Quick-hitting nor’easter could bring 6 to 10 inches of snow Tuesday

quick-hitting nor’easter could bring 6 to 10 inches of snow tuesday

A fast-moving storm will become a nor’easter and impact Southern New England on Tuesday.

It’s now been 715 days since the city experienced a significant snowstorm, the last one occurring back on Feb. 25, 2022, when most places saw 6 to 8 inches of snow (Logan International Airport had 8.5). We will increase that streak to 717 days before it likely comes to an end on Tuesday.

There is growing confidence that we are going to see a classic nor’easter on Tuesday. At this point, I would recommend if you have air travel plans to move them to at least Wednesday afternoon, allowing for cleanup Tuesday night and things to get back to normal on Wednesday.

Right now, it looks like we could see 6 to 10 inches of snow in the Boston area and central Massachusetts, northern Rhode Island and Connecticut; 3 to 6 inches in southeastern Massachusetts; and the Cape may see 2 to 5 inches.

This is going to be a quick-hitting storm and like other more significant storms we have seen over the past few years, the bulk of the snow is going to fall in a relatively short amount of time. This will not be the type of storm where the snow lingers for a couple of days; rather, most of it will fall in a 12-hour window between roughly 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Tuesday with lighter snow in the hours before and after the heaviest occurs.

I think it’s likely that many schools are going to be canceled on Tuesday as well, so plan accordingly.

A winter storm watch has been issued from 1 a.m., Tuesday to 1 a.m., Wednesday for Greater Boston and most of Massachusetts, with the exception of some southeastern and northwest portions, and the Cape. Northern Rhode Island and most of Connecticut are also included in the watch.

The snow likely arrives early Tuesday morning. The timing can still fluctuate by 3 to 6 hours on the start and stop times, but Tuesday itself is likely a slow travel day.

The snowfall rates could exceed 1 to 2 inches per hour for a time on Tuesday, making driving very difficult until the intensity lightens up in the evening. Since there isn’t any snow or snow banks around the area, clearing roads and highways and other areas will be relatively straight forward with plenty of room to move the snow even if we did receive more than 6 inches.

Tides are high in the afternoon on Tuesday and they are already astronomically elevated. This could lead to some minor to moderate coastal flooding with the added storm surge from the nor’easter. Any flooding Sunday is minor and not associated with the storm that occurs two days later.

Temperatures are going to be right around freezing during the start of the storm, which means the snow will be relatively heavy and wet. Also, with the wind, the area could experience scattered or even more widespread power outages depending on how the storm evolves. I do think it turns colder during Tuesday and the snow gets fluffier and easier to move.

There’s still roughly 60 hours or so before the storm arrives, meaning I will continue to get more data to be able to refine the forecast. This also leaves room for changes in potential snow totals.

The storm hasn’t really developed yet and if the ultimate track is further south and out to sea, the current threat won’t materialize. Also, if the storm came too close to the area, rain would be more prominent, but as of now, that appears less likely.

Look for an update on Sunday and again Monday with more details. For now, enjoy the mild air, it is just a taste of spring, the main event is still weeks away.

News Related

OTHER NEWS

Lawsuit seeks $16 million against Maryland county over death of pet dog shot by police

A department investigator accused two of the officers of “conduct unbecoming an officer” for entering the apartment without a warrant, but the third officer was cleared of wrongdoing, the suit says. Read more »

Heidi Klum shares rare photo of all 4 of her and Seal's kids

Heidi Klum posted a rare picture with husband Tom Kaulitz and her four kids: Leni, 19, Henry, 18, Johan, 17, and Lou, 14, having some quality family time. Read more »

European stocks head for flat open as markets struggle to find momentum

This is CNBC’s live blog covering European markets. European markets are heading for a flat open Tuesday, continuing lackluster sentiment seen at the start of the week in the region ... Read more »

Linda C. Black Horoscopes: November 28

Nancy Black Today’s Birthday (11/28/23). This year energizes your work and health. Faithful domestic routines provide central support. Shift directions to balance your work and health, before adapting around team ... Read more »

Michigan Democrats poised to test ambitious environmental goals in the industrial Midwest

FILE – One of more than 4,000 solar panels constructed by DTE Energy lines a 9.37-acre swath of land in Ann Arbor Township, Mich., Sept. 15, 2015. Michigan will join ... Read more »

Gaza Is Falling Into ‘Absolute Chaos,’ Aid Groups Say

A shaky cease-fire between Israel and Hamas has allowed a surge of aid to reach Palestinians in Gaza, but humanitarian groups and civilians in the enclave say the convoys aren’t ... Read more »

Bereaved Israeli and Palestinian families to march together in anti-hate vigil

Demonstrators march against the rise of antisemitism in the UK on Sunday – SUSANNAH IRELAND/REUTERS Bereaved Israeli and Palestinian families will march together as part of an anti-hate vigil on ... Read more »
Top List in the World