Rain expected after evening commute- Possible "massive" snowstorm (Thurs.AM, early Fri.)

[Breeze54]

Rain expected after evening commute (tonight)

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2007/12/rain_and_sleet.html

December 11, 2007 11:13 AM

By Andrew Ryan, Globe Staff

Commuters will probably dodge winter weather this afternoon as temperatures in the upper 30s are expected to ensure
that any precipitation will be rain. Spotty, light showers now are not predicted to reach the Boston area until 6 or 7 p.m.

"The evening commute might be OK," said Bill Simpson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Taunton.
"When (precipitation) does arrive, later than we thought, it should be rain."

Meteorologists had originally predicted a quarter-inch of sleet and freezing rain would begin
falling during the evening rush. However, the most current forecast indicates that there
will be much less precipitation, and it won't reach the Boston area until later in the evening.

The rain will return Wednesday morning, with temperatures in the upper 40s. Clouds should dissipate by the afternoon
and skies remain clear until Thursday, when winter is expected dump the first significant snowfall of the season in Boston.

Flakes will start falling by late morning and could add up to 3 to 6 inches, Simpson said.
The flurries will peak in the late afternoon, just in time for the evening rush.

"It will not be nice," Simpson said. "That's almost a guarantee."

[Rockholm]

1. Sigh. With this much hype, there will only be flurries.

Man, I wish we could get a big ole super storm.

[Breeze54]

2. You got your wish! -TWO snow storms back to back! - Up to ten inches today!

Almost a foot of snow deserves a warning and I'm glad I got a heads up early! Up to ten inches is a lot of snow! My car barely clears the pavement, so that warning gave me a chance to beat the crowds to the stores for supplies. Very difficult to find any ice melt near me and we were out of food; so I'm glad they sounded the warning bell but I wouldn't say that report I posted was over the top. Besides, when this storm is over we have a one day lull and then a Nor'easter is pulling in. Small window of time to clean up from the first storm before the second one gets here.

But we will be getting an inch an hour of snow today! Then a regular Nor'easter on Saturday that will have high winds & snow.
But I didn't think that article was hyped. It's just a weather report. A heads up for commuters because the brunt of this snow
storm will be at rush hour. The forecast has changed since I posted it anyway. The amount of accumulation has increased!

16 counties are now under advisories, watches, or severe weather warnings.

Heavy snow warning in effect from 1 pm to 11 pm est Thursday.

Thursday: partly sunny with a chance of snow in the morning, then snow in the afternoon.
Snow accumulation of 4 to 6 inches. Much colder with highs in the upper 20s.
North winds 5 to 10 mph, becoming east in the afternoon. Chance of snow near 100 percent.

Thursday Night: cloudy. Snow likely in the evening, then a chance of snow after midnight.
Total accumulation of 6 to 10 inches possible. Lows in the lower 20s. Near steady temperature
in the mid 20s. East winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 70 percent.

I like to plan ahead, especially when more than a half a foot of snow is expected.

They're advising people to leave work early today, if they can do it. Good idea! :D

[Rockholm]

3. Excellent! Finally some good snowfall!

Although I am still a bit skeptical, it is nice to see 6-10 inches predicted. The evening commute is going to be a nightmare!