A major nor’easter is developing as it heads towards Boston, bringing with it the potential for blizzard conditions, damaging winds, power outages, and coastal flooding. Forecasters are predicting an accumulation of 1 to 2 feet of snow, with significant impacts expected from Sunday evening through Monday afternoon.
As the storm approaches, a blizzard warning has been issued for Boston and the entire coast of Massachusetts. Residents are advised to secure their locations by 8 p.m. Sunday, as heavy snowfall will begin shortly after. Snowfall rates may spike to 1-3 inches per hour overnight, accompanied by strong northeast winds, leading to relentless snow accumulation that will continue into mid-Monday morning. The heaviest snowfall is anticipated between 10 p.m. Sunday and noon Monday.
New projections have raised snow totals for some areas in Greater Boston, with certain regions expected to receive more than 24 inches. Areas including the North Shore, parts of Boston, and the Route 2 corridor may see between 12-18 inches of snow by Monday evening. Conversely, regions further north and west, such as Vermont and New Hampshire, may experience lighter, fluffier snow totaling 6-12 inches.
The storm’s wind component poses additional challenges, as gusts may reach up to 50 mph in Boston and even up to 80 mph in parts of the outer Cape and Nantucket. These strong winds combined with heavy, water-laden snowfall may lead to downed power lines and trees, particularly along the coast where scattered outages are likely.
Coastal flooding is a significant concern, with storm surges of 1 to 3 feet anticipated during three high tides on Monday and Tuesday. Waves could reach heights of 10-15 feet offshore, and potential flooding impacts could extend to areas that typically remain dry, exacerbating damage to property near sea walls.
The storm’s rapid intensification, known as bombogenesis, will see the atmospheric pressure drop significantly, with projections indicating a drop of approximately 35 millibars in less than 24 hours. This process enhances the storm’s potency and can complicate conditions further.
As heavy snowfall and wind create dangerous travel conditions, residents are urged to avoid roadways and stay home during the peak of the storm. The NBC10 Boston weather team is actively monitoring and providing updates, ensuring that everyone is well-informed as these extreme conditions unfold.
Looking ahead, a separate and less intense weather system is set to arrive on Wednesday, bringing the potential for additional snowfall, which could complicate cleanup efforts from the nor’easter as it impacts commuting patterns in the morning.
While the storm poses serious challenges, it also serves as a reminder of the resilience of communities coming together in the face of adversity. With proper preparations and adherence to safety recommendations, residents can weather the storm and emerge ready for brighter days ahead.