Weather Advisory Statement, NWS Taunton High Wind Warning/Wind Advisory Statement and Hazardous Weather Outlook:

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

NWS Taunton High Wind Warning/Wind Advisory Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus71.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
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

Read more

Hello to all..

..Strong and Quick Moving Coastal Storm On Track for Impacts to Southern New England including strong to damaging winds at the coast, heavy rainfall of 1-1.5″ with isolated higher amounts in a 6-9 hour period resulting in possible urban and poor drainage flooding and a period of snow and ice at the end of the storm in northwest parts of the NWS Taunton coverage area..
..A High Wind Warning is now in effect for Cape Cod and the Islands from 5 PM Sunday Afternoon to 1 AM Monday Morning for sustained winds of 35-45 MPH with gusts to 50-60 MPH. These winds are likely to cause isolated to scattered pockets of tree and wire damage and power outages..
..A Wind Advisory is in effect from 5 PM Sunday Afternoon to 1 AM Monday Morning South Coastal Massachusetts, Newport County and Block Island Rhode Island and Eastern Essex County of Massachusetts for sustained winds of 25-35 MPH with gusts to 40-50 MPH. These winds are likely to cause isolated pockets of tree and wire damage and power outages..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor the storm threat today. Ops at NWS Taunton remain possible..

A strong and quick moving coastal storm will affect the region this Sunday Afternoon and evening. Rain will overspread this area this afternoon and become heavy by late afternoon and evening. Rainfall amounts of 1-1.5″ with isolated higher amounts in a 6-9 hour period may result in possible urban and poor drainage flooding. Across Southern New Hampshire, Franklin, Northern Worcester and Northern Middlesex Counties of Massachusetts, the rain will likely end as a period of snow, sleet and freezing rain. At this time, amounts of snow and ice are expected to remain below Winter Weather Advisory thresholds with 1-3″ of snow and ice expected. This will be monitored over the course of the storm.

A High Wind Warning is now in effect for Cape Cod and the Islands from 5 PM Sunday Afternoon to 1 AM Monday Morning for sustained winds of 35-45 MPH with gusts to 50-60 MPH. These winds are likely to cause isolated to scattered pockets of tree and wire damage and power outages. A Wind Advisory is in effect from 5 PM Sunday Afternoon to 1 AM Monday Morning for South Coastal Massachusetts, Newport County and Block Island Rhode Island and Eastern Essex County of Massachusetts for sustained winds of 25-35 MPH with gusts to 40-50 MPH. Isolated pockets of tree and wire damage and power outages are possible in the Wind Advisory area. There is the possibility that Wind Advisories may be expanded to other parts of the coast later today.

SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor the storm threat today and Ops at NWS Taunton remain possible. This will most likely be the last complete coordination message unless a significant change to the storm situation occurs. A shortened coordination message may be posted if Ops at NWS Taunton are initiated. Below are the NWS Taunton High Wind Warning/Wind Advisory Statement and Hazardous Weather Outlook:

NWS Taunton High Wind Warning/Wind Advisory Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus71.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
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

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Hello to all..

..Strong and fast moving Coastal Storm will bring a period of heavy rain and potential urban/poor drainage flooding, strong to damaging winds on Cape Cod and the Islands and possibly other south and east coastal Massachusetts locations and the potential for some snow and ice accumulations in northwest portions of the NWS Taunton coverage area..
..A High Wind Watch is now in effect for Cape Cod and the Islands for Sunday Afternoon and Evening for sustained winds of 30-40 MPH with wind gusts to 50-60 MPH possible. Isolated pockets of tree and wire damage are possible in the High Wind Watch area. Other locations on south and east coastal Massachusetts could see strong winds depending on the track of the coastal storm..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will be utilized to cover this storm situation Sunday Afternoon and Evening. Ops at NWS Taunton are possible depending on any forecast changes/upgrades to the storm situation..

A fast moving coastal storm is organizing in the Gulf of Mexico and will raise northeastward towards Southern New England. With the lack of cold air over Southern New England and a track of the storm system close to the Southeast New England coast, the predominant form of precipitation will be rain with 1-1.5 inches of rain in 6-9 hours with isolated higher amounts for much of Southern New England and this could lead to some urban and poor drainage flooding. Rain should start by early to mid afternoon and become heavy by evening. The one area that could see some frozen precipitation is over Southern New Hampshire and Franklin, Northern Worcester and Northern Middlesex Counties of Massachusetts. In this area, rain could change to freezing rain with up to one-tenth of an inch of ice and then snow with the potential of 1-4″ of snow accumulation. The changeover could occur during the early to mid evening and Winter Weather Advisories maybe needed for this area as we get into Sunday.

Over Cape Cod and the Islands, strong to damaging winds are possible during the late afternoon and evening hours and a High Wind Watch is in effect for Sunday Afternoon and Evening for sustained winds of 30-40 MPH with gusts to 50-60 MPH. These winds could cause isolated to pockets of tree and wire damage and isolated power outages in the High Wind Watch area. Other locations in south and east coastal Massachusetts could see strong winds depending on the track of the coastal storm.

SKYWARN Self-Activation will be utilized to cover this storm situation Sunday Afternoon and Evening. Ops at NWS Taunton are possible depending on any forecast changes/upgrades to the storm situation. Another coordination message will be posted by Noon Sunday. Below is the NWS Taunton High Wind Watch Statement and Hazardous Weather Outlook:

NWS Taunton High Wind Watch Statement:
http://kamala.cod.edu/ma/latest.wwus71.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
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

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Hello to all..

On behalf of the entire Amateur Radio Group at WX1BOX, the Amateur Radio station for NWS Taunton Massachusetts, and the forecaster staff at NWS Taunton, we would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holiday season. 2013 was another interesting year for weather across the region especially over the course of the 2013 winter though 2013 had a much quieter summer severe weather season than past years.

Many of you provided critical reports, pictures and videos that supported and resulted in the protection of life and property and timely warnings being issued based on the surface reporting and ground truth that is so critical in confirming what the radar is or is not seeing. This information was then shared with local, state and federal emergency management and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are always looking for situational awareness and disaster intelligence to gauge the level of response and recovery required for an incident. They remain extremely impressed with all the work that all of you do and they extend their appreciation. That appreciation of the weather and damage reports is highly recognized by many of the media outlets as well who thank SKYWARN Spotters and Amateur Radio Operators on television and over social media such as Facebook and Twitter. This mission could not be done without all of your support.

A quick synopsis of 2013 reveal that while this year was quieter than 2011 and 2012 in terms of historical events, there were a few significant events of note. The Winter of 2012-2013 was quite active. The Blizzard of 2013 was a historical blizzard that brought widespread snow accumulations away from Cape Cod and the Islands of 10-30″. The blizzard brought official blizzard conditions at multiple airport sites not just along the coast but also well inland. The combination of hurricane force wind gusts and heavy wet snow and ice brought widespread power outages over Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island that lasted several days. Moderate to low end major coastal flooding occurred along portions of East Coastal Massachusetts and Cape Cod and the Islands as well. This was far and away the most significant weather event of the year for much of the NWS Taunton coverage area. In March 2013, another major winter storm affected the region bringing heavy snow that in some areas rivaled the Blizzard of 2013 in terms of the total snowfall accumulation. The storm far offshore had a huge envelope and brought heavy snow to portions of Central and Eastern Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut yet brought much smaller amounts over portions of Rhode Island. This storm also brought multiple high tide cycles of coastal flooding to East Coastal Massachusetts and Cape Cod and the Islands as well. This storm was particularly difficult to forecast as the storm being so far offshore brought a surprisingly significant impact to the region.

As we moved into the summer, the summer severe thunderstorm season was characterized by many marginal severe weather setups that even by New England standards brought below normal severe weather. Nonetheless, a few significant severe weather setups occurred and flash flood events occurred given an air mass that was quite tropical over much of the summer season. The most significant severe weather situation was Monday July 1st, 2013 which had a microburst over Agawam, Massachusetts and a EF0/EF1 tornado to the Windsor/East Windsor/Windsor Locks, CT area and a second touchdown over Enfield, CT. SKYWARN Spotters and Amateur Radio Operators were very critical on this day and given the short fused nature of the event, SKYWARN Self-Activation of nets were critical in providing near real time reports of the damage across the region. Many SKYWARN Spotters and Amateur Radio Operators provided pictures and videos of the events as they unfolded and provide a historical archive of these events and were used by NWS Taunton forecasters for damage assessments over the areas affected. On that day, there were also many reports of flash flooding in urban areas with wind damage reports with severe thunderstorms up into the North Shore of Massachusetts. Another severe weather event of note was Wednesday July 10th, 2013, which was a day an EF-1 tornado struck an area from Andover, CT through Mansfield, CT and a microburst to Tolland CT. Once again near time reporting from SKYWARN Spotters and Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters provided reports along its path including a photo of it on the ground in Mansfield, CT. A number of additional flash flood events occurred over the course of summer including in late June/early July in Cheshire County NH and in early September across portions of Rhode Island in the Coventry, West Greenwich and Cranston RI area as well as the Keene NH area as well. Flash flood events can be serious in urban areas and in some ways the flash flood events were equally as serious as the severe weather events that occurred in the area this summer.

The Fall was quite quiet in terms of weather after mid-September and actually raised some concerns of drought like conditions until November where the pattern turned wetter once again with beneficial rainfall over the region. A few wind events occurred particularly in the mid-late November timeframe followed by colder than normal temperatures. As we moved into December, we have seen a few winter storms in the past couple of weeks bringing a moderate snowfall over the weekend of December 14th-15th and again on December 17th but the December 17th storm had a much higher impact significantly impacting the evening commute in Northeast and Central Massachusetts to a scale not seen since the December 12th, 2007 storm event that brought similar snowfall near the timeframe of the evening commute with 1-2 inch per hour snows over parts of the region.

As we move forward in 2014, we will be continuing our commitment to SKYWARN training with planning starting in January. We also know that we’ve had a large influx of SKYWARN Spotters and Amateur Radio Operators and will be documenting ways to communicate with us during activation and assure people understand the self-activation and activation protocols used today. It has been a long time since we’ve communicated these practices so that will be done as we get into early 2014.

We will also continue to embrace new technologies while maintaining all the other technologies utilized to gather as much real-time and precise meteorological and damage report information as possible. Over the course of 2013, we completed work by bolstering our Amateur Radio HF and 6 Meters capabilities with both functioning at full capacity and continue to test out Amateur Radio simplex as well as continued usage of all the SKYWARN Amateur Radio Repeaters and radio linked systems via the Internet that are at our disposal as well as monitoring of weather stations ingested over APRS and into the Mesonet networks that have supported and helped with seeing what is happening on the ground. We are still looking at a new Amateur Radio technology called NBEMS, the Narrow Band Emergency Messaging System, as a potential means to gather weather spotter data digitally over Ham Radio.

We continue to have our twitter feed setup and you can follow WX1BOX on twitter by following our Amateur Radio Call-Sign, WX1BOX and have our WX1BOX Facebook page available as well. NWS Taunton has also continued the use of their Twitter and Facebook feeds as well over the course of 2013. SKYWARN Spotters and Amateur Radio Operators can follow WX1BOX and ‘NWSBoston’ on twitter and on facebook can ‘like’ these pages. They are available via the following links:

WX1BOX Amateur Radio SKYWARN Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/wx1box

NWS Taunton Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/US.NationalWeatherService.Boston.gov?fref=ts

WX1BOX Amateur Radio SKYWARN Twitter Feed:
http://twitter.com/wx1box

NWS Taunton Twitter feed:
https://twitter.com/NWSBoston

We are also continuing to look at other ways to get near-real time video and pictures while also continuing to receive pictures and videos hours and days after a major severe weather event. This will further enhance our abilities to gather situational awareness and disaster intelligence information in a short period of time.

We, again, want to provide a tremendous THANK YOU to all of you that supported SKYWARN and the National Weather Service during 2013. We wish everyone once again, a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holiday Season and hope people enjoy their time with family and friends during this joyous holiday season!

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
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

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Hello to all..

..Freezing Rain will occur in portions of the NWS Taunton Coverage Area over the course of the day today as more precipitation moves into the region. Freezing Rain Advisories expanded even further south requiring another coordination message..
..A Freezing Rain Advisory is now in effect until 1 PM for the Metro Boston Area, Western Norfolk County Massachusetts and Northwest Providence County RI for a trace to a tenth inch of ice. A Freezing Rain Advisory is now in effect for Hillsborough County New Hampshire through 3 PM Monday for around a tenth inch of ice. A Freezing Rain Advisory remains in effect for Cheshire County NH and Essex, Middlesex, and Worcester Counties of Massachusetts through 1 PM Monday for around a tenth inch of ice..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will continue to monitor the situation as ice accretion amounts could cause hazardous travel but is still unlikely to accumulate enough to cause significant tree and wire damage though this will continue to be monitored closely..

A Freezing Rain Advisory is now in effect until 1 PM for the Metro Boston Area, Western Norfolk County Massachusetts and Northwest Providence County RI for a trace to a tenth inch of ice. A Freezing Rain Advisory is now in effect for Hillsborough County New Hampshire through 3 PM Monday for around a tenth inch of ice. A Freezing Rain Advisory remains in effect for Cheshire County NH and Essex, Middlesex, and Worcester Counties of Massachusetts through 1 PM Monday for around a tenth inch of ice. Overnight, temperatures near freezing have extended into the Metro Boston area into Western Norfolk County Massachusetts and Northwest Providence County Rhode Island requiring expansion of the freezing rain advisories. 

At this time, the situation still looks more like a hazard to roads versus a problem for power outages and tree and wire damage but this will need continued close monitoring and an isolated pocket or two of power outages remain possible. Steadier precipitation is now moving over the Freezing Rain advisory areas at this time and extending into Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The exact end time of precipitation is uncertain and with steadier precipitation over the area, if temperatures remain near or below freezing, ice accretion amounts will need close monitoring. It is noted that much of Northern New England currently north of the NWS Taunton coverage area have had significant icing the likes of which have not been seen since the December 2008 Ice Storm that hit this area and extended into Southern New Hampshire and Northwest, North Central and Northeast Massachusetts.

SKYWARN Self-Activation will continue to monitor the situation as ice accretion amounts could cause hazardous travel but is unlikely to accumulate enough to cause significant tree and wire damage though this will continue to be monitored closely. This will likely be the last coordination message on this event unless a significant upgrade to the situation occurs. Below is the latest NWS Taunton Freezing Rain Advisory Statement and Hazardous Weather Outlook:

NWS Taunton Freezing Rain 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
Like us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/wx1box
Follow us on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wx1box

Read more