New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Here is the latest forecast information for the upcoming major winter storm which gets underway tomorrow. The worst of the storm for all of the area will be from Tuesday morning into midday, and through the afternoon across the interior, when snowfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour are likely.
The storm system track is further west than previously forecasted, bringing the potential for increased snowfall amounts to central and western MA, and lesser amounts to southeastern MA, the Cape and Islands, where there is a higher likelihood of changeover to rain and sleet. Snow will begin in MA between 6-7 am. Extremely heavy snowfall rates will occur across the Commonwealth, with snow falling at a rate of 2-4+ inches per hour beginning one to two hours after the storm’s onset. The coastline will experience high winds in the afternoon tapering off in the evening, with the outer Cape and Nantucket experiencing sustained winds of 40-45 mph and gusts up of 60-70+ mph, Cape Ann experiencing 45-50 mph sustained winds and 60-65 mph gusts. Other areas of MA will experience 25-30 mph sustained winds with gusts of 30-50 mph. Minor to moderate coastal flooding is expected with this storm during the early Tuesday afternoon and 1 am Wednesday high tides. The most vulnerable areas for coastal flooding would be east and northeast facing coastlines for the Tuesday afternoon high tide, and north and northeast facing coastlines for the early Wednesday morning high tide.
Changes from the previous forecast:
• Westward shift of track, increasing snowfall totals in central and western MA, and lowering them for southern MA, Cape and Islands
• Blizzard Watches have been discontinued for southeast MA, but have been expanded into Worcester county
• High Wind Warning for south coastal MA, as well as Plymouth county
• Coastal Flood Warning for the coastline of eastern MA, including Nantucket, for the Tuesday afternoon high tide
The storm is expected to produce:
• Very heavy snowfall rates of 2-4+ inches per hour
• Isolated thunderstorms
• Damaging wind gusts (50-70+ mph)
• Minor to moderate Coastal Flooding
Potential Impacts:
• Hazardous travel due to visibility near zero at times
• Power outages, especially in southeastern MA
• Blowing and drifting snow is a concern, up to 3 foot drifts possible
• A few flooded shore roads, possible pockets or more significant flooding
