THEWEATHERMOGIL:: Blizzard conditions from DC to NYC
As a result, blizzard warnings, for occurring or expected snow, wind and near zero visibility, were posted from the Washington, DC region through the I-95 corridor to the New York City area (Fig. 2).
Snowfall had started to taper off across areas to the south and southwest of Richmond, as sunrise approached. Along some coastal areas, especially where winds turned more to the east than northeast, warmer air moved in and ensured a liquid precipitation event (Fig. 3).
Forecasts still call for snowfall to be measured in feet across many areas affected by the storm. However, as noted in an earlier post, the snowfall gradient of the western and northern edges of the storm will be huge. The forecast for Albany, NY is snowless; yet the New York City area is looking for almost two feet of snow. Thus, small shifts in storm position, coastal front position and other factors could produce dramatic variances from expected snowfall numbers.
Look for some snowfall records to be set once final measurements are in place. Even if storm snowfall totals are not the greatest in recorded history, the event will likely be in the top five or 10. Note that this will NOT be the greatest storm “ever,” but only a significant to greatest event in recorded history.
Finally, there were some “significant” happenings with this storm system. First, thundersnow was reported in Baltimore, MD, early this Saturday morning. Thundersnow is much like any thunderstorm, just that it occurs while snow is falling. Cloud tops are often lower (maybe only up to four miles above ground level rather than the customary six to ten miles altitude); however, rainfall (or in this case snowfall) can increase significantly. Baltimore netted a snowfall increase of about two inches in less than 45 minutes.
Central Arkansas and southwestern North Carolina saw five to eight inches of snowfall as the storm moved across their region during the past two days.
And, there were unofficial reports that a few snowflakes fell in Panama City, FL this morning.
Once this storm system exits, late Saturday night and Sunday morning, conditions will improve quickly. Other than a period of cloudiness and light precipitation mid-week, tranquility should dominate this week’s weather news along the East Coast.
© 2016 H. Michael Mogil
Originally posted 1/23/16