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Winter Storm Watches have been issued by the National Weather Service for most of the state away from the coast. The latest computer models continue to forecast a long duration snowstorm for Connecticut and most of New England. The following text forecast is based on a blend of the North American Model (NAM) and the Global Forecast System (GFS) model:
This Afternoon…An arctic cold front is currently stretched across Northern New England as weak low pressure systems move along the front. Snow is falling at this time. The snow should taper down to periods of light snow for the rest of the afternoon with an inch or two of accumulation. High temperatures are forecast to be in the upper 20’s with a light south wind at 5 – 10 MPH.
Tonight…Light snow is forecast with lows in the low to mid 20’s. Light accumulations of around an inch or two are expected with a minor impact on travel.
Sunday…Light snow is expected during the day. The snow may mix with freezing rain or sleet in Southern CT. Total daytime accumulations are expected to be around 1 – 2 inches with highs in the upper 20’s and a light NE Wind at 5 – 10 MPH. A minor impact is expected on travel.
Sunday Night…A low pressure system is forecast to move slowly towards the mid-Atlantic coast and begin to enhance the snow over New England. Moderate snow is forecast for Sunday night with lows in the mid 20’s. The snow may be mixed with sleet and freezing rain in Southern CT. This snowfall may have a minor to moderate impact on overnight travel with 2 – 4 inches of snow expected.
Monday…The snow may become moderate to heavy at times Mondaymorning into early Monday afternoon. During this period snowfall rates are forecast to be between 1/2” to 1” per hour. The impact on the rush hours is expected to be moderate Monday morning and again Monday afternoon as the falling snow continues to coat roads. The snow may again be mixed with sleet and freezing rain in Southern CT.
Monday Night…The snow and mixed precipitation is forecast to endMonday night. Total snowfall is currently forecast to range from 3 – 6” in Southern CT, 6 – 10” in Central CT up to 10 – 14” inches in Northern CT. Some amounts up to 18″ may occur in the NW Hills.
There may be enough icing in Southern CT during this storm to cause a minor number of power outages. Forecast confidence is fair to good at this time however any change in the track of this storm will have a significant impact on the amount of snow and ice expected in Connecticut.
The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will issue another update on this winter storm Sunday at 1:00 PM or sooner if the forecast changes significantly.