Forecast Archives
January 2008 Winter Storm
11:15 PM Update: Heavy snow continues to pound the Cape this evening, particularly out near Provincetown and near the Canal thanks to a persistent band of heavy snow arching northeast to southwest across Cape Cod Bay. This band of snow will very slowly pivot east over the course of the night, eventually shifting offshore towards dawn. By that time, the damage will have been done and most of us here on the Cape will see at least 10" of snow - with amounts closer to 15" possible near the canal.
North winds are howling across the area, with frequent gusts to 50 mph. Blowing and drifting snow is causing whiteout conditions and obviously travel is very difficult. Exposed locations could see drifts to 4 feet.
9:15 PM Update: The National Weather Service has reposted the Winter Storm Warning.
Evening Update: A band of very heavy snow is rotating westward across the Cape as of 6PM, producing whiteout conditions at times. Generally 2 to 4 inches of snow has fallen around the area. The worst of the snow will occur over the next few hours, followed by a more periodic snow through the overnight hours as drier air wraps all the way around the intensifying ocean storm and cuts down on the snow fall intensity at times. As such, the Winter Storm Warning has been downgraded to a Snow Advisory in expectation of 3 to 6 inches of snow - though I suspect higher totals may still occur. The High Wind Warning remains posted for the area. Winds will continue to pick up over the next few hours, and by midnight gusts to 50 to 60 mph will be hitting the region.
Afternoon Update: Snow has picked up in intensity across the Cape over the last couple of hours and radar continues to show heavier bands of snow pinwheeling westward from the ocean. Snowfall rates will increase between now and 6PM and most of the region should have 1 to 3 inches of snow on the ground by dinnertime. The wind is steadily increasing as well and very strong winds will develop later this afternoon and especially this evening. Nantucket has already seen sustained winds in excess of 30mph and winds are gusting to 40 mph on parts of the Outer Cape. Much stronger wind will batter the region overnight and thanks to the wet and heavy snow, power outages will likely develop later this evening.
A quick observation: As expected the temperature is playing a big role in just how quickly the snow accumulates and covers area roadways. Small fluctuations from town to town of just a degree or two are making a big difference, with parts of the Lower and Outer Cape still seeing wet roads while the Mid and Upper Cape are more snow covered and treacherous.
Sunday we will see cloudy skies with flurries and periods of steady light snow in the morning gradually transitioning into a more widespread light to moderate snow during the afternoon hours. It will turn windy as northeast winds increase through the day, gusting to 30 to 40 mph by late afternoon. One to Three inches of snow will accumulate by evening. Temperatures will hold steady in the low to mid 30s - though the Outer Cape will see readings drop back a few degrees this afternoon as steadier snow arrives.
Tonight expect wind-driven heavy, wet snow and sleet, some of it falling quite heavily at times. It will become very windy, with north to northeast winds increasing to 30 to 40 mph with gusts exceeding 60 mph at times, especially on the Outer Cape where a localized gust to hurricane force is not out of the question. The combination of very strong winds and heavy wet snow will result in downed trees and power lines, likely causing scattered power outages later at night. Near blizzard conditions are likely at times. Temperatures will hold steady between 31°F and 34°F - mildest on the Outer Cape. A High Wind Warning and a Winter Storm Warning are posted.
Monday look for cloudy skies with periods of snow, some of it falling heavily at times, especially during the first half of the day. Precipitation will begin to taper down as we head into the afternoon hours, and could even end as some light rain or drizzle. Winds will continue to be very strong, blowing from the north and 30 to 40 mph with gusts to 60 mph through the morning hours. Temperatures will hold steady in the mid 30s. Total accumulation will range from around 6" on the Outer Cape to 10 to 12" near the Canal.
Check the Extended Forecast For Cape Cod.
