It’s a Storm Team 10 Weather Alert, as a Blizzard Warning has been issued for all of Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts from Sunday evening through Tuesday morning. Crippling snowfall and strong winds will result in power outages and nearly impossible travel conditions.
Blizzard conditions are likely with this powerful nor’easter. Heavy snow will reduce visibility for multiple hours Sunday night into Monday along with powerful wind gusts
The combination of heavy, wet snow and powerful northeast wind gusts of 50-70 mph will produce blizzard conditions across all of Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts for multiple hours. Visibility will drop to near zero at times. Travel will be impossible and certainly NOT recommended.
The weight of this snow will be considerably higher than the previous storms this season due to higher surface temperatures and more water content. That increases the risk for tree damage and power outages.
Allow yourself time to safely remove the snow. If possible, make multiple passes with your shovel, plow, or snowblower.
TIMING
The leading edge of the snow associated with the nor’easter pushes into Southern New England between 6 PM and 9 PM on Sunday.
Moderate snow quickly overtakes Southern New England Sunday night. (WJAR)
Snowfall rates intensify around midnight (Sunday night into Monday), 1-2+ inches per hour likely. These intense, whiteout-producing snowfall rates persist into Monday morning. Peak snowfall rates may approach 2-4 inches of snow per hour. Almost a foot of snow could be on the ground by 7 AM Monday.
Heavy snow slams Southern New England through Monday morning. (WJAR)
It might not be until 3 PM Monday when snowfall rates let up. However, light to moderate snow could linger until 11 PM.
Still snowing as the sun begins to set on Monday, but the worst of the storm will be over. (WJAR)
WIND
The wind is going to play a major role in the forecast. Winds begin gusting 50-70 mph from midnight until noon on Monday. Snow will be blowing and drifting, adding to the near-zero visibility. There is a high probability of blizzard conditions persisting for several hours.
Gusts of 50-70 mph will blow and drift snow, reducing visibility, leading to treacherous travel, and potential power outages. (WJAR)
Power outages will be likely, especially along the south coastline. The combination of gusts of 60 mph or more and a wet, heavy snow may result in downed tree limbs and wires.
SNOWFALL
The snowfall forecast is increasing for Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts, as the track of this Nor’easter will take it close to the “benchmark”, creating the perfect setup for a big snowfall.
A widespread 18 to 28 inches is expected across most of Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, with 12 to 18 inches along the immediate south coast and towards the Cape Cod canal.
A memorable blizzard for Southern New England. It could end up being a top 5 snowstorm for Providence. (WJAR)
TRAVEL
Expect this to be a major disruption to travel. Road conditions will deteriorate rapidly on Sunday night and could become impassable by Monday morning. This is not even factoring in the zero visibility from the blizzard conditions due to heavy snow and strong wind gusts.
Make sure to stay with Storm Team 10 for all of the latest on this nor’easter!
