The National Weather Service announced Wednesday, that a winter storm for Boston has been upgraded to a blizzard watch. The storm, which is moving up the East Coast is expected to arrive Friday night and could be "a potential historic winter storm and blizzard".
There may be an accumulation of one to two feet of snow. The blizzard is also expected to hit across eastern New England, Portland and Providence. The storm appears to be headed straight for Boston, Hartford and Providence; however the slightest shift of the storm's path may decrease the amount of snowfall seen on Friday night, early Saturday morning.
The National Weather Service's Hydrometeorological Prediction Center provided detailed information about the storm. Officials said there is a potential of snowfall rates to reach 2 to 3 inches per hour. Strengthening wind gusts out of the northeast could reach up to 50 mph by Friday evening, which will affect visibility.
For the New York City area, precipitation in the form of snow may start on Thursday evening and change back to rain on Friday. If colder air comes in as the storm pulls off to the north, New York City may possibility see more snow, possibly 6 to 8 inches. The exact track of the storm will govern the amount of snow areas will receive, so the numbers could change at any time.
"Moderate to possibly significant snowfall and strong winds are likely Friday night," said the National Weather Service office in Upton, N.Y., serving New York City. A brief period of snow may occur early Friday near Philadelphia, and they may see a light accumulation before it changes over to rain.
Cold air coming out of Canada, along with a storm coming from out of the Gulf of Mexico, from the Deep South is bringing along plenty of moisture. As the warm Gulf steam and the storm collide with each other, it's predicted to become a very powerful nor'easter. The Atlantic waters off the New England Coast are warmer this year than usual, which is why Boston hasn't seen much snow up until now. All these variables make up the ingredients for what could be a crippling blizzard.
