Well, by now it seems that we have been doing the same old song and dance. That statement is true, as for the fourth time this month we are watching the east coast for another threat for snow. Already battered coastlines will yet again have to prepare for more strong winds, heavy wet snow, and likely poweroutages.
The pattern is prime for these kind of storms, so let’s dive in and see how our next storm will unfold. First, let’s take a look where the energy is located right now.
GOES Satellite Water Vapor Imagery:
It’s very hard to see, but right now there is a small circulation off the coast of British Columbia that will dive south and east and bring the Western US heavy valley rain and heavy mountain snow. Where does our storm go from there though?
The energy from this circulation will make landfall in the Pacific Northwest and continue to move east over the Rocky Mountains. After the energy crosses the Rocky Mountains it will form a surface low just to the east of the Rockies. That surface low will continue to track east across the lower 48 and make it into the Ohio River Valley. Once it makes it into the Ohio River Valley it will begin to move northeast off the East coast and strengthen.
GFS 500mb Vorticity at 18z WED March 14th, 2018:
The above image is the steps this storm will take that were discussed above. Uncertainty does lie when it makes it into the Ohio River Valley. The uncertainty is, will our storm slide right up against the East coast or continue to move east and give little to no impact. Models right now are in agreement on this storm hugging tightly to the coast. We are still many days out and way to early for any details, but one thing is for sure that winter has not let go and does not want to let go.
Winter does not want to let go of its grasp so stay with us at East Coast Weather Authority as we get you prepared for what is to come!
-Alex B
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