The Maine Event

A dynamic storm system, the second major snow storm in less than a week, was battering the Northeast Sunday night.

Deepening low pressure was southeast of Nantucket, off the Massachusetts coast late Sunday night. This low is expected to rotate up into the Gulf of Maine overnight and explode into an intense storm. The minimum pressure in the low as of 10L30 p.m. CST Sunday night was 996 millibars. It is expected to drop to 979 millibars by sunrise and to 968 millibar by late afternoon.

This rapid deepening process is called “bombogenesis” and it has resulted in some of the most impressive snowstorms in the history of the Northeast.

The low will actually do a loop just off the Maine coast, resulting in some spectacular snowfall amounts. 18-24 inches of snow is expected along the Maine coast between now and Monday night. Drifts could reach five feet. In addition, winds will average 30-40 mph with gusts to 60 mph. Visibilities will drop to 1/4 mile or less.

Snowfall amounts in the Boston area are expected to reach 6-10 inches and winter storm warnings remain in effect for eastern Massachusetts.

Interestingly, severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for large areas between Washington DC and Philadelphia late Sunday evening. Widespread 60 mph wind reports were received.

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