12:30 pm, Saturday, Jan. 23
The National Weather Service in Taunton (NWS) has issued a blizzard warning for Martha’s Vineyard, which is in effect from 1 pm, Saturday to 1 am, Sunday. A revised forecast predicts snow accumulation from 12 to18 inches.
Blizzard Warnings are issued when considerable falling and/or blowing snow together with sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or more are forecast to occur for a duration of 3 hours or more.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency issued the following update at 7:30 am, Saturday:
A winter storm with heavy wet snow, strong winds, and minor to moderate coastal flooding will impact southeastern Massachusetts today into tomorrow. As of this morning, the National Weather Service has slightly increased the total snowfall projections for this storm. Portions of the Cape and Islands and the south coast are now forecast to receive 12 to 18 inches of heavy wet snow.
A high wind warning has been issued for Cape Cod and Nantucket from 10 am, Saturday to 10, am, Sunday. High Wind Warnings are issued when sustained winds of 40 mph for at least an hour or wind gusts of 58 mph or greater are forecast.
Southeast MA will experience the strongest winds. Areas of the Cape and Islands may experience gusts up to 50-60 MPH. Much of the rest of southeastern Massachusetts will have gusts up to 40 MPH. Particularly on the Cape and Islands, these winds will be capable of downing trees and power lines as well as causing property damage and scattered power outages. In addition, the strong winds may result in considerable blowing snow, resulting in very poor visibility.
High astronomical tides will combine with strong onshore northeast winds to yield a risk for minor to moderate coastal flooding during the Sunday late morning high tide cycle along the east and north facing shorelines Hull to Plymouth and on Cape Cod and Nantucket.
Snow will begin Saturday morning and continue into Sunday morning. MEMA says 6-8 inches of heavy wet snow will fall along the south coast, Cape and Nantucket; 8-12 inches of heavy wet snow on Martha’s Vineyard.
Wind gusts to 55 mph will combine with the heavy snow to produce whiteout conditions at times. The snow will begin to taper off after midnight, Saturday night.
The storm is expected to create dangerous travel conditions. Heavy wet snow combined with strong winds will result in scattered power outages.
The National Weather Service advises anyone traveling in the next 24 hours to monitor later forecasts and be prepared to modify travel plans should winter weather develop.
Steamship Authority travel may be disrupted. Travelers are advised to go to www.steamshipauthority.com for up-to-date travel information.
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