Thursday March 1 2018

By now you may have heard we have a High Wind Warning and could see gusts up to 70 mph. That is well into tropical storm intensity and lasting much of the day. This storm will be potent and carry a few parts to it. The rain overnight will mix with and change to snow by daybreak as the cold air was around the strong Low Pressure. This snow should spread across southern PA into metro DC and central Maryland toward the Eastern Shore. Now that the High Resolution Rapid Refresh Model has caught on to it, I have an hourly timeline slider below.

The snow will fall on warm ground and with temperatures above freezing. Stickage should be limited to grassy areas, but some intense bands might briefly cause some slush on some pavement. The main issue for Friday will be the wind. While I had posted in prior reports that it will increase all day, there will be a bout of intense wind in the morning. The will develop quickly and add to the confusing weather. See that timeline below as well.

Snow Timeline: HRRR Model

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[metaslider id=59172]

Remember The High Wind Warning Includes all of our region

Why is this wind such a big deal?

A few people have commented that we have seen gusts before to 60 mph and the expectation of 70 mph is limited. Well, yes, but this is NOT a severe thunderstorm that comes and goes quickly. This wind storm will be with us most of the day and last into Saturday. The duration of the strong winds pounding on trees stuck in soggy soil may be enough to fall over. Branches can easily break loses and fly around. Other objects may fly and lead to damage and debris as well.

This special graphic was sent out by The National Weather Service to highlight this event

Wind Speed Timeline

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LEGEND:

Yellow: 34 knots= 39 mph *Tropical Storm Force
Orange: 42 knots = 48 mph
Red: 50 knots = 58 mph

[metaslider id=59155]

See more about the rest of the day in my prior report (click here) or read the highlights below

Storm Highlights:

Winds increase before daybreak
Snow may fall at daybreak and all morning. But the ground is too warm and the surface air should remain above freezing. So stickage is not expected.
Visibility may be low in the morning with snow falling with increasing winds
Winds will increase all day. Strongest winds will be mid afternoon and evening.
LOW WATER: The wind flow from the northeast may drain water OUT OF THE BAY. The rain fall still has to drain out, so I expect the lowest Bay water levels will be Friday night and into Saturday.
Winds speeds are likely to be between 30- to 45 mph. Wind gusts will reach over 50 mph for most areas and some can hit the 60 to 70 mph range.
Winds will remains strong but ease a little Saturday. Then improve Sunday.

Impact:

Restrictions on bridges
High Profile vehicles will be easily pushed around
Busses, vans, and SUVs can get pushed around. Honestly, cars too.
Airline travel is likely to be delayed or postponed. If you fly, it will be very turbulent.
Trees can fall over thanks to soggy soil.
Power outages likely
Schools: I have no idea what they will decide.

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