Nor’easter to impact Southern New England

Storm Team 10 has issued a Weather Alert: a Blizzard Warning is in effect for all of Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts, commencing Sunday evening and lasting until Tuesday morning. Residents should anticipate severe snowfall and powerful winds, leading to potential power outages and extremely hazardous travel.

Expect blizzard conditions from this powerful nor’easter, with heavy snow reducing visibility for extended periods from Sunday night through Monday, alongside fierce wind gusts.

A mix of substantial, wet snow and fierce northeast wind gusts reaching 50-70 mph will generate blizzard conditions across all of Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts for several hours. Expect visibility to occasionally plummet to near zero. Travel will be impractical and is strongly discouraged.

Given the elevated surface temperatures and increased water content, this snowfall will be significantly heavier than prior storms this season. This heightened weight poses an increased threat of tree damage and subsequent power outages.

Ensure you allocate sufficient time for safe snow removal. When feasible, consider clearing snow in stages using your shovel, plow, or snowblower.

FORECAST TIMELINE

The initial band of snow from the nor’easter is projected to enter Southern New England between 6 PM and 9 PM on Sunday.

Moderate snow will rapidly cover Southern New England Sunday night. (WJAR)

Snowfall intensity is expected to increase around midnight (Sunday night transitioning into Monday), with rates likely exceeding 1-2 inches per hour. These heavy, whiteout-inducing snowfall rates are predicted to continue into Monday morning. Peak accumulation could reach 2-4 inches per hour, potentially resulting in nearly a foot of snow on the ground by 7 AM Monday.

Southern New England will experience intense snow through Monday morning. (WJAR)

Snowfall rates may not diminish until approximately 3 PM Monday. Nevertheless, light to moderate snow showers could persist until 11 PM.

Snow will still be falling as Monday’s sun sets, but the storm’s most intense period will be over. (WJAR)

WIND CONDITIONS

Wind is anticipated to be a significant factor in this forecast. Gusts of 50-70 mph are expected from midnight until Monday noon. Blowing and drifting snow will further diminish visibility, contributing to near-zero conditions. A strong likelihood exists for blizzard conditions to endure for multiple hours.

Wind gusts reaching 50-70 mph will cause blowing and drifting snow, significantly reducing visibility, making travel perilous, and potentially leading to power outages. (WJAR)

Expect widespread power outages, particularly along the southern coastline. The confluence of wind gusts reaching 60 mph or greater and heavy, wet snow could lead to fallen tree limbs and damaged power lines.

ACCUMULATION FORECAST

The projected snowfall totals for Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts are now higher, with the Nor’easter’s path nearing the “benchmark” track, setting the stage for substantial accumulation.

Much of Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts can anticipate a widespread 18 to 28 inches of snow, while the immediate south coast and areas near the Cape Cod canal may see 12 to 18 inches.

This blizzard is set to be a memorable event for Southern New England, potentially becoming one of Providence’s top 5 snowstorms. (WJAR)

IMPACT ON TRAVEL

This event is anticipated to cause significant travel disruptions. Road conditions are forecast to worsen quickly on Sunday night, potentially becoming impassable by Monday morning. This assessment doesn’t even fully account for the near-zero visibility resulting from blizzard conditions, heavy snowfall, and powerful wind gusts.

For the most current updates on this nor’easter, be sure to follow Storm Team 10!