One storm down this week, one to go. Not even 48 hours after the last storm dropped over a foot of snow in spots, broke trees and knocked out power to over 100,000 customers across New England, another storm is going to bring heavy snow, rain and powerful winds. While storm recovery continues, here is a look at the impacts of the next storm bearing down on the region.
SNOWFALL
The impact of heavy snowfall will be further north than the last storm. This is because the storm will be taking a more northerly tack. The center will likely track right through northern New England, the last storm's center tracked along New England's south coast. This more northerly track will keep the precipitation all snow from Lake Winnipesaukee north.
After starting as snow, areas south of Lake Winnipesaukee, with the exception of the higher elevations of the Green Mountains, will see a mix of rain and snow. Areas south of Boston will see mainly rain.
The northern areas that stay all snow will see intense snowfall rates for much of Wednesday afternoon through the overnight hours. This will lead to accumulations of up to a foot in spots. Areas of southern Vermont, New Hampshire and coastal Maine will see snowfall rates of up to an inch an hour in the afternoon before the switch to a mix and rain. This will lead to accumulations of several inches.
SNOWFALL MAP
RAIN AND FLOODING
After a brief burst of snow at the start on Cape Cod, the south shore and Rhode Island, the precipitation will turn to rain, and it will be a soaking rain. one to two inches of liquid is possible, and along the south shore of Massachusetts, a majority of that liquid will be rain. There are some hints at a possible three inches of rain along the south shore and Rhode Island.
This, combined with snowmelt, could lead to localized flooding. Rivers could hit minor flood stage and some street flooding is likely. A flood watch has been issued from Boston heading southward to Providence and to the Cape Cod Canal. The heaviest rain will strike overnight, but should end rather quickly as a dry slot develops in the early morning.
POTENTIAL RAINFALL
WIND
Strong winds will affect much of the region. Gusts as high as 40mph are possible across the entire region. This combined with snow covered trees could lead to more power issues for the areas with the highest snow accumulations expected.
The wind will be strongest in downeast Maine and the south shore of Massachusetts, including the Cape and Islands. A high wind watch is in effect for coastal areas of Washington and Hancock counties in Maine. Gusts up to 60mph are possible there. This could lead to widespread power outages and tree damage.
There is a wind advisory in effect for the Massachusetts south shore, southern Rhode Island and southeast Connecticut. Winds are not expected to be quite as strong in these areas as in downeast Maine. Gusts from 45-55mph are possible. This will lead to some outages.
Continue to follow New England Storm Center as this next storm gets underway.
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