Hello to all..

..Greater uncertainty develops as model runs through the day today now depicting a further south and weaker storm solution with a wider gap in track guidance for the region. This leads to a lower confidence forecast for the region..
..A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for Southern New Hampshire, and Essex, Middlesex, Worcester, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties and has been expanded to cover Suffolk and Norfolk Counties of Massachusetts and Northwest Providence County in Rhode Island. A widespread 3-7″ snow accumulation is now expected with higher terrian locations seeing pockets of 6-10″ of snowfall. The snow will be heavy and wet and may cause scattered pockets of tree and wire damage and power outages. It is noted that these snowfall amounts could be adjusted further as we get closer to the event based on future model runs..
..Coastal Flooding is now expected to be more minor in nature for East Coastal Massachusetts and Cape Cod and the Islands. Winds are now expected to fall short of Wind Advisory criteria. This will be monitored in future model runs..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton remain possible to likely late Saturday Night and especially Sunday..

Over the course of the day today, model runs have been weaker with the storm system to affect the region this weekend and the track has also shifted further south. This leads to greater uncertainty in snowfall amounts and storm impacts for the region. A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for Saturday Afternoon through Sunday Evening for Southern New Hampshire and Massachusetts north of the turnpike and has been expanded to cover Suffolk and Norfolk Counties of Massachusetts and Northwest Providence County in Rhode Island since a further south storm track may allow colder air to affect areas south and east of the Massachusetts turnpike. It is noted that other areas of Southeast Massachusetts and Rhode Island will need to be monitored in terms of snowfall depending on the track and intensity of the storm as well as the amount of cold air in this region. Coastal Flooding is now expected to be more minor in nature for East Coastal Massachusetts and Cape Cod and the Islands. Winds are now expected to fall short of Wind Advisory criteria. This will be monitored in future model runs as well.

The key items of uncertainty that have developed are as follows:

1.) Interior locations of the Winter Storm Watch area may experience less snowfall as less precipitation is being seen in the models for this area. It is unclear if this trend will hold or reverse in future model runs.

2.) Areas further south have more precipitation forecasted but it is unclear how much will fall as rain or a mix of rain and snow. This will affect snowfall amounts in this area. Winter Storm Watches were extended into Suffolk and Norfolk Counties of Massachusetts and Northwest Providence County in Rhode Island due to the shift south of this storm system. Its possible other areas of southeast New England could get more snow if enough cold air is available given more precipitation is expected but it remains difficult to predict given marginal temperatures.

3.) Given that this is likely to be a wet snow, scattered tree and wire damage and power outages could develop but enough wet snow would have to fall over a given area and its difficult to know what area could see the heaviest of the wet snow versus a drier snow consistency. Future model runs will hopefully provide clarity here.

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton remain possible to likely late Saturday Night and especially Sunday. Exact timeframe and duration is difficult to know at present. Another coordination message will be posted by Noon Saturday. Below is the NWS Taunton Winter Storm Watch Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook and snowfall map:

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

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

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

Respectfully Submitted,

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

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Hello to all..

..Another weekend, another potential snowstorm for Southern New England with the potential for a heavy wet snow, strong to damaging winds and minor to moderate coastal flooding..
..A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect for Southern New Hampshire and Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, Worcester, Middlesex and Essex Counties of Massachusetts for 6″ or more of snow. This Winter Storm Watch may be expanded further south in future updates..
..Strong to damaging winds may prompt Wind Advisories for portions of East and South Coastal Massachusetts and the Cape and Islands in future updates..
..Minor to possibly Moderate Coastal Flooding is possible at the time of high tide along East Coastal Massachusetts including Cape Cod and the Islands..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton is likely starting either late Saturday Night or early Sunday Morning lasting through the day Sunday..

Another weekend will bring another coastal storm to Southern New England. In the scenario for this weekend, temperatures will be marginal especially along and south of the Mass. Pike for heavy snowfall but along and north of the Mass. Pike, temperatures should be cold enough for snow and it is likely to be a heavy wet snow across portions of the region. A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect for Southern New Hampshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, Worcester, Middlesex, and Essex Counties of Massachusetts for 6″ or more of snow. Some locations could potentially see around a foot of snow depending on the amount of precipitation and the snow to water ratios. South of the Mass. Pike, precipitation will start as snow, change to rain, and then go back to snow. Some accumulation is expected but confidence is low on 6″ or more amounts in this area. Model runs have been trending a bit colder and this may necessitate Winter Storm Watches extending further south into portions of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts. This will be monitored closely.

The heavy wet snow clinging to trees and power lines may cause scattered tree and wire damage and scattered power outages. The area where this may occur is difficult to pinpoint at this time and will depend on temperature profiles.

Strong to damaging winds will be possible across portions of East Coastal Massachusetts and Cape Cod and the Islands as well as the risk of minor to moderate coastal flooding particularly in those areas affected by the blizzard a few weeks ago. Wind Advisories may be required in this area in future updates.

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton is likely starting either late Saturday Night or early Sunday Morning lasting through the day Sunday. Another coordination message will be issued by 1100 PM Friday Evening. Below is the NWS Taunton Winter Storm Watch Statement and Hazardous Weather Outlook:

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

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

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

Respectfully Submitted,

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

Read more

Hello to all..

..The NWS Taunton Spotter Webform remains out of service until further notice. While the user can input data and the webform appears to accept the data, forecasters are unable to see the data entered. Spotters that don’t have a means to report via Amateur Radio are asked to utilize the WX1BOX twitter and facebook feeds or send a reply to this email address for snow totals and any damage reports for the upcoming winter storm. The spotter phone line is also available but using digital means to keep the spotter phone line from being overloaded are appreciated. In addition, Ops at the WX1BOX Amateur Radio station will be active starting no later than 5 AM Sunday for the upcoming winter storm. The typical coordination mesage for this storm begins below..

..Models in better agreement on a Moderate to Heavy Snowstorm for Eastern New England. Still a bit higher uncertainty than normal despite close time range of Winter Storm impacts but better model agreement has led to greater confidence and a closer to the coast storm solution marking a bit of an upgrade to the storm situation..
..A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect until 7 PM Sunday Evening for Eastern Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol and Plymouth Counties of Massachusetts and all of Rhode Island including Block Island Rhode Island for 4-8″ of snow with isolated higher amounts along Southeast Coastal Massachusetts and Southeast Coastal Rhode Island possible. Near whiteout conditions may occur for a time due to heavy snow and winds sustained at 20-30 MPH with gusts to 45-50 MPH. The winds and snow may cause isolated pockets of tree and wire damage and isolated power outages but this is expected to be less than what occurred during last week’s blizzard..
..A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect for all of Cape Cod and the Islands until 7 PM Sunday Evening for 6-10 inches of snow with isolated higher amounts to 12″ along portions of the mid to Outer Cape and Nantucket Island, and a period of near blizzard conditions. Also, a High Wind Warning is now in effect from 5 AM to 10 PM Sunday for Cape Cod and the Islands for sustained winds of 30-45 MPH with gusts to 55-60 MPH. The combination of wet snow, which should get drier as the storm progresses, and strong to damaging winds will bring the potential for scattered tree and wire damage and scattered power outages. While a period of near blizzard conditions and strong to damaging winds and scattered pockets of damage is likely, the impact is expected to be less than last weekend’s blizzard. This will be monitored closely..
..A Winter Weather Advisory is now in effect until 1 PM Sunday for Windham County Connecticut, Worcester, Middlesex, and Western Essex Counties of Massachusetts, and Hillsborough Counties New Hampshire for 3-6″ of snow and the possibility of isolated tree and wire damage from wind gusts up to 40-45 MPH in this area..
..A Wind Advisory is in effect for Eastern Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Eastern and Southern Plymouth Counties of Massachusetts and Washington, Newport Counties of Rhode Island for sustained winds of 25-35 MPH with gusts to 45-50 MPH..
..Areas west of the current Winter Storm Warning/Winter Weather Advisory areas are expected to receive less than 3 inches of snow from this event with wind gusts below Wind Advisory criteria at this time..
..SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will commence by 5 AM ET Sunday lasting through Sunday Evening to cover this winter storm threat..

Please note the problem with the web spotter form which is expected to continue through the duration of this storm event. We appreciate everyone’s support in using alternative methods to pass on their spotter reporting data.

Weather models have come into better agreement on the evolution of the ocean storm leading to greater confidence on the evolution of the storm and impacts across Central and Eastern New England, however, confidence is still somewhat lower than normal with a storm impact about to occur in the region. The trend has been for a slightly closer to the coast storm solution and this has led to a bit of an upgrade in the storm scenario for stronger winds and heavier snowfall in Eastern New England. This has led to an upgrade of Winter Weather Advisories to Winter Storm Warnings for portions of Eastern Massachusetts and all of Rhode Island and expansion of Winter Weather Advisories to Central Massaschusetts, Northeast Connecticut and Southeast New Hampshire as highlighted in the headlines of this storm coordination message. Also, High Wind Warnings and Wind Advisories have been posted for portions of Eastern New England as highlighted in the headlines of this coordination message.

Given what occurred in the blizzard last weekend with extended power outages in Southeast New England, here is some additional guidance on what is expected for this storm scenario. At this time, winds will not be quite as strong as last weekend’s blizzard and the wet snow duration should not be quite as long as last weekend’s blizzard. This should mean less impact to the region that was hit hard by power outages from last weekend’s blizzard but there will likely be some isolated to scattered tree and wire damage and power outages for Southeast New England from this storm event presuming the current model track and forecast holds. This will be monitored closely throughout the storm event.

SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton will commence by 5 AM ET Sunday lasting through Sunday Evening to cover this winter storm threat. This will likely be the last coordination message on this storm situation. Below is the NWS Taunton Winter Storm Warning/Winter Weather Advisory Statement, High Wind Warning/Wind Advisory Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook and Snowfall Map:

NWS Taunton Winter Storm Warning/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

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

Respectfully Submitted,

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

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Hello to all..

..It is noted that the Spotter Webform for entry of Snowfall Reports is down. If you have a snowfall report from this morning’s snowfall, please relay as a reply to this coordination message. We will notify everyone when it returns to service.

..After an area of light snow moves through Southern New England this morning producing snowfall amounts from a dusting to as much as 3 inches, A Winter Storm Will Impact Portions of Southern New England Saturday Night into Sunday Night with greatest risk for Heavy Snow in Southeast New England with strong winds across portions of Eastern New England. Model spread remains high leading to greater uncertainty even though the storm is less than 24 hours from impact..
..A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 7 PM tonight through 7 PM Sunday Evening for Cape Cod and Nantucket Island for 4-8 inches of snow with isolated higher amounts with a storm track closer to the coast. Lesser amounts if a further offshore solution verifies. Sustained winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts to 50 MPH are possible. This may lead to isolated pockets of tree and wire damage..
..A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 7 PM tonight to 1 PM Sunday Afternoon for Southern Bristol, Plymouth County Massachusetts and Marthas Vineyard for 4 to 6 Inches of snow. Isolated higher amounts would be possible with a storm track closer to the coast. Lesser amounts if a further offshore solution verifies. Sustained winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts to 45-50 MPH are possible. This may lead to isolated pockets of tree and wire damage..
..A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 7 PM tonight to 1 PM Sunday for all of Rhode Island and Eastern Massachusetts except for Northern Middlesex County Massachusetts for 2-4 Inches of snow. Isolated higher amounts would be possible with a storm track closer to the coast. Lesser amounts if a further offshore solution verifies..
..Outside of the Winter Weather Advisory/Winter Storm Warning areas, snowfall amounts should be less than 2 inches. A Wind Advisory may be issued for later this weekend for parts of the region as strong winds affect the region from the departing ocean storm..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor the light snowfall today. SKYWARN Self-Activation is likely Sunday for the snowfall with Ops at NWS Taunton possible particularly if the web spotter form remains out of service..

A light snowfall has occurred across portions of interior Southern New England with some locations receiving up to 2-3 inches of snow. It is noted that the web spotter form is down so any snowfall reports would be appreciated as a response to this message. After this light snowfall, a more potent winter storm will affect the region particularly Eastern New England and Southeast portions of the area. The model spread on this winter storm remains high creating greater uncertainty. One set of computer models brings only light snowfall to Southeast New England, while another set brings heavier snows to the area. Currently, it is the set of models calling for heavier snowfall that are being used for the forecast. As the ocean storm organizes during the course of the day, it will help determine if those models will verify.

The headlines above depict the storm impacts. It is noted that some additional tree and wire damage will be possible in areas hard hit by last week’s blizzard if the closer to the coast model solutions verify. Winds are not expected to be as strong as what was experienced in the blizzard and while snow will start off wet initially, it will become a drier snow as the storm wears on. Isolated tree and wire damage and power outages will be possible but this will be far less of an impact than the blizzard of last weekend based on the current models.

SKYWARN Self-Activation will monitor the light snowfall today. SKYWARN Self-Activation is likely Sunday for the snowfall with Ops at NWS Taunton possible particularly if the web spotter form remains out of service. Another coordination message will be issued by 8 PM this evening. Below is the NWS Taunton Winter Storm Warning/Winter Weather Advisory Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook and NWS Taunton Snowfall Map:

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 Snowfall Map:
http://www.erh.noaa.gov/box/StormTotalSnow/index.php

Respectfully Submitted,

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

Read more

Hello to all..

..A Winter Storm Possible for portions of Southern New England this weekend. Uncertianty higher than normal due to large model spread..
..A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect from Saturday Evening to Sunday Afternoon for Cape Cod and the Islands and Eastern Plymouth County of Massachusetts for 4 to 8 inches of snow with isolated higher amounts depending on the track of the storm system. Strong winds will also be possible during the Winter Storm Watch timeframe and may result in isolated pockets of tree and wire damage..
..Winter Weather Advisories maybe required for portions of Eastern New England for Saturday Night into Sunday Morning particularly southeast portions. Wind Advisories may also be required for portions of Southern New England Saturday Evening into Monday..
..SKYWARN Self-Activation is likely this weekend for snowfall amounts and any wind damage reports. Ops at NWS Taunton are possible if a storm scenario closer to the coast evolves..

Models have a wider than normal spread at this time range regarding the potential for a Winter Storm for the Saturday Evening into Sunday Afternoon timeframe. Therefore confidence on storm impacts to the region is lower than normal. The following represents the most likely scenario based on current data. This scenario may change based on future model runs.

There will be some snow late tonight into Saturday Morning. This snowfall will be most likely in interior locations. Snowfall will likely be a Dusting to 2 inches with isolated higher amounts. There will then be a lull in snowfall activity later Saturday Morning into the afternoon.

As we move into Saturday Night, a ocean storm will organize and potentially bring a period of heavier snow to Cape Cod and the Islands with a light to moderate snowfall over other portions of Eastern New England. Winds will also increase with the potential for sustained winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts up to 50 MPH. A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect from Saturday Evening to Sunday Afternoon for Cape Cod and the Islands and Eastern Plymouth County of Massachusetts for 4 to 8 inches of snow with isolated higher amounts depending on the track of the storm system. Strong winds will also be possible during the Winter Storm Watch timeframe and may result in isolated pockets of tree and wire damage. Winter Weather Advisories maybe required for portions of Eastern New England for Saturday Night into Sunday Morning particularly southeast portions where a 2 to 6 inch snowfall is possible. Wind Advisories may also be required for portions of Southern New England Saturday Evening into Monday.

SKYWARN Self-Activation is likely this weekend for snowfall amounts and any wind damage reports this weekend. Ops at NWS Taunton are possible if a storm scenario closer to the coast evolves. Another coordination message will be sent by 11 AM Saturday. Below is the NWS Taunton Winter Storm Watch Statement, Hazardous Weather Outlook and snowfall map:

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

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

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

Respectfully Submitted,

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

Read more

Hello to all..

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

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

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

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

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

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

Respectfully Submitted,

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

Read more

Hello to all..

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

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

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

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

Respectfully Submitted,

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

Read more

Hello to all..

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

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

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

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

Respectfully Submitted,

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

Read more

Hello to all..

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

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

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

Respectfully Submitted,

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

Read more

Hello to all..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Respectfully Submitted,

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

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