The Storm Approaches 4- A lot to talk about

A major nor’easter remains likely for most of Southern New England, but while confidence is slowly increasing on the details, uncertainty remains in the forecast. Some models keep an inside runner track over the region resulting in a snow to mix/rain to snow event for the region. Other models, however, remain with an offshore solution closer to the 40 North/70 West benchmark or even further offshore of the region. One model which was converging with the inside track runs is now much further offshore with the system. The exact track of the storm will determine snow amounts and precipitation type over the region, while the intensity of the low along with the storm track will determine how strong the winds will be. Minor coastal flooding is possible if the storm does not move quickly and strong Northeast winds are occurring at the time of high tide

A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect from Tuesday Evening to late Wednesday Night for Southern New Hampshire, Northern Connecticut, Northwest Rhode Island and Massachusetts north and west of a Marshfield to Foxboro line. At this time, a mix or changeover to sleet is possible as far inland as Central New Hampshire and through Northern Connecticut, however, a further offshore solution would bring more snow and less mixed precipitation and increased snowfall amounts.

Due to the uncertainty of this storm, it is imperative that you stay tuned to your local media stations for further updates. Given this storm is one of the first potentially major storms of the 2006-2007 winter, now is the time to prepare and make sure you have needed items at home to weather a nor’easter. This includes food, and drink for several days, winter supplies for the home including a shovel, enough gas for a snowblower and other equipment as well as any appropriate items for a winter survival kit for your car. Unlike some of the past major nor’easters which hit near or on the weekend, this one will affect the work week so preparations should be made in case you run into difficulties during commute time when the storm hits.