Tuesday, December 18th Clipper
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Forecast: 2-5" (MA/RI/CT) with spots of 6-7" in Essex/Middlesex/S.NH/Worcester. Cape/Islands C-2".
VERIFICATION
Forecast did fairly well. Should've included Boston in my "spots of 6-7" due to the coastal front band that set up around 6:00 pm EST and gave them 2"/hour rates. There were a few spots on 8" in my 6-7" range but I verified well overall.
Model Verification: Models handled this event okay. Euro seemed to spit out the least amount of QPF for this system. NAM ended up verifying alright, especially picking up on NE MA as a "jackpot" zone. GFS ended up doing good as well despite it's bullish QPF amounts it was forecasting. All models busted on SE MA which underwent a "suckerhole" for quite some time attributing to low end totals. HRRR picked up well on banding features once the storm began, especially the one over Boston which was compared to a MCV (mesoscale convective vortex) which as one meteorologist went on to say was the cause of high TT's when you have such cold, arctic air interacting with warm, moist, Atlantic air. There was also some nice mid level dynamics with this system in regards to mini deformations zones between 850-700mb, as well as nice omega values within the dendritic growth zone.
What to remember: How models had a difficult time forecasting how the two shortwaves at play would interact and which one would become dominant. If I remember correctly the first shortwave encompassed the second one and developed into a strong low offshore south of LI.
Forecast vs. Verification
Red text denotes a busted forecast. Totals are rounded to nearest inch.
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
SPOTTER REPORTS
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
106 AM EST WED DEC 18 2013
THE FOLLOWING ARE UNOFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS TAKEN DURING THE PAST 6
HOURS FOR THE STORM THAT HAS BEEN AFFECTING OUR REGION. APPRECIATION
IS EXTENDED TO HIGHWAY DEPARTMENTS...COOPERATIVE OBSERVERS...SKYWARN
SPOTTERS AND MEDIA FOR THESE REPORTS. THIS SUMMARY IS ALSO AVAILABLE
ON OUR HOME PAGE AT WEATHER.GOV/BOSTON
********************STORM TOTAL SNOWFALL********************
LOCATION STORM TOTAL TIME/DATE COMMENTS
SNOWFALL OF
/INCHES/ MEASUREMENT
CONNECTICUT
...HARTFORD COUNTY...
CANTON 5.0 721 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
1 WNW WINDSOR LOCKS 4.8 1200 AM 12/18 AIRPORT
GRANBY 4.0 741 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
ENFIELD 3.6 740 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
MANCHESTER 3.6 857 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
NEW BRITAIN 3.6 736 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
EAST HARTFORD 3.5 739 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
ROCKY HILL 3.5 828 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
BURLINGTON 3.5 743 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
NORTH GRANBY 3.5 803 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
EAST FARMINGTON HEIG 3.0 706 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
SIMSBURY 3.0 737 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
WETHERSFIELD 3.0 741 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
...TOLLAND COUNTY...
STAFFORDVILLE 4.6 1009 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
ANDOVER 4.5 734 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
TOLLAND 4.4 802 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
STAFFORD SPRINGS 4.3 729 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
SOMERS 4.2 807 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
COVENTRY 3.6 740 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
VERNON 3.3 725 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
HEBRON 3.0 903 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
COLUMBIA 2.9 903 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
...WINDHAM COUNTY...
ASHFORD 5.0 910 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
POMFRET CENTER 3.3 1015 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
MASSACHUSETTS
...BRISTOL COUNTY...
ATTLEBORO 2.3 914 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
TAUNTON 1.9 1200 AM 12/18 NWS OFFICE
SOMERSET 1.5 738 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
FAIRHAVEN 1.0 804 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
NEW BEDFORD 1.0 754 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
...ESSEX COUNTY...
SWAMPSCOTT 8.1 958 PM 12/17 PUBLIC
NORTH ANDOVER 7.5 1013 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
SAUGUS 7.5 757 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
TOPSFIELD 7.0 1105 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
METHUEN 7.0 1217 AM 12/18 GENERAL PUBLIC
MARBLEHEAD 7.0 1000 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
IPSWICH 6.5 901 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
LYNN 6.5 1100 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
WEST PEABODY 6.3 711 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
DANVERS 6.0 909 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
GLOUCESTER 6.0 721 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
HAMILTON 6.0 759 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
BRADFORD 5.5 847 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
HAVERHILL 5.0 1131 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
NEWBURYPORT 5.0 1008 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
AMESBURY 4.0 812 PM 12/17 PUBLIC
SALISBURY 4.0 926 PM 12/17 COOP OBSERVER
...FRANKLIN COUNTY...
GREENFIELD 5.5 710 PM 12/17 MEDIA
LEYDEN 5.0 907 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
COLRAIN 4.5 1020 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
HEATH 4.5 932 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
NORTHFIELD 4.2 900 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
...HAMPDEN COUNTY...
LONGMEADOW 5.0 852 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
WESTFIELD 4.5 810 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
SPRINGFIELD 4.5 826 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
INDIAN ORCHARD 4.3 826 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
CHICOPEE 4.3 823 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
SOUTHWICK 4.3 919 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
AGAWAM 3.5 916 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
...HAMPSHIRE COUNTY...
BELCHERTOWN 5.0 816 PM 12/17 PUBLIC
WESTHAMPTON 4.8 956 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
AMHERST 3.0 735 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
FLORENCE 3.0 826 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
...MIDDLESEX COUNTY...
FRAMINGHAM 8.1 1000 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
PEPPERELL 8.0 1009 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
GROTON 8.0 945 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
WINCHESTER 7.8 1144 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
TYNGSBORO 7.8 932 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
BEDFORD 7.6 952 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
WOBURN 7.5 1048 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
TOWNSEND 7.3 917 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
MAYNARD 7.0 755 PM 12/17 CO-OP OBSERVER
SUDBURY 7.0 1040 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
CHELMSFORD 7.0 714 PM 12/17 PUBLIC
CARLISLE 7.0 1029 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
WILMINGTON 6.8 950 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
WAKEFIELD 6.8 900 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
TYNGSBOROUGH 6.8 845 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
WEST NEWTON 6.8 1039 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
WESTON 6.7 1013 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
DRACUT 6.6 1226 AM 12/18 PUBLIC
READING 6.5 958 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
LOWELL 6.5 1143 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
NORTH CHELMSFORD 6.2 1021 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
AYER 6.1 1139 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
HOPKINTON 6.1 903 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
NATICK 6.0 943 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
HOLLISTON 6.0 1016 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
CONCORD 6.0 835 PM 12/17 PUBLIC
CAMBRIDGE 5.5 717 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
MELROSE 5.3 717 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
...NORFOLK COUNTY...
MILTON 5.4 1002 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
NORTH WEYMOUTH 5.0 747 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
BRAINTREE 5.0 950 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
SOUTH WEYMOUTH 5.0 1230 AM 12/18 MEDIA
QUINCY 4.8 926 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
RANDOLPH 4.5 1209 AM 12/18 TRAINED SPOTTER
NORWOOD 3.5 814 PM 12/17 NWS EMPLOYEE
SHARON 3.3 821 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
FOXBORO 3.2 814 PM 12/17 NWS EMPLOYEE
...PLYMOUTH COUNTY...
ROCKLAND 4.0 1004 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
HANOVER 4.0 1048 PM 12/17 PUBLIC
BROCKTON 3.3 1002 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
MARSHFIELD 3.0 1053 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
BRIDGEWATER 2.0 759 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
ROCHESTER 1.0 807 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
...SUFFOLK COUNTY...
WINTHROP 6.4 1045 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
1 N BOSTON 6.4 1045 PM 12/17 LOGAN AIRPORT
WEST ROXBURY 5.5 724 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
...WORCESTER COUNTY...
WESTBORO 7.5 919 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
LUNENBURG 7.5 727 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
AUBURN 7.3 1041 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
WESTBOROUGH 7.3 1010 PM 12/17 NWS EMPLOYEE
FITCHBURG 7.3 728 PM 12/17 COOP OBSERVER
LEOMINSTER 7.1 737 PM 12/17 CO-OP OBSERVER
SHREWSBURY 7.0 936 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
ASHBURNHAM 7.0 854 PM 12/17 CO-OP OBSERVER
HOLDEN 7.0 1033 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
CLINTON 6.7 839 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
3 WNW WORCESTER 6.6 1133 PM 12/17 AIRPORT
SOUTHBRIDGE 6.5 838 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
MILFORD 6.5 921 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
WESTMINSTER 6.3 919 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
WARREN 6.0 738 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
LEICESTER 6.0 1011 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
ROYALSTON 6.0 1249 AM 12/18 TRAINED SPOTTER
LANCASTER 6.0 841 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
NORTH GRAFTON 5.8 709 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
GARDNER 5.5 744 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
TEMPLETON 5.5 922 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
BROOKFIELD 5.0 933 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
OAKHAM 5.0 725 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
NEW HAMPSHIRE
...CHESHIRE COUNTY...
KEENE 4.6 747 PM 12/17 COOP OBSERVER
HARRISVILLE 4.6 910 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
...HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY...
NEW IPSWICH 7.4 843 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
MILFORD 7.3 930 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
PETERBOROUGH 7.0 834 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
HUDSON 6.9 950 PM 12/17 CO-OP OBSERVER
SOUTH HUDSON 6.3 1007 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
NASHUA 5.9 859 PM 12/17 NWS EMPLOYEE
NEW BOSTON 5.8 928 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
MANCHESTER 5.5 1035 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
GREENFIELD 5.1 1020 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
WEARE 5.0 1102 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
NORTH WEARE 5.0 1108 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
BENNINGTON 4.0 740 PM 12/17 NWS EMPLOYEE
RHODE ISLAND
...KENT COUNTY...
2 NNW WARWICK 1.7 1200 AM 12/18 AIRPORT
WEST WARWICK 1.0 809 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
...PROVIDENCE COUNTY...
CUMBERLAND 2.5 847 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
BURRILLVILLE 2.5 716 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
WEST GLOCESTER 1.8 722 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
NORTH FOSTER 1.6 759 PM 12/17 CO-OP OBSERVER
PAWTUCKET 1.0 940 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
...WASHINGTON COUNTY...
SOUTH KINGSTOWN 2.0 800 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
Forecast: 2-5" (MA/RI/CT) with spots of 6-7" in Essex/Middlesex/S.NH/Worcester. Cape/Islands C-2".
VERIFICATION
Forecast did fairly well. Should've included Boston in my "spots of 6-7" due to the coastal front band that set up around 6:00 pm EST and gave them 2"/hour rates. There were a few spots on 8" in my 6-7" range but I verified well overall.
Model Verification: Models handled this event okay. Euro seemed to spit out the least amount of QPF for this system. NAM ended up verifying alright, especially picking up on NE MA as a "jackpot" zone. GFS ended up doing good as well despite it's bullish QPF amounts it was forecasting. All models busted on SE MA which underwent a "suckerhole" for quite some time attributing to low end totals. HRRR picked up well on banding features once the storm began, especially the one over Boston which was compared to a MCV (mesoscale convective vortex) which as one meteorologist went on to say was the cause of high TT's when you have such cold, arctic air interacting with warm, moist, Atlantic air. There was also some nice mid level dynamics with this system in regards to mini deformations zones between 850-700mb, as well as nice omega values within the dendritic growth zone.
What to remember: How models had a difficult time forecasting how the two shortwaves at play would interact and which one would become dominant. If I remember correctly the first shortwave encompassed the second one and developed into a strong low offshore south of LI.
Forecast vs. Verification
Red text denotes a busted forecast. Totals are rounded to nearest inch.
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
SPOTTER REPORTS
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
106 AM EST WED DEC 18 2013
THE FOLLOWING ARE UNOFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS TAKEN DURING THE PAST 6
HOURS FOR THE STORM THAT HAS BEEN AFFECTING OUR REGION. APPRECIATION
IS EXTENDED TO HIGHWAY DEPARTMENTS...COOPERATIVE OBSERVERS...SKYWARN
SPOTTERS AND MEDIA FOR THESE REPORTS. THIS SUMMARY IS ALSO AVAILABLE
ON OUR HOME PAGE AT WEATHER.GOV/BOSTON
********************STORM TOTAL SNOWFALL********************
LOCATION STORM TOTAL TIME/DATE COMMENTS
SNOWFALL OF
/INCHES/ MEASUREMENT
CONNECTICUT
...HARTFORD COUNTY...
CANTON 5.0 721 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
1 WNW WINDSOR LOCKS 4.8 1200 AM 12/18 AIRPORT
GRANBY 4.0 741 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
ENFIELD 3.6 740 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
MANCHESTER 3.6 857 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
NEW BRITAIN 3.6 736 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
EAST HARTFORD 3.5 739 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
ROCKY HILL 3.5 828 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
BURLINGTON 3.5 743 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
NORTH GRANBY 3.5 803 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
EAST FARMINGTON HEIG 3.0 706 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
SIMSBURY 3.0 737 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
WETHERSFIELD 3.0 741 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
...TOLLAND COUNTY...
STAFFORDVILLE 4.6 1009 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
ANDOVER 4.5 734 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
TOLLAND 4.4 802 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
STAFFORD SPRINGS 4.3 729 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
SOMERS 4.2 807 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
COVENTRY 3.6 740 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
VERNON 3.3 725 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
HEBRON 3.0 903 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
COLUMBIA 2.9 903 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
...WINDHAM COUNTY...
ASHFORD 5.0 910 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
POMFRET CENTER 3.3 1015 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
MASSACHUSETTS
...BRISTOL COUNTY...
ATTLEBORO 2.3 914 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
TAUNTON 1.9 1200 AM 12/18 NWS OFFICE
SOMERSET 1.5 738 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
FAIRHAVEN 1.0 804 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
NEW BEDFORD 1.0 754 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
...ESSEX COUNTY...
SWAMPSCOTT 8.1 958 PM 12/17 PUBLIC
NORTH ANDOVER 7.5 1013 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
SAUGUS 7.5 757 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
TOPSFIELD 7.0 1105 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
METHUEN 7.0 1217 AM 12/18 GENERAL PUBLIC
MARBLEHEAD 7.0 1000 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
IPSWICH 6.5 901 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
LYNN 6.5 1100 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
WEST PEABODY 6.3 711 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
DANVERS 6.0 909 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
GLOUCESTER 6.0 721 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
HAMILTON 6.0 759 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
BRADFORD 5.5 847 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
HAVERHILL 5.0 1131 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
NEWBURYPORT 5.0 1008 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
AMESBURY 4.0 812 PM 12/17 PUBLIC
SALISBURY 4.0 926 PM 12/17 COOP OBSERVER
...FRANKLIN COUNTY...
GREENFIELD 5.5 710 PM 12/17 MEDIA
LEYDEN 5.0 907 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
COLRAIN 4.5 1020 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
HEATH 4.5 932 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
NORTHFIELD 4.2 900 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
...HAMPDEN COUNTY...
LONGMEADOW 5.0 852 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
WESTFIELD 4.5 810 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
SPRINGFIELD 4.5 826 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
INDIAN ORCHARD 4.3 826 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
CHICOPEE 4.3 823 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
SOUTHWICK 4.3 919 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
AGAWAM 3.5 916 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
...HAMPSHIRE COUNTY...
BELCHERTOWN 5.0 816 PM 12/17 PUBLIC
WESTHAMPTON 4.8 956 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
AMHERST 3.0 735 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
FLORENCE 3.0 826 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
...MIDDLESEX COUNTY...
FRAMINGHAM 8.1 1000 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
PEPPERELL 8.0 1009 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
GROTON 8.0 945 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
WINCHESTER 7.8 1144 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
TYNGSBORO 7.8 932 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
BEDFORD 7.6 952 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
WOBURN 7.5 1048 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
TOWNSEND 7.3 917 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
MAYNARD 7.0 755 PM 12/17 CO-OP OBSERVER
SUDBURY 7.0 1040 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
CHELMSFORD 7.0 714 PM 12/17 PUBLIC
CARLISLE 7.0 1029 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
WILMINGTON 6.8 950 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
WAKEFIELD 6.8 900 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
TYNGSBOROUGH 6.8 845 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
WEST NEWTON 6.8 1039 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
WESTON 6.7 1013 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
DRACUT 6.6 1226 AM 12/18 PUBLIC
READING 6.5 958 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
LOWELL 6.5 1143 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
NORTH CHELMSFORD 6.2 1021 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
AYER 6.1 1139 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
HOPKINTON 6.1 903 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
NATICK 6.0 943 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
HOLLISTON 6.0 1016 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
CONCORD 6.0 835 PM 12/17 PUBLIC
CAMBRIDGE 5.5 717 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
MELROSE 5.3 717 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
...NORFOLK COUNTY...
MILTON 5.4 1002 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
NORTH WEYMOUTH 5.0 747 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
BRAINTREE 5.0 950 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
SOUTH WEYMOUTH 5.0 1230 AM 12/18 MEDIA
QUINCY 4.8 926 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
RANDOLPH 4.5 1209 AM 12/18 TRAINED SPOTTER
NORWOOD 3.5 814 PM 12/17 NWS EMPLOYEE
SHARON 3.3 821 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
FOXBORO 3.2 814 PM 12/17 NWS EMPLOYEE
...PLYMOUTH COUNTY...
ROCKLAND 4.0 1004 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
HANOVER 4.0 1048 PM 12/17 PUBLIC
BROCKTON 3.3 1002 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
MARSHFIELD 3.0 1053 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
BRIDGEWATER 2.0 759 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
ROCHESTER 1.0 807 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
...SUFFOLK COUNTY...
WINTHROP 6.4 1045 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
1 N BOSTON 6.4 1045 PM 12/17 LOGAN AIRPORT
WEST ROXBURY 5.5 724 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
...WORCESTER COUNTY...
WESTBORO 7.5 919 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
LUNENBURG 7.5 727 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
AUBURN 7.3 1041 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
WESTBOROUGH 7.3 1010 PM 12/17 NWS EMPLOYEE
FITCHBURG 7.3 728 PM 12/17 COOP OBSERVER
LEOMINSTER 7.1 737 PM 12/17 CO-OP OBSERVER
SHREWSBURY 7.0 936 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
ASHBURNHAM 7.0 854 PM 12/17 CO-OP OBSERVER
HOLDEN 7.0 1033 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
CLINTON 6.7 839 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
3 WNW WORCESTER 6.6 1133 PM 12/17 AIRPORT
SOUTHBRIDGE 6.5 838 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
MILFORD 6.5 921 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
WESTMINSTER 6.3 919 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
WARREN 6.0 738 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
LEICESTER 6.0 1011 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
ROYALSTON 6.0 1249 AM 12/18 TRAINED SPOTTER
LANCASTER 6.0 841 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
NORTH GRAFTON 5.8 709 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
GARDNER 5.5 744 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
TEMPLETON 5.5 922 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
BROOKFIELD 5.0 933 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
OAKHAM 5.0 725 PM 12/17 AMATEUR RADIO
NEW HAMPSHIRE
...CHESHIRE COUNTY...
KEENE 4.6 747 PM 12/17 COOP OBSERVER
HARRISVILLE 4.6 910 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
...HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY...
NEW IPSWICH 7.4 843 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
MILFORD 7.3 930 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
PETERBOROUGH 7.0 834 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
HUDSON 6.9 950 PM 12/17 CO-OP OBSERVER
SOUTH HUDSON 6.3 1007 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
NASHUA 5.9 859 PM 12/17 NWS EMPLOYEE
NEW BOSTON 5.8 928 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
MANCHESTER 5.5 1035 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
GREENFIELD 5.1 1020 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
WEARE 5.0 1102 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
NORTH WEARE 5.0 1108 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
BENNINGTON 4.0 740 PM 12/17 NWS EMPLOYEE
RHODE ISLAND
...KENT COUNTY...
2 NNW WARWICK 1.7 1200 AM 12/18 AIRPORT
WEST WARWICK 1.0 809 PM 12/17 HAM RADIO
...PROVIDENCE COUNTY...
CUMBERLAND 2.5 847 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
BURRILLVILLE 2.5 716 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
WEST GLOCESTER 1.8 722 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
NORTH FOSTER 1.6 759 PM 12/17 CO-OP OBSERVER
PAWTUCKET 1.0 940 PM 12/17 GENERAL PUBLIC
...WASHINGTON COUNTY...
SOUTH KINGSTOWN 2.0 800 PM 12/17 TRAINED SPOTTER
December 14th-15th Storm
Friday, December 13, 2013
With our first big storm of the winter, there still remains a lot of uncertainty. What we do know is we're going to get snow beginning during the afternoon on Saturday through mid morning Sunday. I expect the heaviest of it to happen Saturday overnight.
In regards to models, both the ECENS and GEFS (i.e. ensemble models, which are basically a bunch of models run with slightly different initial conditions) both have this storm passing over the benchmark (40N, 70W), which is climatologically a prime location to ensure a good storm for the Northeast. The big question that remains uncertain is how much are we going to get? Models have been trending up in regards to QPF totals, which now stands at most locations receiving at least 1" of liquid precipitation. Areas west and north of E MA are guaranteed for this to be an all snow event, meaning that 8-12" is certainly possible. My biggest concern with this storm is how warm the low-mid levels get, which can greatly impact snowfall ratios in addition to precipitation type, especially for E MA and coastal areas. Both the GFS and Euro have a very noticeable low-level warm tongue from ~750-900 mb Sunday morning (towards the end of the storm) that will flip the snow to rain, sleet, rain/snow mix, and even freezing rain depending on location. Another caveat with this forecast is if and when a coastal front sets up along the E MA and Southern New England coastal borders. I believe one will set up towards the latter end of this event, but the onset of it will be delayed due to the fact of such cold air in place especially with an area of very cold high pressure to our north over Quebec. There's a good chance it may not set up until the bulk of the precipitation has already fallen. When the snow begins on Saturday, I expect it to accumulate almost immediately given the cold air already in place at the surface, and given the snow pack we already have. The map below is my second forecast, and is still subject to change:
With our first big storm of the winter, there still remains a lot of uncertainty. What we do know is we're going to get snow beginning during the afternoon on Saturday through mid morning Sunday. I expect the heaviest of it to happen Saturday overnight.
In regards to models, both the ECENS and GEFS (i.e. ensemble models, which are basically a bunch of models run with slightly different initial conditions) both have this storm passing over the benchmark (40N, 70W), which is climatologically a prime location to ensure a good storm for the Northeast. The big question that remains uncertain is how much are we going to get? Models have been trending up in regards to QPF totals, which now stands at most locations receiving at least 1" of liquid precipitation. Areas west and north of E MA are guaranteed for this to be an all snow event, meaning that 8-12" is certainly possible. My biggest concern with this storm is how warm the low-mid levels get, which can greatly impact snowfall ratios in addition to precipitation type, especially for E MA and coastal areas. Both the GFS and Euro have a very noticeable low-level warm tongue from ~750-900 mb Sunday morning (towards the end of the storm) that will flip the snow to rain, sleet, rain/snow mix, and even freezing rain depending on location. Another caveat with this forecast is if and when a coastal front sets up along the E MA and Southern New England coastal borders. I believe one will set up towards the latter end of this event, but the onset of it will be delayed due to the fact of such cold air in place especially with an area of very cold high pressure to our north over Quebec. There's a good chance it may not set up until the bulk of the precipitation has already fallen. When the snow begins on Saturday, I expect it to accumulate almost immediately given the cold air already in place at the surface, and given the snow pack we already have. The map below is my second forecast, and is still subject to change:
VERIFICATION
Forecast verified pretty well although I could've done better with CT and Worcester county. I seemed to have over forecasted minimum amounts for the areas I busted for. A widespread 6-10" would've verified the best for areas I busted and it actually would've done well in areas I verified.
What to remember: How quick would 850mb warm tongue disrupt precip type? It appeared to flip many areas over to sleet/rain earlier than modeled. There were also reports of thundersnow in the Metrowest area due to a LI tongue moving in from the south.
Forecast vs. Verification
Red text denotes a busted forecast. Totals are rounded to nearest inch.
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
SPOTTER REPORTS
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
421 PM EST SUN DEC 15 2013
THE FOLLOWING ARE UNOFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS TAKEN DURING THE PAST 18
HOURS FOR THE STORM THAT HAS BEEN AFFECTING OUR REGION. APPRECIATION
IS EXTENDED TO HIGHWAY DEPARTMENTS...COOPERATIVE OBSERVERS...SKYWARN
SPOTTERS AND MEDIA FOR THESE REPORTS. THIS SUMMARY IS ALSO AVAILABLE
ON OUR HOME PAGE AT WEATHER.GOV/BOSTON
********************STORM TOTAL SNOWFALL********************
LOCATION STORM TOTAL TIME/DATE COMMENTS
SNOWFALL OF
/INCHES/ MEASUREMENT
CONNECTICUT
...HARTFORD COUNTY...
CANTON 8.0 702 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
BURLINGTON 7.6 427 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
1 WNW WINDSOR LOCKS 6.9 700 AM 12/15 BRADLEY AIRPORT
NORTH GRANBY 6.8 712 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
NEWINGTON 6.8 808 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
AVON 6.7 748 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
EAST FARMINGTON HEIG 6.5 524 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
WEATOGUE 6.0 910 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
GRANBY 6.0 1219 PM 12/15 NWS EMPLOYEE
VERNON 5.6 504 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
EAST HARTFORD 5.5 803 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
ENFIELD 5.5 916 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
WINDSOR 5.3 659 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
MANCHESTER 5.0 232 PM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
WEST HARTFORD 4.7 541 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
HARTFORD 3.5 505 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
SOUTHINGTON 3.5 809 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
...TOLLAND COUNTY...
STAFFORD SPRINGS 6.8 1229 PM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
STAFFORDVILLE 6.5 706 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
TOLLAND 6.0 646 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
VERNON 5.6 806 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
COLUMBIA 5.2 742 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
ANDOVER 4.0 518 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
...WINDHAM COUNTY...
SCOTLAND 6.0 739 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
MOOSUP 5.3 230 AM 12/15 PUBLIC
ASHFORD 5.0 1004 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
MASSACHUSETTS
...BARNSTABLE COUNTY...
EAST SANDWICH 3.1 1243 AM 12/15 NWS EMPLOYEE
SOUTH DENNIS 2.6 1232 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
BOURNE 2.5 450 AM 12/15 NWS EMPLOYEE
BARNSTABLE 2.0 1225 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
YARMOUTHPORT 2.0 538 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
CHATHAM 0.1 700 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
WOODS HOLE T 600 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
...BRISTOL COUNTY...
TAUNTON 2.6 NW 5.5 1205 AM 12/15 NWS EMPLOYEE
TAUNTON 4.8 700 AM 12/15 NWS OFFICE
DIGHTON 4.5 820 AM 12/15 NWS EMPLOYEE
ATTLEBORO 4.5 1110 PM 12/14 SPOTTER
ACUSHNET 4.0 608 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
SOMERSET 4.0 218 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
NEW BEDFORD 4.0 222 AM 12/15 PUBLIC
REHOBOTH 3.5 1135 PM 12/14 NWS EMPLOYEE
FAIRHAVEN 3.0 1117 PM 12/14 HAM RADIO
DARTMOUTH 2.8 1104 PM 12/14 HAM RADIO
...ESSEX COUNTY...
GEORGETOWN 10.0 1205 PM 12/15 HAM RADIO
TOPSFIELD 10.0 737 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
HAVERHILL 10.0 254 PM 12/15 SPOTTER
BRADFORD 10.0 723 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
SALISBURY 9.5 655 AM 12/15 COOP OBSERVER
METHUEN 9.5 1030 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
NEWBURYPORT 9.5 727 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
NORTH ANDOVER 8.0 1010 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
PEABODY 8.0 443 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
W. PEABODY 7.8 451 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
DANVERS 7.5 1029 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
BEVERLY 7.3 600 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
SWAMPSCOTT 6.9 1111 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
GLOUCESTER 6.4 537 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
LAWRENCE 6.0 700 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
MARBLEHEAD 4.5 915 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
...FRANKLIN COUNTY...
SHELBURNE 10.5 543 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
COLRAIN 10.0 1131 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
GREENFIELD 10.0 722 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
ASHFIELD 9.5 712 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
HEATH 9.3 1130 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
LEYDEN 9.0 951 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
EAST CHARLEMONT 8.5 1020 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
NORTHFIELD 7.5 757 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
SUNDERLAND 5.8 700 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
...HAMPDEN COUNTY...
GRANVILLE 8.0 320 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
AGAWAM 7.6 800 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
SOUTHWICK 7.0 724 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
EAST LONGMEADOW 6.5 1108 AM 12/15 MEDIA
LUDLOW 6.0 843 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
BLANDFORD 6.0 949 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
CHICOPEE 5.8 734 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
WEST SPRINGFIELD 5.5 827 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
AGAWAN 5.0 728 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
...HAMPSHIRE COUNTY...
PLAINFIELD 8.6 904 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
WESTHAMPTON 7.5 740 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
WORTHINGTON 7.3 700 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
AMHERST 7.0 500 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
SOUTH HADLEY 7.0 807 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
CHICOPEE 6.0 923 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
LUDLOW 6.0 914 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
GRANBY 5.5 720 AM 12/15 EMERGENCY MANAGER
NORTHAMPTON 5.0 723 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
WARE 5.0 725 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
...MIDDLESEX COUNTY...
PEPPERELL 10.0 820 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
HUDSON 9.5 1001 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
TYNGSBOROUGH 9.5 1007 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
WILMINGTON 9.5 956 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
WAKEFIELD 9.5 803 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
WESTFORD 9.3 1011 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
TOWNSEND 9.2 800 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
LOWELL 9.0 600 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
GROTON 9.0 842 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
DRACUT 8.8 1216 PM 12/15 SPOTTER
FRAMINGHAM 8.7 830 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
WALTHAM 8.5 452 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
WOBURN 8.5 1035 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
BEDFORD 8.2 750 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
STOW 8.0 800 AM 12/15 MEDIA
WEST NEWTON 8.0 120 PM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
NORTH READING 8.0 219 PM 12/15 HAM RADIO
CONCORD 8.0 930 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
AYER 8.0 919 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
NORTH CHELMSFORD 8.0 845 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
CARLISLE 7.5 750 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
HOPKINTON 7.3 717 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
CHELMSFORD 7.0 510 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
MARLBORO 7.0 1059 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
CAMBRIDGE 6.7 911 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
NATICK 6.5 441 AM 12/15 MEDIA
SUDBURY 6.3 721 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
MALDEN 6.0 948 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
HOLLISTON 5.0 611 AM 12/15 PUBLIC
BELMONT 4.2 1206 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
EVERETT 4.0 1204 PM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
...NORFOLK COUNTY...
SHARON 7.2 1005 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
WALPOLE 7.0 700 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
FRANKLIN 7.0 700 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
SHARTON 7.0 814 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
MILTON 6.8 445 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
MILLIS 6.0 802 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
BLUE HILLS 5.9 700 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
RANDOLPH 5.7 706 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
NORWOOD 5.3 821 AM 12/15 NWS EMPLOYEE
QUINCY 5.2 912 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
EAST WALPOLE 5.0 811 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
...PLYMOUTH COUNTY...
ROCKLAND 5.5 1230 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
BROCKTON 4.8 1209 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
MARSHFIELD 4.3 1207 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
BRIDGEWATER 3.0 700 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
SO. PLYMOUTH 2.8 232 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
ROCHESTER 2.5 800 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
HALIFAX 2.0 741 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
MIDDLEBORO 2.0 715 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
...SUFFOLK COUNTY...
BOSTON 6.0 236 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
WEST ROXBURY 4.3 1233 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
1 N EAST BOSTON 4.2 700 AM 12/15 LOGAN AIRPORT
WINTHROP 4.2 700 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
...WORCESTER COUNTY...
WESTMINSTER 10.8 813 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
LUNENBURG 10.1 855 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
NORTH ASHBURNHAM 9.0 700 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
STERLING 9.0 826 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
3 WNW WORCESTER 9.0 1023 AM 12/15 ORH AIRPORT
NORTH LEOMINSTER 9.0 749 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
FITCHBURG 9.0 715 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
SPENCER 8.5 1003 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
STURBRIDGE 8.5 959 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
AUBURN 8.5 1242 PM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
SHREWSBURY 8.2 1023 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
BOLTON 8.0 1013 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
LEICESTER 8.0 1201 PM 12/15 HAM RADIO
TEMPLETON 8.0 921 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
NORTHBORO 8.0 1105 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
HOLDEN 8.0 740 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
LEOMINSTER 8.0 700 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
WESTBOROUGH 8.0 542 AM 12/15 NWS EMPLOYEE
BOYLSTON 7.8 754 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
ASHBURNHAM 7.8 835 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
HARDWICK 7.8 715 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
BERLIN 7.7 904 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
NORTHBOROUGH 7.3 300 PM 12/15 SPOTTER
WHITINSVILLE 7.1 800 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
GARDNER 7.0 1027 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
ROYALSTON 6.5 945 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
MILFORD 6.1 800 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
OAKHAM 6.0 524 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
NORTHBRIDGE 6.0 800 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
CHARLTON 6.0 525 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
WORCESTER 6.0 523 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
BLACKSTON 6.0 1103 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
SOUTHBRIDGE 5.6 621 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
BARRE 5.5 458 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
CLINTON 3.7 1203 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
NEW HAMPSHIRE
...CHESHIRE COUNTY...
EAST ALSTEAD 11.0 710 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
FITZWILLIAM 10.0 800 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
WALPOLE 10.0 839 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
MERRIMACK 8.0 542 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
KEENE 8.0 604 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
MANCHESTER 7.5 634 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
...HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY...
NEW IPSWICH 12.3 223 PM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
PETERBOROUGH 11.0 843 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
GOFFSTOWN 10.0 1150 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
GREENFIELD 10.0 400 PM 12/15 SPOTTER
MONT VERNON 10.0 135 PM 12/15 HAM RADIO
SOUTH WEARE 9.5 930 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
BROOKLINE 9.5 700 AM 12/15 MEDIA
EAST MILFORD 9.0 730 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
BEDFORD 9.0 940 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
NASHUA 9.0 632 AM 12/15 NWS EMPLOYEE
HUDSON 9.0 1235 PM 12/15 NWS COOP
NEW BOSTON 8.5 800 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
SOUTH HUDSON 8.3 1002 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
MANCHESTER 7.8 757 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
RHODE ISLAND
...BRISTOL COUNTY...
BRISTOL 3.0 1227 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
BARRINGTON 3.0 747 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
...KENT COUNTY...
GREENE 6.0 400 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
WEST WARWICK 5.0 438 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
COVENTRY 5.0 1202 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
2 NNW WARWICK 3.8 700 AM 12/15 TF GREEN
...NEWPORT COUNTY...
PORTSMOUTH 3.0 1130 PM 12/14 HAM RADIO
NEWPORT 2.0 1121 PM 12/14 HAM RADIO
...PROVIDENCE COUNTY...
CUMBERLAND 8.0 1000 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
BURRILLVILLE 7.0 744 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
HARRISVILLE 6.8 528 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
WEST GLOCESTER 6.2 901 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
WOONSOCKET 5.7 700 AM 12/15 MEDIA
NORTH FOSTER 5.5 930 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
SCITUATE (HOPE) 4.5 308 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
NORTH PROVIDENCE 4.2 232 PM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
EAST PROVIDENCE 3.6 1139 AM 12/15 EMERGENCY MANAGER
PAWTUCKET 3.0 945 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
...WASHINGTON COUNTY...
SOUTH KINGSTOWN 5.0 1200 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
WESTERLY 3.8 1116 PM 12/14 SPOTTER
Forecast verified pretty well although I could've done better with CT and Worcester county. I seemed to have over forecasted minimum amounts for the areas I busted for. A widespread 6-10" would've verified the best for areas I busted and it actually would've done well in areas I verified.
What to remember: How quick would 850mb warm tongue disrupt precip type? It appeared to flip many areas over to sleet/rain earlier than modeled. There were also reports of thundersnow in the Metrowest area due to a LI tongue moving in from the south.
Forecast vs. Verification
Red text denotes a busted forecast. Totals are rounded to nearest inch.
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
SPOTTER REPORTS
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
421 PM EST SUN DEC 15 2013
THE FOLLOWING ARE UNOFFICIAL OBSERVATIONS TAKEN DURING THE PAST 18
HOURS FOR THE STORM THAT HAS BEEN AFFECTING OUR REGION. APPRECIATION
IS EXTENDED TO HIGHWAY DEPARTMENTS...COOPERATIVE OBSERVERS...SKYWARN
SPOTTERS AND MEDIA FOR THESE REPORTS. THIS SUMMARY IS ALSO AVAILABLE
ON OUR HOME PAGE AT WEATHER.GOV/BOSTON
********************STORM TOTAL SNOWFALL********************
LOCATION STORM TOTAL TIME/DATE COMMENTS
SNOWFALL OF
/INCHES/ MEASUREMENT
CONNECTICUT
...HARTFORD COUNTY...
CANTON 8.0 702 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
BURLINGTON 7.6 427 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
1 WNW WINDSOR LOCKS 6.9 700 AM 12/15 BRADLEY AIRPORT
NORTH GRANBY 6.8 712 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
NEWINGTON 6.8 808 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
AVON 6.7 748 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
EAST FARMINGTON HEIG 6.5 524 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
WEATOGUE 6.0 910 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
GRANBY 6.0 1219 PM 12/15 NWS EMPLOYEE
VERNON 5.6 504 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
EAST HARTFORD 5.5 803 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
ENFIELD 5.5 916 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
WINDSOR 5.3 659 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
MANCHESTER 5.0 232 PM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
WEST HARTFORD 4.7 541 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
HARTFORD 3.5 505 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
SOUTHINGTON 3.5 809 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
...TOLLAND COUNTY...
STAFFORD SPRINGS 6.8 1229 PM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
STAFFORDVILLE 6.5 706 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
TOLLAND 6.0 646 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
VERNON 5.6 806 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
COLUMBIA 5.2 742 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
ANDOVER 4.0 518 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
...WINDHAM COUNTY...
SCOTLAND 6.0 739 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
MOOSUP 5.3 230 AM 12/15 PUBLIC
ASHFORD 5.0 1004 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
MASSACHUSETTS
...BARNSTABLE COUNTY...
EAST SANDWICH 3.1 1243 AM 12/15 NWS EMPLOYEE
SOUTH DENNIS 2.6 1232 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
BOURNE 2.5 450 AM 12/15 NWS EMPLOYEE
BARNSTABLE 2.0 1225 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
YARMOUTHPORT 2.0 538 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
CHATHAM 0.1 700 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
WOODS HOLE T 600 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
...BRISTOL COUNTY...
TAUNTON 2.6 NW 5.5 1205 AM 12/15 NWS EMPLOYEE
TAUNTON 4.8 700 AM 12/15 NWS OFFICE
DIGHTON 4.5 820 AM 12/15 NWS EMPLOYEE
ATTLEBORO 4.5 1110 PM 12/14 SPOTTER
ACUSHNET 4.0 608 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
SOMERSET 4.0 218 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
NEW BEDFORD 4.0 222 AM 12/15 PUBLIC
REHOBOTH 3.5 1135 PM 12/14 NWS EMPLOYEE
FAIRHAVEN 3.0 1117 PM 12/14 HAM RADIO
DARTMOUTH 2.8 1104 PM 12/14 HAM RADIO
...ESSEX COUNTY...
GEORGETOWN 10.0 1205 PM 12/15 HAM RADIO
TOPSFIELD 10.0 737 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
HAVERHILL 10.0 254 PM 12/15 SPOTTER
BRADFORD 10.0 723 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
SALISBURY 9.5 655 AM 12/15 COOP OBSERVER
METHUEN 9.5 1030 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
NEWBURYPORT 9.5 727 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
NORTH ANDOVER 8.0 1010 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
PEABODY 8.0 443 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
W. PEABODY 7.8 451 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
DANVERS 7.5 1029 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
BEVERLY 7.3 600 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
SWAMPSCOTT 6.9 1111 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
GLOUCESTER 6.4 537 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
LAWRENCE 6.0 700 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
MARBLEHEAD 4.5 915 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
...FRANKLIN COUNTY...
SHELBURNE 10.5 543 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
COLRAIN 10.0 1131 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
GREENFIELD 10.0 722 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
ASHFIELD 9.5 712 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
HEATH 9.3 1130 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
LEYDEN 9.0 951 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
EAST CHARLEMONT 8.5 1020 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
NORTHFIELD 7.5 757 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
SUNDERLAND 5.8 700 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
...HAMPDEN COUNTY...
GRANVILLE 8.0 320 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
AGAWAM 7.6 800 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
SOUTHWICK 7.0 724 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
EAST LONGMEADOW 6.5 1108 AM 12/15 MEDIA
LUDLOW 6.0 843 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
BLANDFORD 6.0 949 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
CHICOPEE 5.8 734 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
WEST SPRINGFIELD 5.5 827 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
AGAWAN 5.0 728 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
...HAMPSHIRE COUNTY...
PLAINFIELD 8.6 904 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
WESTHAMPTON 7.5 740 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
WORTHINGTON 7.3 700 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
AMHERST 7.0 500 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
SOUTH HADLEY 7.0 807 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
CHICOPEE 6.0 923 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
LUDLOW 6.0 914 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
GRANBY 5.5 720 AM 12/15 EMERGENCY MANAGER
NORTHAMPTON 5.0 723 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
WARE 5.0 725 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
...MIDDLESEX COUNTY...
PEPPERELL 10.0 820 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
HUDSON 9.5 1001 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
TYNGSBOROUGH 9.5 1007 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
WILMINGTON 9.5 956 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
WAKEFIELD 9.5 803 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
WESTFORD 9.3 1011 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
TOWNSEND 9.2 800 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
LOWELL 9.0 600 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
GROTON 9.0 842 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
DRACUT 8.8 1216 PM 12/15 SPOTTER
FRAMINGHAM 8.7 830 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
WALTHAM 8.5 452 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
WOBURN 8.5 1035 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
BEDFORD 8.2 750 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
STOW 8.0 800 AM 12/15 MEDIA
WEST NEWTON 8.0 120 PM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
NORTH READING 8.0 219 PM 12/15 HAM RADIO
CONCORD 8.0 930 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
AYER 8.0 919 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
NORTH CHELMSFORD 8.0 845 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
CARLISLE 7.5 750 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
HOPKINTON 7.3 717 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
CHELMSFORD 7.0 510 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
MARLBORO 7.0 1059 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
CAMBRIDGE 6.7 911 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
NATICK 6.5 441 AM 12/15 MEDIA
SUDBURY 6.3 721 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
MALDEN 6.0 948 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
HOLLISTON 5.0 611 AM 12/15 PUBLIC
BELMONT 4.2 1206 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
EVERETT 4.0 1204 PM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
...NORFOLK COUNTY...
SHARON 7.2 1005 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
WALPOLE 7.0 700 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
FRANKLIN 7.0 700 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
SHARTON 7.0 814 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
MILTON 6.8 445 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
MILLIS 6.0 802 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
BLUE HILLS 5.9 700 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
RANDOLPH 5.7 706 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
NORWOOD 5.3 821 AM 12/15 NWS EMPLOYEE
QUINCY 5.2 912 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
EAST WALPOLE 5.0 811 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
...PLYMOUTH COUNTY...
ROCKLAND 5.5 1230 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
BROCKTON 4.8 1209 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
MARSHFIELD 4.3 1207 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
BRIDGEWATER 3.0 700 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
SO. PLYMOUTH 2.8 232 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
ROCHESTER 2.5 800 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
HALIFAX 2.0 741 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
MIDDLEBORO 2.0 715 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
...SUFFOLK COUNTY...
BOSTON 6.0 236 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
WEST ROXBURY 4.3 1233 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
1 N EAST BOSTON 4.2 700 AM 12/15 LOGAN AIRPORT
WINTHROP 4.2 700 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
...WORCESTER COUNTY...
WESTMINSTER 10.8 813 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
LUNENBURG 10.1 855 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
NORTH ASHBURNHAM 9.0 700 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
STERLING 9.0 826 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
3 WNW WORCESTER 9.0 1023 AM 12/15 ORH AIRPORT
NORTH LEOMINSTER 9.0 749 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
FITCHBURG 9.0 715 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
SPENCER 8.5 1003 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
STURBRIDGE 8.5 959 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
AUBURN 8.5 1242 PM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
SHREWSBURY 8.2 1023 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
BOLTON 8.0 1013 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
LEICESTER 8.0 1201 PM 12/15 HAM RADIO
TEMPLETON 8.0 921 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
NORTHBORO 8.0 1105 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
HOLDEN 8.0 740 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
LEOMINSTER 8.0 700 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
WESTBOROUGH 8.0 542 AM 12/15 NWS EMPLOYEE
BOYLSTON 7.8 754 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
ASHBURNHAM 7.8 835 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
HARDWICK 7.8 715 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
BERLIN 7.7 904 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
NORTHBOROUGH 7.3 300 PM 12/15 SPOTTER
WHITINSVILLE 7.1 800 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
GARDNER 7.0 1027 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
ROYALSTON 6.5 945 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
MILFORD 6.1 800 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
OAKHAM 6.0 524 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
NORTHBRIDGE 6.0 800 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
CHARLTON 6.0 525 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
WORCESTER 6.0 523 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
BLACKSTON 6.0 1103 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
SOUTHBRIDGE 5.6 621 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
BARRE 5.5 458 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
CLINTON 3.7 1203 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
NEW HAMPSHIRE
...CHESHIRE COUNTY...
EAST ALSTEAD 11.0 710 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
FITZWILLIAM 10.0 800 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
WALPOLE 10.0 839 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
MERRIMACK 8.0 542 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
KEENE 8.0 604 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
MANCHESTER 7.5 634 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
...HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY...
NEW IPSWICH 12.3 223 PM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
PETERBOROUGH 11.0 843 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
GOFFSTOWN 10.0 1150 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
GREENFIELD 10.0 400 PM 12/15 SPOTTER
MONT VERNON 10.0 135 PM 12/15 HAM RADIO
SOUTH WEARE 9.5 930 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
BROOKLINE 9.5 700 AM 12/15 MEDIA
EAST MILFORD 9.0 730 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
BEDFORD 9.0 940 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
NASHUA 9.0 632 AM 12/15 NWS EMPLOYEE
HUDSON 9.0 1235 PM 12/15 NWS COOP
NEW BOSTON 8.5 800 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
SOUTH HUDSON 8.3 1002 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
MANCHESTER 7.8 757 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
RHODE ISLAND
...BRISTOL COUNTY...
BRISTOL 3.0 1227 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
BARRINGTON 3.0 747 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
...KENT COUNTY...
GREENE 6.0 400 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
WEST WARWICK 5.0 438 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
COVENTRY 5.0 1202 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
2 NNW WARWICK 3.8 700 AM 12/15 TF GREEN
...NEWPORT COUNTY...
PORTSMOUTH 3.0 1130 PM 12/14 HAM RADIO
NEWPORT 2.0 1121 PM 12/14 HAM RADIO
...PROVIDENCE COUNTY...
CUMBERLAND 8.0 1000 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
BURRILLVILLE 7.0 744 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
HARRISVILLE 6.8 528 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
WEST GLOCESTER 6.2 901 AM 12/15 TRAINED SPOTTER
WOONSOCKET 5.7 700 AM 12/15 MEDIA
NORTH FOSTER 5.5 930 AM 12/15 NWS COOP
SCITUATE (HOPE) 4.5 308 AM 12/15 HAM RADIO
NORTH PROVIDENCE 4.2 232 PM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
EAST PROVIDENCE 3.6 1139 AM 12/15 EMERGENCY MANAGER
PAWTUCKET 3.0 945 AM 12/15 GENERAL PUBLIC
...WASHINGTON COUNTY...
SOUTH KINGSTOWN 5.0 1200 AM 12/15 SPOTTER
WESTERLY 3.8 1116 PM 12/14 SPOTTER