February 17, 2004
As new data pours in regarding the storm system scheduled to affect the area later today and into Wednesday, I am all but impressed. Yes, the storm might provide a good thumping for the fish in the Atlantic, but for those of us who reside on land, this will be nothing more than a glancing blow it appears. Of course, the farther South and East from the city you go, the chances for higher snowfall totals remains, though the chances for snow changing and mixing to rain also increases.
Clouds will continue to increase throughout the remainder of the day. Highs will be around freezing (32F). For Delaware and Philadelphia Counties, periods of light snow showers and flurries will begin around midnight. Accumulations will be light, ranging for a dusting to an inch. Low temperature around 26F. It appears that the heaviest band of snow will be setting up about 15-20 miles offshore. The precipitation cutoff point with this system is forecasted to be quite sharp. For example, Point A may be getting flurries while Point B, 15 miles to the East, is getting moderate snow with accumulations. Guidance seems to have locked in on a solution and track, but any minor fluctuations could spell the difference between flurries and 2-5" of snow.
In any event, coastal sections in Eastern New Jersey should have the highest snowfall amounts, ranging from 2-5" with a few isolated 6" total possible. There is a chance, especially in Southernmost portions of the Garden State, that snow may mix with rain off and on overnight and early on Wednesday. This would keep totals in that region around 2-3".
By midday Wednesday, the snow will have pulled away and a warmup will be beginning. If it is any consolation, temperatures by late week will approach 50F for some parts of our region. On the other hand, some long range data suggests that March will roar in like a lion and we could experience the worst weather winter has to offer during the first week of the month. For now, a bit of snow tonight and a warmup for later in the week. Take care!
S.B.
