Snow Squalls With Strong Winds Expected This Afternoon Across Western & Central Mass

Obviously , this has been a MUCH bigger snowfall for many than what was forecast. Also, the wet and heavy snowfall on trees and wires has led to quite a bit in the way of downed trees and power lines leading to some power outages.

Here in Sturbridge, I have recorded 8.3 inches of snow so far from this storm, more than double of what I forecast.

With the snow now coming to an end, we need to turn our attention to very windy conditions and a pretty robust snow squall threat for this afternoon. This snow squall threat is something that should be taken seriously.

A strong cold front is expected to sweep across the region during the afternoon hours of Thursday. There is expected to be strong dynamics and forcing with this front and because of that, snow showers and potentially quite intense snow squalls will occur between about 12 pm and 3 pm this afternoon.

I do think that any snow squalls could be very intense. This will include very heavy snow that might drop a quick 1 to 2 inches of snow accumulation in just a half-hour, wind gusts of up to 50 mph that’ll produce blizzard conditions for a short period of time and even the chance of a rumble of thunder or a flash or two of lightning. Any snow squalls will both be quick hitting and relatively short-lived lasting for about 15-30 minutes, but even that they may leave a mark.

All of this means that any of the snow squalls this afternoon between 12 pm and 3 pm will lead to extremely hazardous travel conditions. My recommendation is to watch the weather extremely closely and be prepared to curtail any unnecessary travel when any snow squalls move through your location.

I am watching this closely and will have updates for you as needed.