At 6:45 EDT, a solar impulse was detected in the Earth’s atmosphere according to the Canadian Space Agency. This is a result of particles from the sun being hurled through space following a Coronal Mass Ejection.  A Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) is a burst of plasma from the sun which, when hitting the Earth, can interfere with power transmissions, satellites, GPS, radios and other electronic devices.  While that can be troublesome, a CME hitting the Earth can be quite beautiful. 

This all started on Thursday when a Coronal Mass Ejection was seen leaving the Sun.

Courtesy NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory: Coronal Mass Ejection Leaving the Sun early Thursday morning.

This happens a lot, but this CME was directed toward Earth and reached us earlier this evening.  When these particles hit our communication satellites, outages can occur. Sometimes, power distribution to our houses can be interrupted, but that is rare.

Courtesy NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory: CME from the Sun.

Again, while the problems these solar ejections can cause are many, the beauty can be unreal!  Streams of color can dance through the night sky.  While usually green, reds and blues have been seen.  The problem here in Southern New England tonight is the clouds. 

Courtesy U.S. Airforce: The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, shines above Bear Lake in Alaska

While it can be difficult to see the Aurora anyway because of our position on the Earth (further North is better), we can still see them if all the conditions are right.  This particular flare of the sun is considered to be a mid-level M-class flare.  It’s 10 times weaker than an X-class flare, but also the strongest so far in 2013.   Even if we can’t see the Aurora tonight, we will have many more chances.  The sun is coming close to its Solar Maximum.  That is the part of the sun’s 11-year cycle when it is the most active.  Numerous sun-spots have cited on the sun, an indication of its activity.  Experts say that the peak to this solar cycle is later this year.

You can follow all of my astronomy and weather updates on Twitter: @tjdelsanto

-T.J. Del Santo

Courtesy: NASA. Satellite picture of Hurricane Sandy in 2013.

Colorado State University has issued their forecast for the 2013 Hurricane Season.  Phillip J. Klotzbach and William Gray have been forecasting hurricane activity in the Atlantic for decades.  They base their forecasts on a number of factors including world-wide weather patterns and sea-surface temperatures.  Hurricane season begins on June 1st and ends on November 30th.

Here is their forecast for the Atlantic Basin in 2013 and the average from 1981-2010. 

• 18 Named Storms, average is 12
• 9 Hurricanes, average is 6.5
• 4 Major Hurricanes, average is 2

The following is from their report which you can read here.

“We anticipate that the 2013 Atlantic basin hurricane season will have enhanced activity compared with the 1981-2010 climatology. The tropical Atlantic has anomalously warmed over the past several months, and it appears that the chances of an El Niño event this summer and fall are unlikely. We anticipate an above-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the United States coastline and in the Caribbean. Coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them, and they need to prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much or how little activity is predicted.”

Large waves battering the Narragansett coastline during Hurricane Sandy.

We have been directly impacted by tropical systems the past two seasons–Irene in 2011 and Sandy in 2012.  We are in a period of increased hurricane activity in the Atlantic, and while it is IMPOSSIBLE to predict whether we can get hit for a 3rd year in a row, it is best to be prepared.

For more information on how to get storm ready, you can visit our Storm Ready page on wpri.com.  There, you can familiarize yourself with evacuation routes, download preparation lists and learn how to prepare your property for hurricanes.

The Colorado State team’s next hurricane forecast will be released on June 3.  -T.J. Del Santo

Easter Sunday is looking okay here in Southern New England.

We’ll start the day with lots of sunshine and a sunrise temperature in the mid to upper 30′s.  Sunrise is at 6:26am. 

Through the morning, the sun will be shining brightly and the temps will be rebounding quickly…from the 30′s, through the 40′s and into the 50′s by noon.  Sunrise services will be chilly and morning Egg Hunts will be cool.

Temperature trend through Easter Sunday for Providence, RI.

The afternoon will feature a fading sun.  Clouds will be thickening through the afternoon, but we should stay dry.  The computer model projections for the onset of the precipitation are between 7 and 9pm.  It is possible that a stray shower may arrive before then, but expect generally dry weather through Easter.

RPM computer model projection of clouds and precipitation for Easter Sunday.

Happy Easter! -TJ Del Santo

The National Weather Service sent out a nice tweet yesterday (saving me a few minutes of work for this blog which I had planned to do anyway this morning).  They listed the Top 10 Snowiest Winters of the major cities in Southern New England.  Here are the Top Snowiest Winters for Providence:

1. 1995-96:         106.1″
2. 1947-1948:      75.6″
3. 2004-2005:     72.2″
4. 1906-1907:      71.4″
5. 1977-1978:     70.2″
6. 1993-1994:      63.5″
7. 1960-1961:      62.7″
8. 1966-1967:      58.1″
9. 1944-1945:      56.7″
10. 1989-1990:      56.2″

2″ of snow fell in East Providence between March 18th and March 19th.

A short time ago, TF Green Airport reported 2.6″ of snow with this storm, bringing the total up to 46.3″ of snow on the season.  That’s about 10″ short of cracking the Top 10 Snowiest Seasons in Providence.   As I’ve mentioned in a previous blog post today, Winter’s Staying Put!   We will likely have at least 2 or 3 more chances of snow this year….picking up another 10″ is not impossible!

-T.J. Del Santo

Latest reports...a mix of National Weather Service reports 
and what we have received here at WPRI.  

Let us know how much fell in your driveway!

RHODE ISLAND

...BRISTOL COUNTY...
   BARRINGTON             2.5   604 AM  3/19  HAM RADIO
   BRISTOL                2.0   545 AM  3/19  HAM RADIO

...KENT COUNTY...
   WEST WARWICK           4.0   630 AM  3/19  HAM RADIO
   COVENTRY               3.0   349 AM  3/19  HAM RADIO
   COVENTRY               2.0   700 AM 

...NEWPORT COUNTY...
   PORTSMOUTH             2.7   644 AM  3/19  TRAINED SPOTTER

...PROVIDENCE COUNTY...
   WEST GLOCESTER         4.0   643 AM  3/19  
   HOPE                   3.0   345 AM  3/19 
   GREENVILLE             3.0   635 AM  3/19  GENERAL PUBLIC
   PROVIDENCE/NORTH PRO   2.7   648 AM  3/19  GENERAL PUBLIC
   WOONSOCKET             2.4   700 AM  3/19  MEDIA
   EAST PROVIDENCE        2.0   307 AM  3/19  EMERGENCY MANAGER

...WASHINGTON COUNTY...
   SOUTH KINGSTOWN        3.0   209 AM  3/19  TRAINED SPOTTER

MASSACHUSETTS

...BRISTOL COUNTY...
   TAUNTON                3.0   700 AM  3/19  NWS OFFICE
   REHOBOTH               2.0   708 AM  3/19  COCORAHS
   SWANSEA                2.0   707 AM  3/19  TRAINED SPOTTER
   TAUNTON 2NW            2.0   458 AM  3/19  NWS EMPLOYEE
   NEW BEDFORD            1.5   403 AM  3/19  HAM RADIO

-T.J. Del Santo

In 24 hours, it will officially be spring in the Northern Hemisphere.  At 7:02am on Wednesday, the sun’s direct rays will be shining on the equator.  Mother nature didn’t get the memo about the beginning of Meteorological Spring (March 1st) or Astronomical Spring.  Instead, long range computer models indicate we will see this pattern of cold weather continue for awhile. 

We have the potential for more snow on Thursday/Friday.  Below is the latest European computer model.  The American GFS computer model is similar to this solution with a trof of low pressure hanging over Southern New England.   As far as how much, it’s possible another few inches are possible in Providence (maybe higher amounts over Southeaster Massachusetts). 

European Computer Model for Thursday night/Friday Morning indicating the possibility of more snow

So where is the spring-like weather?  It’s definitely not here and there is no indication it will be arriving in the next 2 weeks.  The biggest reason why is something called the NAO or the North Atlantic Oscillation.  The NAO is a whether phenomenon in the North Atlantic which can fluctuate in time.  Forecasts are usually only reliable for about 2-3 weeks ahead of time.  Below is the forecast of the NAO for the next 2 weeks….notice how the redline stays negative.  Negative NAO for us means cold.  While we may get some brief reprieves from the cold during hte next few weeks, don’t expect any prolonged stretches of beautiful spring weather soon.

Graph of the observed (black line) and forecasted (red lines) of the North Atlantic Oscillation

So, Easter will likely be chilly and even into April, we are likely to see some cooler than normal temps.  Notice the trend of the red line, however.  It will start headed toward a positive NAO in early April.  Keep your fingers crossed!

-T.J. Del Santo

In Rhode Island and Bristol County, MA we are seeing a mixed bag of precipitation.  At 5am, there is rain and freezing rain along the south shore, and a large area of sleet (ice pellets) just inland from the coast to about Route 295.  North and west of Route 295, expect the snow to hang around longer and accumulations will be a little bit higher there. 

Snow totals so far from National Weather Service and WPRI weather spotters

RHODE ISLAND

…KENT COUNTY…
    WEST WARWICK       4.0
    WEST WARWICK       3.0  
    COVENTRY                  3.0  

…PROVIDENCE COUNTY…
    HOPE                             3.0
    N. SMITHFIELD        2.5
   GREENVILLE              2.2  
   E. PROVIDENCE        2.0  

…WASHINGTON COUNTY…
   S. KINGSTOWN        3.0  

MASSACHUSETTS

…BRISTOL COUNTY…
   NEW BEDFORD         1.5   
   TAUNTON                  1.5   

-T.J. Del Santo

Rain has been slowly working its way across Western Massachusetts, Central Connecticut and New York City through the morning.  Through the morning, the rain will work its way eastward and the showers will become widespread this afternoon and evening.  In fact, some of the computer information I’ve been looking at indicates some heavy rain is possible later today. 

Localized street flooding is possible this evening.  The National Weather Service has posted a Flood Watch for Bristol, Norfolk County and Worcester Counties in Massachusetts.  Snowmelt and rainfall could put local streams and rivers over their banks.  Some poor drainage flooding is possible, too.

The chance of rain today will increase through the morning, but will be highest during the afternoon and evening. 

So…umbrellas and raincoats will become increasingly more necessary as the day wears on.  Drive slow!

-T.J. Del Santo

This is truly an amazing storm.  All around Rhode Island there are reports of 12-18″ of snow.  In Rhode Island, there’s only a coating to 4″.  Weird.  We’ve been constantly stuck in those ‘hole’ of light or no snow.  Here’s an example from our Live Pinpoint Doppler 12 Radar.

Live Pinpoint Doppler 12 Radar showing an unusual lack of snow fallin in RI, but lots of snow all around the Ocean State.

And what is amazing is there is a tremendous long fetch of moist air being fed into Southern New England off the Atlantic.  Look at the Water Vapor image below.  The green represents the ‘wetter’ air, while the brown represents the ‘drier’ air.  One would think that we would be getting something more than a coating to 4″ in Rhode Island with such a moist inflow of air into the region.  We’re not.   

This is a very large storm approximately 600 miles away from Providence.  A typical storm out that far in the Atlantic Ocean would barely have any effect on us here in Rhode Island.  The storm center is slow-moving and at times has been stationary.  The storm center is interacting with an area of high pressure to its north creating strong easterly winds, which have been feeding moisture into Southern New England since Wednesday.  Now that the sun is up, any significant accumulations in RI are unlikely.  However, roads remain slick (especially side streets).  Please drive/walk with great care.

-T.J. Del Santo

While most of Rhode Island got very little, the roads are pretty slick (especially the side streets).  Highways are mostly okay, but still excercise caution.  Here are some of the reports.  Bristol County, Massachusetts got the most in our area.

…BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS…
   WEST BRIDGEWATER     12.0  500AM  
   MANSFIELD                         10.0  1200 AM 
   TAUNTON                             8.7  1200 AM  
   NORTON                                8.3   727 PM  
   NORTH ATTLEBORO        6.5   940 PM  
   ATTLEBORO                        6.0   739 PM  
   DIGHTON                            4.0   835 PM  
   FALL RIVER                       3.2   644 PM  
   NEW BEDFORD                  2.0  1141 PM    
   ACUSHNET                          1.3  

RHODE ISLAND

BRISTOL COUNTY…
   BRISTOL                               2.0  1019 PM 

KENT COUNTY…
   2 NNW WARWICK          1.0  1200 AM 

PROVIDENCE COUNTY…
   WOONSOCKET             4.0  1201 AM  

   NORTH CUMBERLAND       3.0   
   WEST GLOCESTER                2.2   852 PM 
   PAWTUCKET                          1.0   515 PM  

   PROVIDENCE                        1.0  1200 AM  

   GREENVILLE                        0.7  1014 PM 

 As I begin typing this post at 9:23pm on Sunday evening, the latest computer model guidance is rolling in.  While I await the Tue-Wed-Thu time frame of that model to arrive, I’ll let you know about something that could be more impactful this week than snow/rain…and that’s the impact on the coast.

Computer models not only can predict snow, rain, temperatures and winds, but they can also predict water levels.  Looking at that computer model guidance for Newport and Block Island below, we could be seeing some minor to moderate coastal flooding along the south coasts of Rhode Island.

Computer Model Tidal Predictions for Newport, RI

Computer Model Guidance of Tidal Predictions for Block Island, RI

Notice the part that of the black line that goes above the Highest Astronomical tide or “HAT” line.   That is where the water is expected to rise above what is called the grass-line and that is where people tend to build.  This coastal flooding would take place around the Thursday morning high tide.

There is no guidance available for the coastline of South County (that I’m aware of), but the flooding values for southeast Connecticut are greater than what is represented here for Newport and Block Island.  Communities from  Narragansett to Westerly could see coastal flooding as well…perhaps even higher.

Something else interesting to note:  the red line in the Newport data.  That is the observed tide. it is higher than the predicted tide!  Just another little nugget to consider…the forecasted water heights could end up being a little higher than what is depicted here.

The storm is a few days away and we have lots of time to watch things….but just something to consider.

The NAM model is almost done….going to look at that, and I’ll pass along the latest information to you tonight at 10 on Fox Providence and on Channel 12 at 11.

-T.J. Del Santo

 I’m closely watching the Live Pinpoint Doppler 12 Radar and the temperatures this evening. 

Live Pinpoint Doppler 12 Radar showing light snow moving out of Southern Worcester County into Northern Rhode Island at 7:38pm.

The Doppler Radar is showing a batch of light snow sinking into Northern Rhode Island as I type.  I’ve got reports of some light snow, so I know this is reaching the ground.  I’m thinking that this WILL stick to some surfaces, including roads.  Temperatures in Northern Rhode Island have already cooled to 32° or lower.  Drive carefully! Some side streets, especially, could become slick this evening.

Temperatures as of 7:45pm Sunday evening. Notice the temperatures at the freezing mark (32°F) in Northern Rhode Island. Any light snow could begin to stick on some surfaces.

Looking farther down the road, we continue to monitor a storm that will move off the Mid-Atlantic coast on Wednesday.  Indications from our computer guidance are that this storm will stay far enough to our south that we will be seeing only fringe effects.  Some light snow/ice is possible.  There may be more of an impact with the wind and minor coastal flooding at the times of high tides.  We will monitor the progress of this storm closely.

-T.J. Del Santo

T.F. Green Airport broke a 100 year old record today with its rainfall.  As of 5pm, 1.22″ of rain fell in Providence.  The old record was 1.06″ of rain was set on February 27, 2013.

Generally, 1 to 1.75″ of rain fell across the area today.  The most fell in Coventry where 1.75″ of rain fell.

-T.J. Del Santo

The following is from the National Weather Service…. 

Live Pinpoint Doppler 12 Radar has been tracking a line of very heavy rain moving through Rhode Island–basically right up Interstate 95.  Expect brief, but heavy downpours through the Providence Metro area through 3pm.  In addition, winds have been gusting as high as 51mph in Warwick.  Be sure to follow us on Twitter for frequent updates:

T.J. Del Santo: @tjdelsanto

Pinpoint Weather Team: @PinpointWxTeam

And watch Live Pinpoint Doppler 12 Radar on our website at http://www.wpri.com/subindex/weather/radar

-T.J. Del Santo

Twelve points about the weather here and elsewhere…

1. Expect rain overnight….a cold, light rain and sometimes just some drizzle.
2. Pockets of freezing rain will be found in areas north and west of Rhode Island through the night…drive carefully!!
3. Mainly rain across the area Sunday morning, but….
4. Rain mixes with and changes over to snow through the morning from north to south
5. Snow showers through the afternoon.
6. No accumulation of snow in the afternoon.
7. Showers at the Daytona 500 are possible….there could be some weather-related delays during the race.
8. Accumulating snow starts late afternoon
9. Snow continues through the evening
10. Snow ends around midnight Sunday/Monday
11. Total accumulations will range from 1 to 3″ in Northern Rhode Island, less toward the coast.
12. Watch for slick roadways Sunday evening  and Monday morning

 -T.J. Del Santo

Monitoring Live Pinpoint Doppler 12 Radar closely and I’m noticing three things.

Live Pinpoint Doppler 12 Radar

1) Rain is taking over right now….still some lingering sleet in northern RI. 

2) Also seeing some heavier downpours…we just had one here in East Providence

3) Back edge of the steady precipitation is moving through central CT.

So, after a coating of snow/ice in some spots (including on some interior roadways), warmer air is taking over.  I talked about that in my previous post.  But, the steadiest of the rain won’t be around for too much longer either.  However, we will likely see drizzle and occasional showers through most of the night.  The temperatures should be staying above freezing through the night, but some interior spots could hover around 32°F.  Please drive carefully!

-T.J. Del Santo

 As I type, rain is falling across parts of the area.  I’ve seen the temperatures at the surface cool a degree or two here and there.  That is because the rain is evaporating and cooler the air.  However, in the grand scheme of things, the atmosphere will be warming through the night.  Take a look at what the temperatures will be doing through the night, and notice the big spike in above freezing temps (temps greater than 0°C). 

Courtesy coolwx.com: Temperature in the low levels of the atmosphere from the NAM computer model. Warm layer is being pointed to by red arrows.

Because of this, I’m expecting any mix of precipitation to turn over to mainly rain.  In Northern Rhode Island (areas north of Route 295) there may be a mix of sleet and snow and rain throught the night; although no accumulations are expected.

In contrast, look at the colder air which will arrive on Sunday.

Courtesy coolwx.com: Temperature in the low levels of the atmosphere from the NAM computer model. Cold layer is being pointed to by blue arrows.

In fact, we may actually see the accumulating snow arrive on Sunday afternoon and evening as the temperatures cool.  The big question is how quickly does the surface cool on Sunday afternoon.  Right now, temps are expected to be in the mid 30′s in the afternoon, but falling.  We’ll have to track those temps closely…and we will!

-T.J. Del Santo

It’s no great secret that we’ve had a pretty snowy month.  We are closing in on 2feet of snow February! I figured it MUST be one of the snowiest months ever, so I decided to ‘dig a little deeper’ into the numbers.

For February 2013, so far, we have had a total of 23.9″ of snowfall.  As of February 20th, seven of the 20 days had measurable snow and two had just a trace of snow.  Of course, most of the 23.9″ is from the Blizzard when 18″ fell at TF Green Airport.  It’s at the airport in Warwick where our snow records have been kept since 1905.  So where does February 2013 stand up to all the other February’s in the last 100+years?

The Number to Beat. 30.9″ is the most snow to have fallen at T.F. Green Airport in Warwick,RI during the month of February, dating back to 1905.

Currently, Feb-2013 is tied for 7th all time with the year 1945.  The year 1962 was the snowiest February in our history, followed by 1978.  Even if you weren’t around during the Blizzard of 1978, you’ve certainly heard the stories and seen the incredible video and pictures.  Amazingly, all of that 28.6″ of snow for February 1978 fell during the Blizzard.  There was not any other measurable snow for the rest of that month. 

Top 10 Snowiest February’s at T.F. Green Since 1905

1. 1962: 30.9″
2. 1978: 28.6″
3. 1969: 26.7″
4. 1907: 26.2″
5. 1994: 25.8″
6. 2003: 24.7″
7. 2013 and 1945 23.9″
8. 1967: 23.1″
9. 1934: 22.9″
10. 1920: 22.8″

In case you were wondering, during the winter of ’95-’96 we got an astounding 105.2″ of snow!  That is the record for an entire season at TF Green.  We won’t be coming close to that record, don’t worry….gulp..I hope!  Not out-of-reach, however, is this month being one of the snowiest months ever for the area.

The Top 10 Snowiest Months at T.F. Green Airport Since 1905

1. Jan 1996: 37.4″
2. Jan 2005: 36.7″
3. Jan 1948: 31.7″
4. Mar 1956: 31.6″
5. Feb 1962: 30.9″
6. Jan 2011: 30.7″
7. Jan 1965: 28.7″
8. Feb 1978: 28.6″
9. Feb 1969 and Dec 1945: 26.7″
10. Feb 1907: 26.2″

So, here we are with 8 more days left in the month, and we are faced with another weekend storm.  This one looks like it will feature some rain, possibly as far inland as the airport in Warwick.  We need another 7inches of snow to tie the all-time record.  Breaking that record with at least 31″ of snow, would put this month in the top 5 snowiest months.  Can we do it? Definitely! Some computer model projections indicate we could see 6-8″ of snow at the airport from the upcoming weekend storm.  Don’t take that as the official forecast, however, because we are still 3days away from the first flakes flying.  If we come up a little bit short, there’s the chance for a little more snow next Tue/Wed!

I’m not a snow-lover, but I think it would be pretty cool to break the all-time February snow record.  Let it snow! (Can’t believe I just typed that).

-T.J. Del Santo

Winds will remain strong through the night and blowing and drifting snow is likely.  Visibilities may drop briefly and roads could be snow-covered. 

The falling snow is done for RI and Bristol County, MA, but it’s still snowing on the Cape (as of 8:30pm)…here are the updated snow totals….

…BARNSTABLE COUNTY…
   BREWSTER                          6.3   110 PM  2/17  HAM RADIO
   WEST BARNSTABLE        5.0   320 PM  2/17  PUBLIC
   HYANNIS                            5.0   105 PM  2/17  HAM RADIO
   WELLFLEET                       4.3   205 PM  2/17  HAM RADIO
   SOUTH YARMOUTH       4.0  1114 AM  2/17  HAM RADIO
   MASHPEE                            3.0  1122 AM  2/17  HAM RADIO
   BARNSTABLE                    3.0   205 PM  2/17  HAM RADIO MARSTON MILLS

…BRISTOL COUNTY…
   NEW BEDFORD                  5.0  1226 PM  2/17  HAM RADIO
   ACUSHNET                          4.0  1114 AM  2/17  HAM RADIO
   TAUNTON                           4.0  1227 PM  2/17  NWS OFFICE- FINAL TOTAL
   FAIRHAVEN                      3.8  1250 PM  2/17  HAM RADIO
   MANSFIELD                       3.5   157 PM  2/17  SPOTTER
   FALL RIVER                       3.5   927 AM  2/17  GENERAL PUBLIC
   DIGHTON                             3.4  1216 PM  2/17  NWS EMPLOYEE
   REHOBOTH                          2.0   713 AM  2/17  NWS EMPLOYEE

RHODE ISLAND

…BRISTOL COUNTY…
   BRISTOL                              4.0  1106 AM  2/17  MEDIA
   BARRINGTON                    3.3   906 AM  2/17  MEDIA

…KENT COUNTY…
   2 NNW WARWICK           3.7   100 PM  2/17  TF GREEN AIRPORT
   WARWICK                          3.5   110 PM  2/17  SPOTTER

…PROVIDENCE COUNTY…
   GLOCESTER                          4.0  1120 AM  2/17  TRAINED SPOTTER
   PROVIDENCE                      3.7   337 PM  2/17  SPOTTER
   NORTH FOSTER                 3.3   209 PM  2/17  COOP OBSERVER
   SCITUATE                             3.3   958 AM  2/17  MEDIA

…WASHINGTON COUNTY…
   NARRAGANSETT              2.5   712 AM  2/17  HAM RADIO
   WESTERLY                           2.0   918 AM  2/17  GENERAL PUBLIC

Watching a developing storm system off the Carolina coastline which will move to the Gulf of Maine by tomorrow afternoon and rapidly intensify.  It will strengthen so rapidly, it will be said to be undergoing a process called Bombogensis where the surface pressure falls 24mb within 24hours.  The intensification could exceed that rate.

Through the evening, temperatures will be dropping into the low 30′s by midnight everywhere and into the mid to upper 20′s by dawn.  Meanwhile, that intensifying low will be headed to a position approximately 150miles to the south of Nantcuket.  Our snow will fall the heaviest as it approaches and just begins to move northeast of us. The heaviest will be between 5am and 11am. 

Also, as the storm continues its rapid intensifcation our winds will strengthen.  Wind gusts between 35 and 55mph are possible from N’rn RI to the Cape, respectively.  Interestingly enough, our in-house computer charts are indicating 3hours of sustained winds of 35mph at Hyannis–with the snow, blizzard conditions are possible out there.   With these winds, isolated power outages are again possible!!!

Also, this will be a very fluffy snow, easier to clear, but it will blow and drift around a lot. 

In conclusion, here are some important points:

• Snow through the night until about noon on Sunday
• Heaviest 5am – 11am
• Generally 4-7″ for our area
• Strong winds from the northwest gusting between 35 and 55mph
• Power outages possible
• Fluffy snow…lots of blowing and drifting through the day on Sunday

Here’s how much fluff I’m expecting…

Forecasted snow amounts

So many viewers have sent some amazing pictures documenting the Blizzard of 2013 for themselves and the rest of Southern New England.  We’ve seen the beauty photos and the fun photos.  They are all fantastic! There have also been a few photos which have really caught my eye, but they’re not from viewers, but from satellites and aircraft.

The first is from a NASA satellite as the Blizzard was pulling away. on Saturday.  Notice the well-defined swirl and a well-defined eye like structure near the center.  You can see the back edge of the clouds coming across Rhode island and the fresh snowpack over New York and Connecticut.

Courtesy NASA: Blizzard 2013 pulling away from New England with an eye-structure at the center.

The second is also from a satellie picture but from Sunday, showing a number of different features.  Look at Southern, NJ…that is an area with minimal snowfall during the storm.  The rest of the region with the whitish look is where the snowfell.  You’ll notice that the almost-frozen-over Scituate Reservoir isn’t visible.  Instead, it is snow-covered.  Also, look closely from Springfield headed to Sturbridge, MA that there is a line.  That is the scar from the 2011 Springfield tornado! Amazing!

Courtesy NASA: Fresh Snowcover over New England

 The last picture, I saw today from a photographer over Logan Airport in Boston, also showing the fresh snowfall over Beantown.  Photographer Scott Eisen (@scotteisenphoto) shared this on Twitter.  He took it while 30,000 feet over Boston.  You can see the runways plowed and the skyscrapers of the Financial district.  Amazing picture! 

-T.J. Del Santo

With the deep snowpack in place, at the time of writing this entry, temperatures have fallen into the teens.  Cloud cover ahead of a warm front is working its way into Southern New England.  The clouds will act like a blanket and prevent the temps from falling too much farther.  Later in the night, southerly winds will strengthen and temps may actually rise a bit.  However, the cold air will be stubborn to leave Monday morning, especially inland. 

Areas in blue show where there is the potential for freezing rain Monday morning.

With that in mind, rain will be moving into the region between 8 and 9am.  Initially, that rain could be freezing on contact where temps remain below freezing.  The computer models don’t always have a good feel for the cold air in these type of situations.  Freezing rain could persist until around noon time in areas north and west of Providence.  Use extra caution while driving tomorrow morning.

Rainfall totals through 5:15pm Monday from WPRI’s Microcast Model

Eventually, rain wins out everywhere for the afternoon.  Multiple computer models are indicating rainfall amounts of .25-.42 inches of rain.  Clogged storm drains, rain and snowmelt could cause some street flooding across the region Saturday afternoon and evening.  Fortunately, the temps will stay above freezing Monday night and icing shouldn’t be a problem.

 Bottom line, if you have a storm drain around your property, unclog it of the snow and ice that has collected there.  Also beware of the possibility of freezing rain Monday morning, especially away from the coast after about 8am.

-T.J. Del Santo

RHODE ISLAND

…KENT COUNTY…
   WEST WARWICK          21.5   921 AM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER
   WARWICK               20.0   948 AM  2/09  GENERAL PUBLIC
   2 NNW WARWICK         16.6   700 AM  2/09  TF GREEN AIRPORT

…NEWPORT COUNTY…
   PORTSMOUTH            15.2  1200 PM  2/09  NWS EMPLOYEE
   LITTLE COMPTON        12.5  1121 AM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER

…PROVIDENCE COUNTY…
   WEST GLOCESTER        27.6  1046 AM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER
   NORTH FOSTER          26.3  1023 AM  2/09  NWS COOP
   WOONSOCKET            26.1   100 PM  2/09  MEDIA
   GLOCESTER             26.0  1237 PM  2/09  GENERAL PUBLIC
   BURRILLVILLE          26.0  1141 AM  2/09  GENERAL PUBLIC
   3 SE WEST GLOCESTER   25.7   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS
   1 ESE WOONSOCKET      24.4   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS
   CUMBERLAND            24.1   635 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   NORTH SCITUATE        24.0  1018 AM  2/09  LAW ENFORCEMENT
   SMITHFIELD            24.0   714 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   NE MANVILLE           23.9   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS
   LINCOLN               21.0   920 AM  2/09  NONE
   1 SW PAWTUCKET        21.0   800 AM  2/09  COCORAHS
   PROVIDENCE/NORTH PRO  20.5   912 AM  2/09  GENERAL PUBLIC
   NORTH CUMBERLAND      20.0   229 AM  2/09  NONE
   PROVIDENCE            19.5   818 AM  2/09  NONE
   EAST PROVIDENCE       17.3   357 PM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER
   2 E CRANSTON          17.1   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS

…WASHINGTON COUNTY…
   CHARLESTOWN           19.0   654 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   WESTERLY              14.0  1251 PM  2/09  HAM RADIO

…TOLLAND COUNTY…
   COVENTRY              32.5  1143 AM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER
   STAFFORDVILLE         31.4   100 PM  2/09  NWS COOP
   TOLLAND               30.5   914 AM  2/09  GENERAL PUBLIC
   STAFFORD SPRINGS      26.1  1237 PM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER
   SOMERS                25.5   646 AM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER
   VERNON                25.0   402 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO

…WINDHAM COUNTY…
   EAST KILLINGLY        26.0  1105 AM  2/09  NONE
   WOODSTOCK             26.0  1026 AM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER
   THOMPSON              25.5  1008 AM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER
   HAMPTON               25.0   829 AM  2/09  COOP OBSERVER
   ASHFORD               24.0   828 AM  2/09  GENERAL PUBLIC
   1 SW EAST KILLINGLY   23.1   800 AM  2/09  COCORAHS
   DANIELSON             22.5   933 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   POMFRET CENTER        22.0  1114 AM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER

MASSACHUSETTS

…BARNSTABLE COUNTY…
   EAST SANDWICH         14.8  1244 PM  2/09  NWS EMPLOYEE
   SOUTH SAGAMORE        11.0   609 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   EAST FALMOUTH         10.0   823 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   BARNSTABLE             9.5   411 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   SOUTH YARMOUTH         8.0   622 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   CENTERVILLE            6.0   558 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO

…BRISTOL COUNTY…
   FALL RIVER            24.0  1122 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   SOUTH EASTON          23.0   240 PM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   TAUNTON               22.7   100 PM  2/09  NWS OFFICE
   2 NNE NORTON          22.5   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS
   NORTON                22.5   721 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   SOUTH ATTLEBORO       22.0   314 PM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   ACUSHNET              21.5   259 PM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER
   NORTH EASTON          21.0   310 PM  2/09  GENERAL PUBLIC
   NORTH ATTLEBORO       20.0  1130 AM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER
   REHOBOTH              18.2  1018 AM  2/09  NWS EMPLOYEE
   SOMERSET              17.5   210 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   NEW BEDFORD           16.0  1208 PM  2/09  GENERAL PUBLIC
   SOUTH DARTMOUTH       14.0   304 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   2 WSW SWANSEA         14.0   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS
   FAIRHAVEN             13.5   606 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO

…NORFOLK COUNTY…
   QUINCY                30.0   104 PM  2/09  GENERAL PUBLIC
   MILTON                28.0   143 PM  2/09  GENERAL PUBLIC
   1 NW WEYMOUTH         26.0   800 AM  2/09  COCORAHS
   WEYMOUTH              26.0   911 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   WRENTHAM              26.0   702 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   RANDOLPH              26.0   152 PM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER
   NORTH WEYMOUTH        25.8   400 PM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER
   BROOKLINE             25.5  1125 AM  2/09  NWS EMPLOYEE
   NORWOOD               25.4  1233 PM  2/09  NWS EMPLOYEE
   FOXBORO               24.5  1200 PM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER
   BRAINTREE             24.1   951 AM  2/09  MEDIA
   1 NW NORWOOD          24.0   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS
   WEST WALPOLE          23.8  1150 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   WELLESLEY             23.5   746 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   SOUTH WEYMOUTH        23.0   128 PM  2/09  MEDIA
   WALPOLE               22.0   707 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   DEDHAM                22.0  1000 AM  2/09  NONE
   MILLIS                22.0   655 AM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER
   HINGHAM               21.5   924 AM  2/09  NONE
   FRANKLIN              20.9   704 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   SHARON                15.0   312 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO

…WORCESTER COUNTY…
   SPENCER               31.0  1030 AM  2/09  NONE
   FITCHBURG             30.2   304 PM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER
   NORTHBORO             29.5  1002 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   STERLING              28.0  1244 PM  2/09  GENERAL PUBLIC
   WORCESTER             28.0   747 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   MILFORD               28.0   843 AM  2/09  GENERAL PUBLIC
   SHREWSBURY            27.0   735 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   ATHOL                 27.0  1023 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   1 SSE NORTHBOROUGH    26.7   835 AM  2/09  COCORAHS
   LEICESTER             26.0  1110 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   MILBURY               26.0   754 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   SOUTHBORO             25.5   646 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   OXFORD                25.2   623 AM  2/09  GENERAL PUBLIC
   TEMPLETON             25.0   405 AM  2/09  NONE
   CLINTON               25.0   811 AM  2/09  GENERAL PUBLIC
   DOUGLAS               25.0   826 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   CHARLTON              24.5   224 PM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   GARDNER               24.0   758 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   ASHBURNHAM            23.5   305 PM  2/09  CO-OP
   WESTMINSTER           22.3  1143 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   1 E SOUTHBRIDGE       22.0   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS
   BOYLSTON              21.8  1030 AM  2/09  NONE
   NORTH GRAFTON         21.2  1147 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   LEOMINSTER            20.8   219 PM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER
   GRAFTON               20.5   955 AM  2/09  NONE
   HOPEDALE              20.0  1141 AM  2/09  HAM RADIO
   HARVARD               19.0  1054 AM  2/09  NONE
   2 SSW FITCHBURG       19.0   600 AM  2/09  COCORAHS
   2 S LEOMINSTER        18.9   700 AM  2/09  COCORAHS
   ROYAL;STON            18.2   102 PM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER
   ROYALSTON             15.0   818 AM  2/09  TRAINED SPOTTER

That’s the last thing people with no heat want to hear…”frigid night ahead”.  In the wake of Blizzard 2013, the Temperatures all over Southeastern New England will drop into the single digits and teens.  10′s of thousands of people remain in the dark and in cold homes. 

Two of the hardest hit areas are Newport County and Washington County.  Here’s how the temps will be falling through the night in these communities….

 
For those that need to find a warming shelter tonight or need any other information, you can click here.

-T.J. Del Santo

We are seeing some wind gusts in RI over 60mph.  In the last hour, the Prudence Island weather station reported68mph, Conimicut Point in Warwick reported 61mph and Quonset Pt in North Kingstown reported 64mph. -tj

RHODE ISLAND

…KENT COUNTY…
   WEST WARWICK           8.3   628 PM  2/08  HAM RADIO
   WEST GREENWICH         8.0   633 PM  2/08  HAM RADIO
   WEST COVENTRY          8.0   643 PM  2/08  HAM RADIO
   WARWICK                6.0   603 PM  2/08  MEDIA
   2 NNW WARWICK          4.3   700 PM  2/08  ASOS

…NEWPORT COUNTY…
   LITTLE COMPTON         4.0   615 PM  2/08  TRAINED SPOTTER

…PROVIDENCE COUNTY…
   SMITHFIELD            14.0   910 PM  2/08  HAM RADIO
   WEST GLOCESTER        13.5   915 PM  2/08  SPOTTER
   BURRILLVILLE          13.0   920 PM  2/08  PUBLIC
   WOONSOCKET            12.0   810 PM  2/08  TRAINED SPOTTER
   GLOCESTER              9.5   920 PM  2/08  SPOTTER
   NORTH CUMBERLAND       8.2   703 PM  2/08  NONE
   PAWTUCKET              8.0   750 PM  2/08  TRAINED SPOTTER
   PROVIDENCE             7.0   740 PM  2/08  TRAINED SPOTTER
   EAST PROVIDENCE        6.0   716 PM  2/08  NONE
   NORTH FOSTER           5.3   532 PM  2/08  NWS COOP
   CUMBERLAND             5.2   642 PM  2/08  PUBLIC

…WASHINGTON COUNTY…
   NORTH KINGSTOWN       10.5   858 PM  2/08  TRAINED SPOTTER
   CHARLESTOWN            7.8   620 PM  2/08  HAM RADIO
   SOUTH KINGSTOWN        7.5   800 PM  2/08  AMATEUR RADIO
   WESTERLY               7.0   622 PM  2/08  HAM RADIO
   HOPKINTON              5.0   620 PM  2/08  PUBLIC

Getting reports of 4500 power outages in RI….mostly along the south coast where winds are really starting to crank up.  Winds have been gusting 30-45mph along the south shore.  Those gusts will be going up to near hurricane force.

Widespread power outages are likely along the south coast, especially.

Here’s the  link to the National Grid Power Outage Page:

http://www.wpri.com/generic/weather/hurricane/rhode-island-massachusetts-power-outages

To report an outage, call (401) 465-1212

-T.J. Del Santo

We have received multiple reports of thundersnow in Cranston.  Also, reports of thundersnow in Riverside, Franklin and Falmouth. Intense bands of snow are beginning to move into Southern New England as the storm intensifies offshore.

Our lightning tracker is picking up on cloud-to-ocean lightning.

Scituate, MA: 46 MPH Gust at 334 PM
Brookline, MA (Clay Center): 44 MPH Gust at 357 PM
Milton, MA (non-asos site): 44 MPH Gust at 336 PM
Hingham, MA: 42 MPH Gust at 356 PM
Rockport, MA: 42 MPH Gust at 312 PM
Gloucester, MA: 41 MPH Gust at 310 PM