[January 3, 2022 | 11:00 AM ] MEMA WEATHER UPDATE: Winter Storm to Impact Cape/Islands this Afternoon/Evening
The following report is provided by Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
Situational Awareness Statement #1
A significant coastal storm tracking south and east of New England is expected to result in accumulating snow today, mostly on the Cape and Islands. Snowfall is forecast to begin by late morning, with the steadiest and heaviest snow falling this afternoon and early evening. Snowfall rates of up to 1” per hour are possible during this time. Snow will taper off from west to east between 7 and 10 PM this evening. Total snowfall accumulation from this event is forecast to be 3-6” on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, up to 4” on Cape Cod, and a dusting to 2” north of the Cape Cod Canal.
Additionally, high astronomical tides and onshore winds along with a storm surge of up to 1.5 feet and seas building to 5-9 feet, will be sufficient for minor coastal flooding along the entire eastern MA coastline. The risk is greatest from Nantucket northward to Plymouth County.
The combination of high astronomical tides, a storm surge of up to 1 foot, and elevated seas of 4-7 feet may be sufficient to produce pockets of minor coastal flooding for portions of the eastern MA coastline on Tuesday.
Impacts/Potential Impacts
- Poor travel conditions in the impacted area, especially during the afternoon commute as roads become snow covered. Gusty winds and blowing snow may impair visibility.
- Minor coastal flooding around midday on typically vulnerable shoreline roads in eastern Massachusetts.
Advisories, Watches, Warnings
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The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is operating at Level 1 (Steady State Monitoring). MEMA will continue to monitor the situation and will disseminate additional Situational Awareness Statements, as necessary.
Preparedness and Safety Information
- Winter storm preparedness and safety information: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/winter-storm-safety-tips
- Safe winter driving tips: https://www.mass.gov/winter-weather-driving
- Winter safety tips for pets:https://www.mass.gov/service-details/winter-pet-safety-tips
- Flood safety tips: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/flood-safety-tips
For additional information and updated forecasts, see www.weather.gov/boston (National Weather Service Norton) and www.weather.gov/albany (National Weather Service Albany)
Utilize MEMA’s real-time power outage viewer to stay informed about current power outages in your community and region, and across the state, including information from utility companies about restoration times: http://mema.mapsonline.net/public.html
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency www.mass.gov/mema MEMA’s Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA MEMA Twitter @MassEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency www.fema.gov National Weather Service Boston/ Norton, MA www.weather.gov/boston National Weather Service/Albany, NY www.weather.gov/albany National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov
National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center www.spc.noaa.gov Northeast River Forecast Center www.weather.gov/nerfc/
National Hurricane Center www.nhc.noaa.gov
Mass211 www.mass211.org
