January 26, 2022 By Meteorologist Michael Page
A powerful ocean storm may bring blizzard conditions to the South Shore this weekend.
Here's a summary of what we know as of Tuesday.
Storm Overview
Right now the weekend storm hasn't even formed.
Over the next few days, energy from the Western United States will dive towards the Gulf of Mexico. There it will pick up moisture as it forms into an actual storm.
Then that storm will move up the East Coast, strengthening as it approaches New England.
What it Means for the South Shore
The storm will be rapidly intensifying as it comes close to New England.
Because of its strength, we know someone will be clobbered.
If the storm tracks close to, or over Cape Cod, the heaviest snow would be inland. Here on the South Shore we would still get snow, but we may mix with rain for a time. Any snow we do see would be wet and heavy.
If the storm goes a little farther to the east, out to sea, we'll see only snow, but less of it.
But if the storm takes a track in-between those two, we are the ones who get clobbered.
As of Tuesday, taking an average of those solutions is the best forecast. That means we should prepare for around a foot of snow.
That snow would fall late Friday night throughout the day on Saturday.
In addition, we should expect gusts of 40-60 MPH on the South Shore, which may produce blizzard conditions.
Contrary to popular belief, a blizzard has nothing to do with how much snow falls. Instead, for a blizzard to occur, you need at least three consecutive hours of 35+ MPH winds, and 1/4 mile visibility or less courtesy of snow.
We should also be ready for a period of coastal flooding during Saturday morning's high tide, since the northeast winds will be so strong.
Given the forecast, it would be wise to change any appointments or travel plans you have for Saturday.
When We'll Know More
As noted, the storm has not even formed yet. Once it does, we'll have a much better handle on exactly what is on the way for the South Shore.
By Thursday the expected snowfall forecast will be fine tuned, so check back for more updates then.
Until that point, prepare for a good old fashioned snow storm. That means getting the snow blower ready, making sure the car has a full tank of gas, and ensuring you have extra blankets and candles on hand in the event of a power outage.