Upton area might end up with highest snow totals

A Shih-Tzu view from Upton

by meteorologist Jeb Postle

Overview: Talk about heavy snow. Looks like the Grafton-Upton area might end up having the highest totals from this storm after all. This morning, a heavy snow band continues to dump snow. In meteorological terms, we call this a deformation snow band. This occurs as warm air rises from the tight circulation of the storm and splits to the east and west. The splitting of air flows allows for energy to be released, resulting in a heavy band of snow that moves slowly to near stationary over the area. This, along with temperatures in the low to mid teens has created excellent snow ratios.

The heavy bands of snow look to continue through the morning, before transitioning to period of light to moderate snow during the afternoon.

Also, don’t expect the winds to diminish anytime in the near future as wind gusts above 40 mph are likely. The winds will continue into the afternoon and night. I believe the city of Worcester has reached the blizzard criteria from this storm, sustaining gusts at times above 30 mph with a ¼ mile visibility and heavy snowfall.

Alerts: A Blizzard Warning remains in effect through 1 AM Wednesday, for a combination of heavy snow and windy conditions causing blizzard conditions.

Forecast:

Today: Mostly cloudy with periods of heavy snow in the morning. Afterward, periods of light to moderate snow in the afternoon. Additional snowfall amounts of 6-10”. High temperature around 17F. Winds from the north-northeast at 20-30 mph, with wind gusts above 40 mph.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy with periods of light snow ending roughly between 10 PM-2 AM. A slight chance of snow showers afterward. Snowfall amounts between 1-2”. Low temperature around 10F . Winds from the north-northwest at 20-30 mph, with wind gusts above 40 mph.

Wednesday, January 28^th: Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of snow showers before 10 AM. A few breaks of sun possible late in the afternoon. High temperature around 20F. Winds from the northwest at 15-25 mph.

Impacts: Heavy snow and gusty winds will continue to make travel impassible this morning into the afternoon. The snow will gradually die down from mid day through the night. As Mentioned before, the winds will continue to impact the area into tomorrow morning. This will lead to blowing snow and a threat of isolated power outages.