Playing Out Sandy's Strike

Posted by Pete Bouchard

Late this afternoon, on a group conference call with Louis Uccellini, the director of the National Center for Environmental Prediction, and James Franklin, branch chief of the National Hurricane Center, I was struck by the confidence they showed with

1) Sandy's landfall in the United States

2) The time of landfall (Monday Night)

In a time of uncertainty, it was nice to know we're confident - and can prepare - for those outcomes. Dr. Uccellini was about 90% certain of a landfall in the Northeast Monday Night.

So the time to prepare is now. Although you may hear reports that Sandy has weakened to a tropical storm - clearly a possibility in the days and hours ahead, this is only temporary. As the jetstream hooks into Sandy on Monday, it will enfuse her with massive amounts of energy, resulting in a reintensification of the storm - to possibily a nor'easter of record, in fact.

That's significant because as the storm drops from hurricane to tropical storm, its ability to pile up water and churn the ocean decreases. However, with a restrengthening, that ability is renewed. Moreover, if Sandy decides to loop farther offshore, the greater her chances of striking New England.

Lots of things to consider in the long range. That's why it's important to be vigilant, but not panicked.

Prepare for scattered power outages, a long duration storm (from Monday through Tuesday night), 2-5 inches of rain (possible river flooding as a result) and coastal flooding and beach erosion.

These matters are not to be taken lightly, but with a track over New England looking LESS likely, we are not looking at an epic, devastating storm.

Pete

Can Only Go Up From Here

Posted by Chris Lambert

Rain and drizzle continues tonight as temperatures drop into the mid 30s to 40 degrees.  Any burst of heavier precip drags down colder air, and elevations above 1000 feet in northern Worcester County  or southwester NH see wet snow mixing in overnight.  No shovels or plows needed for us, but it is a sure sign how cold the atmosphere is for late May.  As of this writing, Mt. Mansfield in VT has picked up 7.5" of snow and Whiteface Mtn. in NY has picked up 18"!

This Is How It Starts? Really?

Posted by Chris Lambert

So it's the unofficial start of summer this weekend and officially, the average high this time of year hits 70 degrees.  So you'd think we have a good shot at BBQ weather right?  Not much of a chance today with highs reaching near 50 this morning, only to fall back into the low to mid 40s this afternoon as a cold rain settles in. 

Take the Good, Take the Bad

Posted by Pete Bouchard

Rain, rain, rain...

...but for many today was a day of hurry up and wait. Sure there were showers, but not every minute was washed out. With the events unfolding tonight, that's about to change.

How To Spin This

Posted by Jeremy Reiner

So....what would you like to hear first? The good news? Bad news? Let's start with the good news....