2/7- Ice to Rain to Big Snow!

Good Tuesday all-

Interesting times indeed here in New England for meteorologists.

First off, a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY is up for northern CT, whilst the rest of the state except for the immediate shoreline is in a FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY

Next off, it is likely that this afternoon we will be placed under a WINTER STORM WATCH for Thursday.

Wow. After last night, the major computer models are coming into agreement on the solution for Thursday...and it's the solution that appears to produce the highest possible snowfall totals. Today, though, freezing rain is a very big issue, and many schools are closed, especially those in valleys and on mountaintops. Virtually everyone has a delay as well...we'll see what happens, but I think this is likely a good call as the freezing rain should continue to fall through the morning and into the afternoon.

A much bigger deal, though, could occur on Thursday morning as mentioned before. The GFS had a massive jump north this morning...as did the Euro.


^^00z GFS showing barely any snow


^^^06z GFS this morning (the most recent), showing a colossal snowstorm for Connecticut.

Additionally, the Euro, which was very low yesterday...now has come on board with a higher total. Therefore, I have moderate confidence in forecasting generally 6-12" of snow, with locally higher amounts. This is closely aligned with the NAM and GFS and is slightly higher than the Euro...which has been missing low all year. This is one of those rare "equal opportunity" snowfalls- everyone in CT will get the same range on this one, from Litchfield to the New London coast! Thus, I do think you can pretty much book a snow day for Thursday...and a great deal of time spent shoveling...so be sure you have your snow blowers ready as a major snowstorm appears to be on the way towards our region.

Today is the 11th anniversary of 2006's Blizzard Carson, which remains the second biggest snowstorm on record for Hartford, having dropped 24" of snow on the airport. A humongous nor'easter indeed. Thursday's storm may be impressive...but it's not another Carson for sure!