Short Range Forecast Discussion
NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD
259 PM EST Thu Jan 04 2018
Valid 00Z Fri Jan 05 2018 - 00Z Sun Jan 07 2018
...Major Nor'easter producing blizzard conditions and coastal flooding in
portions of eastern New England...
...Heavy rain possible over the Pacific Northwest and Northern California
Coast with pockets of freezing rain possible...
...Heavy snow downwind from the Great Lakes...
A very robust winter storm continues to track northward just offshore the
East Coast bringing strong winds, heavy snow and coastal flooding from the
Mid-Atlantic to the Northeast. Snow will taper off tonight across the
Mid-Atlantic region while persisting through Friday morning/early
afternoon for New England as the central low pressure with this system
reaches the Canadian Maritimes. Widespread disruption to travel,
especially for the Northeast, may persist into the weekend. Winter Storm
Warnings and Blizzard Warnings span from the Virginia Outer Banks to
Maine. For detailed information on winter weather refer to WPC's Heavy
Snow Discussion (QPFHSD) at
Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php
As this storm lifts out of the region, cold Arctic air will return to much
of the eastern CONUS as high pressure moves southward from Central Canada.
Wind Chill Advisories and Warnings are in effect from the southern
Mid-Atlantic north to the Upper Great Lakes and east to New England. Lake
effect snow will be possible through Saturday as upper-level energy passes
over the Great Lakes region within this cold airmass.
Weakening upper-level energy followed by a front will move into the
Pacific Northwest through Saturday. Rain will develop over parts of the
Pacific Northwest Coast into Northern/Central California will expand into
interior parts of the Northwest through tonight. Some of the interior
valleys of the Northwest/Northern Intermountain Region will develop areas
of rain/freezing rain on Thursday evening as well.
Key Messages for East Coast Winter Storm
1) Blizzard to near blizzard conditions will likely persist into the
evening hours from eastern Massachusetts to Maine. Travel in these areas
will be extremely difficult due to poor visibility and
accumulating/drifting snow.
2) Major and destructive coastal flooding is underway in some areas of
Massachusetts due to a combination of high tides and wave action. Heed
evacuation information from local public safety officials. Coastal
flooding is also possible in other parts of the Northeast.
3) Strong/damaging winds will contribute to downed trees and power outages.
4) Wind and blowing snow will likely persist into Friday, especially
across Maine.
Campbell
Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php