February 2020 - Weather - mailman.dca2.superb.net

Clarification of NWS-Norton DSS support; offer for training
by BOX Operations - NOAA Service Account 11 Feb '20

11 Feb '20

Dear MA School Superintendents, Earlier this afternoon, you received an email from me regarding our Decision Support Services (DSS) for emergency managers. The reason that you received this email is because you are also on our distribution list for heads-up weather Powerpoints (you probably just received one about a little wintry weather coming up). I wanted to clarify that our DSS event support is limited to town emergency manager requests. Unfortunately, we cannot provide specialized forecasts for individual school districts (hundreds in our forecast region) for sporting events, graduations, etc. That said, however, I would love to offer some training -- at a meeting with all superintendents or regional meetings -- to show you where on our website to glean pertinent, critical information, both in advance of and during your events. For example, I could demonstrate our point-and-click forecast, the hourly weather graph chart, our forecaster discussions, the NWS radar loop, the Storm Prediction Center's severe weather outlook, snowfall forecasts, etc. Paul/Scott, please let me know if this is feasible to work into one of your training sessions. Thanks. Hope this clarifies what the support that we can and cannot provide. Sincerely, Glenn Field Warning Coordination Meteorologist NWS - Norton, MA (508) 622-3250 ext. 223 (or press 2 from menu)

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Decision Support Services Request Form
by Glenn Field - NOAA Federal 11 Feb '20

11 Feb '20

Dear Emergency Managers, We wanted to take this opportunity, especially now that spring and summer are approaching, to remind everyone that the National Weather Service in Norton, MA is able to provide support to emergency managers and town officials for large events for the overall purpose of public safety and safety of first responders. We call this "DSS," or Decision Support Services. Typically, these events would have several thousand people or more in attendance. Our support could be in the form of emails/forecast matrices ahead of the event, phone calls during an event if a threshold is reached, or actual onsite presence in a multi-agency coordination center (for huge events such as the July 4th Boston Pops on the Esplanade or the Boston Marathon, etc.). Below is a link to the form that you would need to complete in order to initiate a request -- please give several weeks of heads-up notice to us. In that form, you will be asked to provide us with what your critical weather criteria/thresholds may be. For example, for some events you may only be interested in whether lightning is forecast/approaching. For other events it could be 1" or more of rain or 30+ mph wind gusts that you are concerned with. We can take that information and send you a color-coded matrix ahead of time that highlights your main weather parameters of concern, for example. Some of you have already used this form, but since we typically hear from the same EMs, we wanted to send it out again via this email list. https://www.weather.gov/box/em_form Our DSS Program Leader is Frank Nocera (frank.nocera(a)noaa.gov) If you have any questions, please contact either Frank or me. Thanks. Sincerely, Glenn Field Warning Coordination Meteorologist NWS - Norton, MA (508) 622-3250 ext. 223 (or press 2 from menu) Direct line: 508-622-3323

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[2020-02-09] Winter Weather Advisory into Monday Morning
by BOX Operations - NOAA Service Account 09 Feb '20

09 Feb '20

Good evening, all. Confidence has grown for accumulating snowfall of 2-4 inches across western Franklin and western Hampshire Counties, especially at elevations above 1,000 feet. Snow expected to develop after midnight, with most of the snow accumulation before daybreak Monday. Snow transitions to rain by late Monday morning. Elsewhere across the higher terrain of northwest MA, have high confidence in at least some snowfall between midnight and 7 AM. However, confidence is lower for accumulations of 3 inches or more. Matthew Belk If you have any questions or would like more information, don't hesitate to contact us via this email address, on NWSChat <https://nwschat.weather.gov/>, or at the following: National Weather Service Boston/Norton, MA 46 Commerce Way Norton, MA 02766 508.622.3280 Website <http://www.weather.gov/boston> | Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/NWSBoston> | Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/NWSBoston>

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[2020.02.07 PM] NWS Boston EM Briefing -- Strong Winds through This Evening
by BOX Operations - NOAA Service Account 07 Feb '20

07 Feb '20

Good afternoon, There are no changes in the wind headlines from the previous forecast. Winds are the main concern through this evening. An updated maximum wind gust graphic is attached. - A *High Wind Warning* remains in effect for the south coast of Rhode Island and Massachusetts* through 8 PM*, and for Cape Cod and the Islands through *10 PM*. - *Gusts up 70 mph* - A *High Wind Warning *has been issued for Plymouth County through *8 PM.* - *Gusts 60-70 mph* - A *Wind Advisory* is in effect for northern Connecticut, northern Rhode Island, and south central/eastern Massachusetts as well as Hampden county through *10 PM*. - *Gusts up to 55 mph* - *Storm Warnings *remain in effect for strong winds across the waters Here are a few more details: - The peak of the wind will continue until about 8 pm as winds shift from southwest to west. - The strongest winds will be over southeast Massachusetts, especially Cape Cod and the Islands where winds will *gust to 70 mph*. - Winds will diminish late this evening through the overnight hours. If you have any questions or would like more information, don't hesitate to contact us via this email address, on NWSChat <https://nwschat.weather.gov/>, or at the following: National Weather Service Boston/Norton, MA 46 Commerce Way Norton, MA 02766 508.622.3280 Website <http://www.weather.gov/boston> | Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/NWSBoston> | Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/NWSBoston>

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[2020.02.07 AM] NWS Boston EM Briefing -- Rain/Mixed Precip Today and Strong Winds from midday through This Evening
by BOX Operations - NOAA Service Account 07 Feb '20

07 Feb '20

Good morning. Concern continues as the strong winds arriving across most of the region this afternoon and evening, with the strongest winds across southern Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Here is the latest update on the headlines across the region: - The *Winter Weather Advisory* remains in effect *through 5 PM this afternoon* for the northern slopes of the Berkshires and northern Worcester Hills where temperature will hover around freezing, with a mix of light snow, sleet and freezing rain. - Strong winds will become a concern for Friday afternoon and evening. - A *High Wind Warning* remains in effect for the south coast of Rhode Island and Massachusetts* from 1 PM to 8 PM*, and for Cape Cod and the Islands from *1 PM to 10 PM*. - *Gusts up to 60-70 mph* - A *High Wind Warning *has been issued for Plymouth County *from 1 PM to 8 PM.* - *Gusts up to 60 mph* - A *Wind Advisory* is in effect for northern Connecticut, northern Rhode Island, and south central/eastern Massachusetts as well as Hampden county *from 1 PM to 10 PM*. - *Gusts up to 55 mph* - *Storm Warnings *and *Gale Warnings* remain in effect for strong winds across the waters starting at *1 PM this afternoon*. Here are a few more details: *1.) Today through this evening:* -- Temperatures will likely remain around or just below freezing across the higher inland terrain through midday, which will mean a prolonged period of light freezing rain and sleet. -- The rain will change back to snow starting early this afternoon across the east slopes of the Berkshires, then shifting east across the Connecticut Valley into central Massachusetts by this evening before tapering off. *2.) Strong winds this afternoon and evening:* *-- *Winds will shift to the west by early this afternoon and will quickly increase. Expect the peak winds to *peak around 4 PM to 8 PM*. -- The strongest winds will be over southeast Massachusetts, especially Cape Cod and the Islands where winds could *gust 60 to 70 mph*. -- Winds will remain gusty through this evening, diminishing during the overnight hours. Thank you. If you have any questions or would like more information, don't hesitate to contact us via this email address, on NWSChat <https://nwschat.weather.gov/>, or at the following: National Weather Service Boston/Norton, MA 46 Commerce Way Norton, MA 02766 508.622.3280 Website <http://www.weather.gov/boston> | Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/NWSBoston> | Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/NWSBoston>

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[2020.02.06 PM] NWS Boston EM Briefing -- Rain/Snow late tonight/Friday and Strong Winds late Friday
by BOX Operations - NOAA Service Account 06 Feb '20

06 Feb '20

Good afternoon everyone, We have grown more concerned with potential for very strong winds to impact southern New England tomorrow afternoon and evening. Here is what is new since the last briefing: - The *Winter Weather Advisory* has been extended* through 7 am Friday morning* for the northern slopes of the Berkshires and Worcester Hills where temperature will hover around freezing leading to light freezing rain overnight. - Strong winds will become a concern for Friday afternoon and evening. - A *High Wind Warning* has been issued for the south coast of Rhode Island and Massachusetts from 2 PM to 7 PM, and for Cape Cod and the Islands from 2 PM to 10 PM Friday. - Gust to 60-65 mph - A *Wind Advisory* has been issued for Connecticut, northern Rhode Island, and central/eastern Massachusetts from 2 PM to 10 PM Friday. - Gusts to 55 mph - *Storm Warnings *and *Gale Warnings* have been issued for strong winds over the waters starting at 1 PM Friday. Here are a few more details: *1.) Tonight through Friday evening:* -- An area of heavy rain will impact the region tonight. Expect the highest amounts to fall late tonight into Friday morning over southeast Massachusetts and Rhode Island. -- Temperatures will likely remain around or just below freezing across the higher inland terrain late tonight into Friday morning, which will mean a prolonged period of light freezing rain. -- The rain may change back to snow late Friday afternoon into early evening before tapering off, but that is looking less likely outside of the high elevations in western MA. *2.) Strong winds Friday afternoon and evening:* *-- *Winds will increase by late morning and peak around 4-8 PM. -- The strongest winds will be over southeast MA, especially Cape Cod and the Islands where winds could gust 55 to 65 mph. -- There is a low chance that some spots could briefly gust even higher, toward 70 mph. -- Winds remain gusty through the evening, diminishing during the overnight hours. Thank you, Meteorologist: Bryce Williams If you have any questions or would like more information, don't hesitate to contact us via this email address, on NWSChat <https://nwschat.weather.gov/>, or at the following: National Weather Service Boston/Norton, MA 46 Commerce Way Norton, MA 02766 508.622.3280 Website <http://www.weather.gov/boston> | Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/NWSBoston> | Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/NWSBoston>

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[2020.02.06 AM] NWS Boston EM Briefing -- Wintry Mix for the Morning Commute and Rain/Snow late tonight/Friday
by BOX Operations - NOAA Service Account 06 Feb '20

06 Feb '20

Good morning everyone. There is a wintry mix of precipitation across most of interior southern New England to northeast Massachusetts early this morning, where temperatures range from the mid 20s to near freezing. Further to the south and east, temperatures are lingering near freezing from near Boston southwest to Willimantic, but there is still pockets of mixed precipitation in place. Across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, mainly rain is falling as temperatures are in the mid 30s to near 40, along with east to southeast winds. The *Winter Weather Advisory* remains in effect for most of the region, except across south coastal areas. As temperatures continue to slowly rise through today, the advisory will end from southwest to northeast, ending across most of the region by around midday. However, the advisory will linger across N central and NW Massachusetts into early tonight. Here are more details for these events that are impacting the region: *1.) Through This Afternoon:* *What/Where/When:* -- Any leftover mixed precipitation across interior SE Massachusetts should bhange to rain by around 9 AM. -- The wintry mix from northeast Massachusetts through the Route 128 beltway, central and southern Worcester county to N central/NE CT and N RI should change over to rain by around 1 PM as temperatures slowly rise above freezing. This should allow the mix to change over to rain. -- Across N central and NW Massachusetts, the snow or mixed precipitation will linger into this evening. *Snow/Ice Accumulations:* -- Expect snow/sleet accumulations generally an inch or less for most areas away from southern RI and S coastal Massachusetts. May see up to around one-half inch from the interior Merrimack Valley to central and southern Worcester county into SW Massachusetts. -- Snow amounts up to 1 to 3 inches are likely from N central into NW Massachusetts, with the highest amounts across western Franklin and northwest Hampshire counties. -- Ice accretion from a few hundredths up to one-tenth of an inch are likely across portions of interior NE, central and western Massachusetts, with the highest amounts across the northern Worcester hills and E slopes of the Berkshires. *2.) Tonight through Friday evening:* -- A stronger storm will push across the region tonight, bringing an area of heavy rain. Rain amounts will range from 1 to 1.5 inches from near the Mass Pike to the Route 2 area of N Mass, up to 1.75 to 2.5 inches from northeastern Connecticut across Rhode Island to southeastern Mass. Expect the highest amounts to fall late tonight into Friday morning. -- Expect temperatures to hold steady early tonight, then will slowly rise through the overnight hours. This will allow any leftover mixed precipitation to change over to rain. -- There is a low risk that temperatures may remain around or just below freezing across the higher inland terrain late tonight into Friday morning, which may mean a prolonged period of light freezing rain. -- The rain will change back to snow late Friday afternoon into early evening before tapering off. An additional inch or two is possible across N central/NW Mass, likely less than an inch elsewhere. Attached please find the latest forecast snow and ice totals through Friday. If you have any questions or would like more information, don't hesitate to contact us via this email address, on NWSChat <https://nwschat.weather.gov/>, or at the following: National Weather Service Boston/Norton, MA 46 Commerce Way Norton, MA 02766 508.622.3280 Website <http://www.weather.gov/boston> | Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/NWSBoston> | Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/NWSBoston>

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[2020.02.05 PM] NWS Boston EM Briefing for Wintry Mix Thursday AM Commute and Rain/Snow late Thursday/Friday
by BOX Operations - NOAA Service Account 05 Feb '20

05 Feb '20

Good afternoon everyone, We continue to forecast a wintry mix of precipitation to move across the region early Thursday morning, impacting the morning commute. Temperatures will rise through the day, so the snow/sleet/freezing rain will change to rain from south to north by around midday. A *Winter Weather Advisory* continues for most of the region, except southern Rhode Island and south coastal Massachusetts, beginning at 1 AM Thursday morning. As temperatures slowly rise through the day, the advisory will end from SE to NW, lingering across NW Massachusetts through around 10 PM Thursday night. A second stronger storm will approach by Thursday night, bringing rain across most of the region. Heavy rain will fall across the region. Pockets of street and poor drainage flooding are likely, especially across north central and northeast Connecticut, Rhode Island and from the Boston to Providence corridor south and east to Cape Cod and the islands. Expect temperatures to remain in the lower-mid 30s across northern Massachusetts and the higher terrain, but there is a low risk for some ice accretion across the higher terrain through Thursday night into Friday morning. Here are the details for the two events that will impact the region: *1) Late Tonight through Thursday afternoon.* *What/When/Where: * - Precipitation starts as snow across western areas by around 1 AM, reaching the east coast by 4 AM Thursday morning. The snow will then mix with sleet and freezing rain across S coastal areas by 4 to 5 AM, which will lift northward during the morning commute. - The wintry mix should change to rain from NE Connecticut to Rhode Island and up to the Route 128 beltway by late Thursday morning. Sleet and freezing rain will linger into early afternoon across parts of interior MA & N central CT before changing to rain by late afternoon across the higher terrain. - Rain will linger into Thursday evening. *Potential Snow/Ice Accumulations: * - Snow and sleet accumulations from a coating to 2 inches are expected. The best chance of seeing an inch or two of snow and sleet will be north of the Massachusetts Turnpike. - Ice accretion on the order of a few hundredths to one tenth of an inch are expected for much of southern New England *Impacts/Uncertainty: * - High confidence continues that the wintry mix will occur during the Thursday morning rush hour, despite relatively light amounts of snow and ice. - Confident that most of the region will be above freezing by late Thursday afternoon, except the highest terrain of the Berkshires and northern Worcester Hills which should change to rain Thursday evening. *2) Thursday night and Friday Event:* *Potential Impacts / Uncertainty:* *- *This stronger storm will bring an area of heavy rain across the region, with rain amounts up to 1.5 to 2.5 inches. This may result in some street and poor drainage flooding, with the best chance occurring across northeast Connecticut, Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts where the highest amounts will fall late Thursday night to midday Friday. - There is a small chance that temperatures may remain around or just below freezing across the interior Thursday night and Friday morning bringing a prolonged period of light freezing rain. - Rain changes to snow Friday afternoon and early evening with a few inches of accumulation possible in the interior, likely less than an inch elsewhere. Highest risk for light snow accumulations will be across northern Massachusetts. If you have any questions or would like more information, don't hesitate to contact us via this email address, on NWSChat <https://nwschat.weather.gov/>, or at the following: National Weather Service Boston/Norton, MA 46 Commerce Way Norton, MA 02766 508.622.3280 Website <http://www.weather.gov/boston> | Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/NWSBoston> | Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/NWSBoston>

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[2020.02.05 AM] NWS Boston EM Briefing for Wintry Mix Thursday AM Commute
by BOX Operations - NOAA Service Account 05 Feb '20

05 Feb '20

Good morning. *Changes since the last update:* - A *Winter Weather Advisory* has been issued for most of the region, except southern Rhode Island and south coastal Massachusetts, beginning at 1 AM Thursday morning. As temperatures slowly rise through the day, the advisory will end from SE to NW, lingering across NW Massachusetts through around 10 PM Thursday night. Confidence remains high for a wintry mix of precipitation that will move across the region early Thursday morning, impacting the morning commute. Temperatures will rise through the day, though, so expect the snow to change to rain from south to north by around midday. A second stronger storm will approach by Thursday night, bringing rain across most of the region. Heavy rain will fall across the region. Pockets of street and poor drainage flooding are likely, especially across north central and northeast Connecticut, Rhode Island and from the Boston to Providence corridor south and east to Cape Cod and the islands. Expect temperatures to remain in the lower-mid 30s across northern Massachusetts and the higher terrain, but there is a very low risk for some ice accretion across the higher terrain through Thursday night. Here are the details for the two events that will impact the region: *1) Late Tonight through Thursday afternoon.* *What/When/Where: * - Precipitation starts as snow across western areas by around 1 AM, reaching the east coast by 4 AM Thursday morning. The snow will then mix with sleet and freezing rain across S coastal areas by 4 to 5 AM, which will lift northward during the morning commute. - The wintry mix should change to rain from NE Connecticut to Rhode Island and up to the Route 128 beltway by late Thursday morning. Sleet and freezing rain will linger into early afternoon across parts of interior MA & N central CT before changing to rain by late afternoon across the higher terrain. - Rain will linger into Thursday evening. *Potential Snow/Ice Accumulations: * - Snow and sleet accumulations from a coating to 3 inches are expected. The best chance of seeing an inch or two of snow and sleet will be north of the Massachusetts Turnpike. - Ice accretion on the order of a few hundredths to one tenth of an inch are expected for much of southern New England *Impacts/Uncertainty: * - High confidence continues that the wintry mix will occur during the Thursday morning rush hour, despite relatively light amounts of snow and ice. - The biggest uncertainty is whether or not we initially see a few inches of snow in northern MA or mainly just sleet and freezing rain. Either way, the Thursday morning rush hour will be impacted. - Confident that most of the region will be above freezing by late Thursday afternoon, except the highest terrain of the Berkshires and northern Worcester Hills which should change to rain Thursday evening. *2) Thursday night and Friday Event:* *Potential Impacts / Uncertainty:* *- *This stronger storm will bring an area of heavy rain across the region, with rain amounts up to 1.5 to 2.5 inches. This may result in some street and poor drainage flooding, with the best chance occurring across northeast Connecticut, Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts where the highest amounts will fall late Thursday night to midday Friday. - Temperatures should rain above freezing across the interior Thursday night and Friday morning, so no additional ice accretion is expected. - Rain may change to snow Friday afternoon and early evening with a few inches of accumulation possible. Highest risk for light snow accumulations will be across northern Massachusetts. Attached please find the latest forecasted snow and ice amounts through Thursday afternoon. If you have any questions or would like more information, don't hesitate to contact us via this email address, on NWSChat <https://nwschat.weather.gov/>, or at the following: National Weather Service Boston/Norton, MA 46 Commerce Way Norton, MA 02766 508.622.3280 Website <http://www.weather.gov/boston> | Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/NWSBoston> | Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/NWSBoston>

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[2020.02.04 PM] NWS Boston EM Briefing For Wintry Mix Thursday AM Commute
by BOX Operations - NOAA Service Account 04 Feb '20

04 Feb '20

Good afternoon everyone, High confidence that a wintry mix that will impact the Thursday morning commute, but amounts will be light. A second stronger storm will impact the region Thursday night into Friday, but there is more uncertainty how we are impacted. Heavy rain and pockets of street flooding are possible across Rhode Island and Southeast MA. There is also a low probability for significant ice accretion across the interior high terrain of Massachusetts, but uncertainty is high given temperatures right near freezing. We have included a brief outline below and some graphics. Please note that the graphics only include the first event. *1) Late Wednesday Night Into Thursday Afternoon Event* *What/When/Where: * - Precipitation starts between 2 and 5 AM Thursday morning. Main precipitation type will initially be sleet and freezing rain, but a brief period of snow is possible at the onset with the best chance across northern MA. - The wintry mix should change to rain along and southeast of the Boston to Providence corridor by late Thursday morning. Sleet and freezing rain will linger into the afternoon across parts of interior MA & CT, but begin to taper off. - Most locations should have ended as light rain or drizzle by late Thursday afternoon, but a few pockets of lingering freezing drizzle can not be ruled out across the high terrain of the Berkshires and northern Worcester Hills. *Potential Snow/Ice Accumulations: * - Snow and sleet accumulations of a coating to 2 inches are expected. The best chance of seeing an inch or two of snow and sleet will be north of the Massachusetts Turnpike. - Ice accretion on the order of a few hundredths to one tenth of an inch are expected for much of southern New England *Impacts/Uncertainty: * - High confidence that the wintry mix will coincide with the Thursday morning rush hour, despite relatively light amounts of snow and ice. - The biggest uncertainty is whether or not we initially see a few inches of snow in northern MA or mainly just sleet and freezing rain. Either way, the Thursday morning rush hour will be impacted. - Confident that most of the region will be above freezing by late Thursday afternoon, except perhaps the highest terrain of the Berkshires and northern Worcester Hills. *2) Thursday night and Friday Event:* *Potential Impacts / Uncertainty:* *- *This will be a much stronger storm than the first event, but more uncertainty in regards to how we are impacted. - 1 to 3 inches of rain is possible which may result in some street flooding especially across Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts. Heaviest rain late Thursday night into early Friday morning. - Temperatures might be marginally cold enough for freezing rain / icing across portions of interior Massachusetts. Low probability for 0.25 to 0.50 half inch of ice accretion in parts of the Berkshires and northern Worcester Hills. - Rain may change to snow Friday afternoon and early evening with a few inches of accumulation possible. Highest risk for that is across northern Massachusetts. *- Biggest concern is the potential for ice accretion to reach one half inch across parts of the Berkshires and Worcester Hills. While a low probability, this would bring the potential for scattered power outages.* Thank You Meteorologist: Hayden Frank and Rodney Chai If you have any questions or would like more information, don't hesitate to contact us via this email address, on NWSChat <https://nwschat.weather.gov/>, or at the following: National Weather Service Boston/Norton, MA 46 Commerce Way Norton, MA 02766 508.622.3280 Website <http://www.weather.gov/boston> | Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/NWSBoston> | Twitter

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