New England Battles Wintry Weather with Snow, Rain, and Flooding Threats
ICARO Media Group
New England and the surrounding area are facing a wintry weather combination this weekend, with a mixture of snow, rain, and flooding threats across the region. The National Weather Service has issued various warnings and advisories for different areas.
In Maine, treacherous travel conditions are expected as the National Weather Service warns of increased ice formation on top of snow and sleet that has already fallen. In the mountainous regions of western Maine and the White Mountains, forecasters are predicting one to two feet of snow, while the lakes region of New Hampshire up to Maine could expect anywhere from six inches to a foot of snow mixed with sleet and freezing rain.
According to Maura Casey, a lead forecaster for the National Weather Service, there is a significant difference in snow accumulations near the coast and in the mountains. Near the coast, the snowfall amounts will be lower, while higher amounts are expected in the mountains.
Connecticut, New York City, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts are likely to experience mainly a rain event, with some freezing precipitation in the earlier part of the day in western and central Massachusetts before turning into all rain. The heaviest rain is expected in the late afternoon and evening, spanning across Connecticut and western and central Massachusetts from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. local time, and Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Cape Cod and Nantucket could experience rain until midnight.
The storm is expected to move out of the region by Sunday morning, and overnight dry weather will give way to sunshine. However, Sunday will still be blustery with temperatures chillier than average for late March, according to Frank Nocera, lead forecaster for the National Weather Service.
There is a threat of flooding across the region, including in far southern New Hampshire, where morning snow and sleet could clog storm drains for the heavier rainfall in the afternoon. Flooded rivers are also a concern in Rhode Island and southeast Massachusetts. The National Weather Service has issued flood watches across Connecticut and portions of New York.
This wintry weather comes towards the end of winter season, particularly in Boston, where little snow and warmer temperatures were experienced. Prior to this, parts of Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin also faced winter weather advisories earlier in the week. The transition from a wild winter to spring has been eventful, with record heat in February allowing for outdoor activities like golf in Wisconsin and food trucks in Minnesota.
As New England braves this wintry weather, it is important for residents to stay informed about the latest updates and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.