Quick Update on Icy Start and Windy Night
Numerous reports of spinouts and icy travel this morning along and north of the Mass Pike. Early reports of black ice as far south as RI and Norwood with a freezing mist. Multicar accident in Amherst. Mass Pike down to 40 mph from NY to Weston, MA due to icy travel. No propane trucks...Icy conditions will slowly improve. Cold air slow to budge on pavements has allowed for a small icy accumulation on sidewalks and side roads...from Worcester county to the Merrimack River valley in towns like Middleton and Andover and Lawrence. The cold will hold longest this morning in the NW valleys and Worcester Hills...but warm air is already penetrating the boundary layer. Most of Southern New England will be above freezing by 10 AM thanks to warming SE winds. Vermont is snowing, while NH and ME can still expect a few more hours into Midday of Icy travel.
Focus will turn to bouts of Heavy rain and strong winds which will be developing today. Strong low level jet wind of 70-100 mph will be racing above our heads this afternoon and evening. Some of these winds will mix down in heavier downpours..especially at the coast and hilly terrain. Important to secure any loose items or Christmas decoration which may be exposed to the wind..especially if you live along the coast. Wind Advisory has been expanded for Eastern Massachusetts. High wind warning for coast of Maine which could see gusts to 60 mph later tonight with approaching front.
Rain will be heavy at times this afternoon and evening. Downpours with frozen ground could give way to localized street flooding and ponding of water. Watch for hydroplaning! It should be a wild night around here with a mild windswept rainfall.
How about Chicago...who is just getting started in the snow bands from the same storm which brought over 20" of snow to the Minneapolis region. The roof has collapesed at the Metrodome which will put a delay on the Vikings and Giants game. Not good for the Giants who are in the playoff hunt...this will not help their preparation this week and could even affect next week's game...hopefully!
Game time temps will be in Lwr 20's falling into the teens with blowing snow and winds gusting to 30-40 mph. Windchills feeling below Zero at times. This will be a really fun game to watch!
Be safe out there on the roads...
