A significant storm system is set to move through the Great Lakes on Thursday, bringing a mix of heavy rain and strong winds to the Northeast by Friday. It’s expected to create quite a mess with gusty conditions and wet weather.
Following this storm, the coldest temperatures of the season so far will hit parts of the Northeast over the weekend, possibly covering higher elevations with their first snow. That could be interesting—first snow always has that novelty, I suppose.
Initially, there was talk that the storm might “bomb out” off the New England coast on Friday, but it seems it won’t reach the criteria for that phenomenon, which requires a substantial drop in pressure. It’s, uh, just a bit shy of that mark, according to the forecasts.
Still, the coast of New England can anticipate wind gusts ranging from 30 to 40 mph, with localized areas reaching as high as 50 mph. Maritime conditions could also turn dangerous, which sounds a bit concerning.
The strongest winds will likely be further north, with areas near Nova Scotia and Newfoundland facing even more intense gusts.
Storm Passing Through the Great Lakes
On Thursday, the storm will traverse parts of the Midwest and the Great Lakes. Cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Louis can expect rain to start in the morning, while places like Detroit, Cleveland, and Indianapolis might not see it until later in the afternoon or early evening.
According to forecasters, total rainfall is expected to be under an inch, which is good news in terms of flooding concerns, I think. But as the day progresses, some areas may experience a more intense round of severe weather.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has categorized a risk of severe thunderstorms in the region, specifically across a zone stretching from St. Louis, through Illinois and Indiana, and into Cleveland.
Friday Washout in the Northeast
On Friday morning, rain will spread across the Northeast, hitting the I-95 corridor and making for a slippery commute. The storm is predicted to strengthen, with wind gusts of 25 to 40 mph forecast for cities like Boston and New York City.
Severe storms might also pop up across the Mid-Atlantic, with particular concern for New York’s Catskills and Hudson Valley regions in the afternoon. There’s a Level 2 risk of severe thunderstorms in parts of eastern Pennsylvania, northern Maryland, and New Jersey.
Damaging winds will be the primary hazard, although there’s a potential for a tornado or two, which is always a bit unsettling.
As the evening commute arrives, expect heavier downpours, with some areas north of Interstate 90 possibly receiving up to an inch of rainfall through the night.
By late Friday, the storm is anticipated to begin winding down.
Weekend Temperature Drop
As the storm moves out, frigid air will sweep through, abruptly putting an end to the unusual warmth that many in the eastern U.S. enjoyed this week. The interior valleys in Pennsylvania and sections of Upstate New York and Northern New England could see morning temperatures dip into the upper 20s and low 30s.
Additionally, higher elevations in areas like the Adirondacks, Green Mountains, and White Mountains might receive 1-3 inches of snow by Saturday night. That’ll definitely change the feel of the season.
Parts of the Ohio Valley, along with Northern New Jersey and New York’s Hudson Valley, may also experience their first frost of the year. It looks like breezy conditions will persist throughout Saturday, too.
