Winter Storm in Massachusetts, April 9, 2000

A strong cold front moved across the Berkshires, then stalled to the east, over the Connecticut River valley late on April 8. Low pressure developed along this front, off Cape Hatteras. This storm strengthened as it moved due north along the front during the early morning hours of the 9th. Ample moisture was supplied by the warm air mass over eastern New England. Enough cold air was both advected into the region as well as transported downward by heavy precipitation to change the rain over to snow and produce an unusually late season snowstorm. The changeover was noted during the morning hours of the 9th. Snow, falling at the rate of more than an inch per hour was common during the height of the storm. Gusty winds approaching 35 mph produced near blizzard conditions at times, including both blowing and drifting of the snow. Five to 10 inches of snow covered northwestern Massachussetts with locally higher amounts. West Otis reported 9.5 inches of snowfall. Since the storm occured on a Sunday, disruptions from it were minimized. However, some business were closed or delayed in opening.