The National Weather Service has begun issuing its first winter storm warnings across the Northeast and New England ahead of a possible nor’easter that could dump blowable snow on millions of people in the region starting Monday.
More than 20 million Americans across the region had been under a winter storm watch as forecasters began monitoring computer forecast models that showed the potential for a disruptive winter storm.
However, when those models began to agree, the decision was made to begin upgrading those winter weather alerts to winter storm warnings.
As of Sunday afternoon, winter storm warnings extended from parts of Pennsylvania and New York to Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Winter storm warnings include cities such as Scranton in Pennsylvania and Binghamton, Elmira and Monticello in New York.
Winter storm watches and warnings are in effect for the Northeast and New England. FOX weather
Hartford in Connecticut is also among the cities under a winter storm warning, as are Providence in Rhode Island and Springfield, Boston and Worcester in Massachusetts.
Record heat was reported in the Northeast and New England over the weekend as the storm system, which could eventually evolve toward the Northeast, takes shape over the central US.
The system is responsible for producing severe weather conditions, including large hail and possible tornadoes in Texas, as well as heavy snowfall across the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma.
A graphic shows the low pressure system that will eventually lead to a possible nor’easter in the Northeast on Tuesday. FOX weather
It will continue its journey eastward across the southern US, where it will again have the potential to produce severe weather and flooding in the Deep South before heading northeast on Tuesday.
Moderate to heavy snowfall begins Tuesday
Temperatures will be warm enough on Monday that the storm will likely begin as rain in the mid-Atlantic states.
But as the system continues to move northeast and eventually move away from the East Coast, it will begin to draw in colder air from the north and Canada, changing precipitation to snow.
In addition to Massachusetts, the storm warnings also include cities such as Scranton in Pennsylvania and Binghamton, Elmira and Monticello in New York. Boston Globe via Getty Images
“The storm itself, its location, its movement and its track are still a matter of how it moves,” said Fox Weather meteorologist Craig Herrera.
By the predawn hours of Tuesday, widespread snow is expected in parts of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
It will also snow in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
A Fox Weather meteorologist said the storm’s location, movement and track are still in question as to how it moves. NOAA
That means the morning commute for millions of people heading to work on Tuesday will be quite complicated and dangerous.
Schools across the region are likely to close as the potential North East Easter begins to intensify around that time.
Snow will continue throughout the day Tuesday and will likely begin to move away from the region during the overnight travel.
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How much snow will fall from the northeast?
This storm is likely to bring snow to parts of the interior Northeast and New England.
“Massachusetts, you’re going to have to deal with some pretty decent snow,” Herrera said. “In fact, you may be right on target for this.”
Most of the region will see snow totals of about 5 to 8 inches, but millions of people are at risk of seeing snow totals of up to a foot, with some locally higher amounts, especially in Worcester Hills in Massachusetts, as well as Boston .
This storm is likely to cause heavy snowfall in parts of the interior Northeast and New England. Boston Globe via Getty Images
Providence is also at risk of seeing some impressive snowfall totals due to the possible Easter Northeast.
Northeastern Pennsylvania and the New York Catskills could also be under threat with snowfall totals of 8 to 12 inches.
The Fox Forecast Center said the exact track of the low pressure and its ability to strengthen will be key factors in determining how much snow will fall and where.
Some areas may receive 4 inches of snow. FOX weather
According to the National Weather Service, the main corridor of heavy snow is expected to establish itself in northern Pennsylvania and southern New York before reaching southern New England on Tuesday.
One point on the map that meteorologists focus on when determining snowfall totals is the so-called “40/70 reference point,” located at 40 degrees north latitude and 70 degrees west longitude.
Just 50 miles east or west of that “sweet spot” can be the difference between an inch or two or a foot or more of snow.
As the storm approaches, computer forecast models will be able to better predict whether the center of the storm track will be near the 40/70 reference point, ultimately increasing the forecaster’s confidence in the forecast.
It’s not just the snow that worries meteorologists.
The NWS office in Boston said coastal flooding is a concern along the eastern shores of Massachusetts, given the astronomically high tides and strong, damaging wind gusts that could occur.
Power outages are also a concern, as the snow could be heavy and wet, potentially downing tree branches and power lines.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn