As we ring in 2014, we have another snowstorm on our hands. This one will be centered over Southern New England with Boston likely seeing some of the highest amounts potentially over a foot. Winds will factor in as well reaching 30-35mph out of the NE. This will create ocean enhancement along the coast so totals will likely be higher there. The other factor will be the extreme cold. This creates both dangerous wind chills and very fluffy snow which will blow around like crazy. This cold air is one of the things playing into the hands of those wanting snow. The colder the air, the fluffier the snow meaning you get the ‘fluff factor’ which can boost totals by as much as 4-6″.

The snow will move in Thursday morning and remain light but steady through Thursday evening. This is when things get interesting as the low begins to rapidly strengthen south of New England. During this time, heavy snow and strong winds will affect areas from NYC to Boston to Bangor Maine. Travel during this time will be very dangerous as snowfall rates will approach 1-2″ an hour over much of CT, MA, and RI. Snowfall will be lighter here in Maine and New Hampshire but will still be heavy enough to cause problems. Snow will continue into Friday ending midday however winds will still be strong out of the N shifting to NW. The map below shows where travel will be most difficult late Thursday into early Friday.

Snowfall amounts will range from just a few flurries in the mountains of ME, and NH to over a foot in SE MA. Here in Maine, we will be on the northern fringe of this one so expect the highest amounts over southern York county. The map below illustrates my thinking on snowfall totals.

Our next chance for snow/sleet will be associated with another coastal storm early next week.

Happy New Year everyone!

-Jack