2/29/12 Leap Day Snow Storm - The Fine Details

Today's Forecast is extremely tricky. Location will be key as to how much snow falls, what type of precipitation falls and for how long. 

A complicated forecast is determining where the mix line sets up. Current thinking is that this line will move inland a few miles. East of this line, snow will change over the a mix of rain, snow, sleet and freezing rain overnight, lessening and melting snowfall totals.  The line is expected to fluctuate also throughout the event so it may push inland more or come closer to the coast throughout the overnight.

Here is what you can expect for the Boston area thru 11 PM Thursday

• A light band of snow moves through by 11 AM

• 2-3 PM Snow arrives in the Boston area.
• 4-7 PM Snow will be heavy at rush hour commute - heavy snow falls west of City.
• By 11 PM up to 3" falls across region
• 11 PM - 8 AM  a mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain and rain begins to fall in the PINK areas all other areas see snow.  This will likely fluctuate throughout the overnight in this area. Some areas west of the rain/snow line may also mix in with sleet to lessen snow amounts.
• 8 AM - 2 PM  a mix of rain and sleet falls along the coastal areas. Snow continues to fall west especially heavy north of 495 and Worcester.
• 2-11 PM colder air moves in and any precipitation all changes to light snow, but less than 1" continues to fall

Up to 1 foot of snow could fall in the higher elevations MA, NH and VT with this snowstorm.

Winter Storm Warnings are issued for much of Central New England

This mornings Water Vapor shows an intense low over Minnesota this low is vast and a weak disturbance has pushed eastward over the Mid Atlantic spreading rains and snow across that region. Severe weather with tornadoes have been reported in Kentucky and Missouri, this severe weather will stay south, but gives you an idea of how much energy this storm approaching New England is.