Massachusetts, 2018

Winter Storm and Coastal Flood in Massachusetts, January 4, 2018

January 4, 2018 · NWS BOX · 31 events in 24 counties and zones

Low pressure moved north from the Florida coast and deepened, passing southeast of Nantucket on Thursday January 4. The storm reached its lowest pressure and strongest pressure gradient as it passed Southern New England.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 31 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

  • Tornadoes
  • Tropical storms and surge
  • Floods
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Winter weather
  • Heat and drought
  • Cold
  • Fire, smoke and dust
  • Marine and coastal
  • Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
$1.2 million
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
31

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS BOX wrote it up.

Low pressure moved north from the Florida coast and deepened, passing southeast of Nantucket on Thursday January 4. The storm reached its lowest pressure and strongest pressure gradient as it passed Southern New England. This brought heavy snow and damaging winds to Massachusetts, and caused near-blizzard conditions at Boston, Worcester, and Plymouth. The strong northeast wind also created a high storm surge along the eastern Massachusetts coast. The storm moved off through the Maritimes on January 5.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Boston/Norton, MA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jan 4, 3:27 AM EST, 27 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jan 4, 3:27 AM EST, 27 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Taunton MA
327 AM EST Thu Jan 4 2018

.SYNOPSIS...
A significant winter storm will bring heavy snow, strong to
damaging winds and coastal flooding Thursday into Thursday
night. Exact snow amounts and precise location of the rain-snow
line will be dependent on how close the storm tracks to New
England. Another blast of arctic air will follow for Friday and
the weekend. Another storm may affect us early next week,
followed by another surge of Arctic air.

&&

.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 PM THIS EVENING/...
Our storm system is really ramping up overnight as water vapor
imagery show negatively tiled upper level trough. GOES-16
Satellite also show classic leaf to open comma stage off the
Carolina coast as this system undergoes cyclogenesis. In fact,
over the past hour this system has dropped around 6-8 mb per
RAP13 data. Lots of lightning near the center of the storm near
the dry slot as this system continues to deepen. Overall this an
anomolous storm with impacts felt up and down the Eastern Sea
board.

Locally, mid and upper level flow continues to be out the
southwest, but VWPs downstream show that conditions will be
changing here over the next few hours as winds begin to turn
more to the east/northeast. All is quiet on the radar, but light
radar echoes moving into NYC and up towards Long Island. Heavier
snow remains off the NJ coastline. Expect light snow to begin
within the next 2-3 hours over CT and then eventually expanding
across the rest of the area this morning.

Still fine tuning this forecast as we get more HRRR and RAP
data, but one area of concern is the upper Cape, which at first
glance may need to have their amounts increased. More info
later.

&&

.SHORT TERM /6 PM THIS EVENING THROUGH 6 AM FRIDAY/...
*/ Highlights...

 - Moderate to heavy snow, especially E MA and N RI
 - Blizzard conditions along the E/SE MA and RI coastlines
 - Strong to damaging winds, downed trees, limbs, powerlines
 - Coastal flooding issues for the E MA coastline

*/ Summary...

Explosive, potent winter storm system taking aim on New England
bringing multiple hazards: moderate to heavy snow, low visibility,
strong to damaging winds, coastal flooding, and hazardous seas.

Travel and economic impacts Thursday into Friday with accumulating
snow and white-out conditions. Expect downed trees, tree branches,
powerlines and thus power outages, scattered to widespread with winds.
Flooding of coastal infrastructure, wave action and beach erosion
with astronomically high tides and expected 2 to 3 foot surge more
so with onshore flow. Damage to docks and marinas especially with
the presence of ice.

*/ Overview...

Multiple pieces of energy presently phasing and exploding across FL
beneath a negatively tilting H5 trof axis. Strengthening cyclonic
motions with stratospheric-tropospheric coupling, rapid cyclogenesis
in response to the thermal wind imbalance, H3 jet couplet (RRQ/LFQ)
amplifying in response, a massive bombing surface low taking shape
up the E coast, lowering down to around 950 mb offshore of New England
as it quickly races NNE into SE Canada Thursday morning exiting
Thursday night.

Robust warm-moist integrated water vapor transport cyclonically trowaling
further back along the 295-305K surfaces with beneath the H2-3 jet
coupling and strong divergence / QG-forcing. This as colder air
digs rearward along with the dynamic tropopause noted by potential
vorticity of around 2 PVU and lower potential temperatures. Looking
at strong mid-level SW-NE curving frontogenetical / deformational
banding on the back side of the stacking low column with the clash
of airmasses / low-mid level convergent winds, tightening over time
with storm passage and given the isallobaric / gradient wind response.
Keying especially upon the H85-7 low, coincident potent lift / omega
through the snow growth region, and H85 -5C isotherm. The intense
lift along the banding signatures, monitoring dynamic cooling along
with a neighboring S/E intrusion of a H95-85 warm layer, evaluating
for both the rain / snow / wintry mix line along with the mid-level
lapse rates, looking for any signs of upright convection potential
along with potential instability as thetaE decreases with height.

A lot at play, precipitation dividing lines at work especially around
Cape Cod, banding signatures clearly evident, lift and forcing notably
explosive. Model differences noted between the hydro and non-hydrostatic,
even with the latest 18z guidance wavering. Mass fiends and coincident
dynamics slightly juxtaposed among the guidance, but there is consensus
on how unprecedented this system is, its dynamics, associated lift /
omega / banding signatures while subtly off from one another roughly
W to E. Incredibly difficult to forecast, quite the headache. Any
tiny shift on the order of 10 miles can make all the difference in
snow amounts, main threats, impacts.

Preference to the blend of the non-hydrostatic / high-res guidance.
Will breakdown the details below providing forecast thinking, high-
lighting areas at greatest risk with respect to specific hazard types.
Guidance continuing to wobble, perhaps due to latent heat / convective
feedback issues.

Final note, feel snow amounts are overshadowing the bigger impacts
to this system. Incredible to say the least, when is the last time
we saw such a bombing storm, the likes of which CIPS Analogs poorly
score. Strong to damaging winds along with coastal flood impacts
are more than likely to be the bigger players, yielding damage to
infrastructure along with scattered to widespread power outages as
colder air surges in from the W as we go into the late week period.

*/ Moderate to Heavy Snow...

Moderate to heavy snow banding expected, yet uncertain as to exactly
where given subtle spread of mass fields associated with the H85-7
low / H85 -5C isotherm within hydro and non-hydrostatic models. This
lends to low forecast confidence. Just a shift on the order of 10
to 50 miles can make a considerable difference of outcomes as there
is an expectation of multiple snow bands and likely shadow areas
in between. Potential red flags of drier air working in within the
dendritic growth zone as well as H95-85 warm nose intruding, however
it's unclear on the motions and clash of the CCB and WCB over S New
England as the low deepens as it spins by.

Certain on the immense lift within the atmosphere, contributions to
dynamic cooling, 2-3"/hr snowfall rates, perhaps higher in spots,
and quarter mile visibilities / white-out conditions, suggested by
SREF probabilities. But exactly where, a challenge to determine.
From a consensus of forecast guidance with a nod to probabilistics,
HREF, and CIPS analogs, keying in on E/SE MA and RI with the highest
snowfall amounts of around 12 to 14 inches over E interior MA and
N RI, a general 8 to 12 inches elsewhere with 6 to 9 out into the
CT River Valley. Impacts beginning towards Thursday morning into
evening.

A coastal front along the SE coast, expected to see a wintry mix,
some parts all rain, that complicates the forecast for the SE coast,
Cape and Islands. Believe it'll immediately go to a heavy snow with
instant accumulation as the storm begins to lift out, winds becoming
W racing colder air E. When all is said and done, the Upper Cape is
forecast to see warning level snows with more advisory level snows
out towards the Outer Cape and perhaps across Marthas Vineyard.

As to snow to liquid ratios, higher N/W, light and fluffy, greater
chance of blowing and drifting, especially as the winds turn westerly
with cold air advection proceeding. S/E lower, heavy and pasty. Keeping
in mind the coastal front, propensity of momentum transfer to the
surface greater on the S/E side, snow will exacerbate downing of tree,
tree limbs, and powerlines. As colder air surges in from the W, the
storm lifting out, any lingering snow likely to be light and fluffy
with 15:1 to 20:1 snow to liquid ratios.

BLIZZARD WARNINGS extended along the coastline where there is a
greater likelihood of verification with heavy snow forecast in
proximity to the coastal front along which winds should exceed
blizzard warning criteria. White out conditions. Downgraded over
the Cape and Marthas Vineyard given the intrusion of warmer air,
snow moving in late as winds turn out of the W and colder air surges
E, expecting a brief period of white out conditions and quickly
accumulating snows on the order of 1 to 2 hours, but not meeting
the 3 hour blizzard criteria. These can change, especially so
if forecast guidance were to shift the positioning of CCB / WCB
motions. As we've seen, latest forecast runs have wobbled W to E.

WINTER STORM WARNINGS over the reminder of S New England including
W MA. While winds may be strong over E-interior MA and interior
RI near the coastal front, thinking that our wind gusts are perhaps
too broad and that blizzard criteria will be hard to meet. Can't
rule out white out conditions for a prolonged period of time but
not confident with respect to winds meeting criteria. Will allow
layer shifts to look at it more closely. Perhaps with expected
blowing snow as winds increase out of the W, the storm lifting
away, there's the possibility of blizzard criteria. Again, these
headlines may change.

*/ Strong to Damaging Winds...

Strong gradient / isallobaric response to the winds. Unprecedented
low pressure center falling rapidly down to 950 mb over the Gulf
of ME. Pressure falls as high as 6-7 mb/hr.

Winds picking up Thursday morning out of the NE. Again, a nod to
the coastal front, mixing down of winds will be difficult initially
with the shallow cold layer on the N/W side of the front, easier
S/E. Strongest winds initially confined to SE coastal MA. Looking
at wind gusts as high as 70 mph.

Challenge is the exact location of the coastal front, with any wobble
will adjust the ability for faster momentum aloft to mix down to the
surface. Feel that perhaps our wind gusts are too broad along the
coastal front, that there will be cutoff to the immediate E of the
coastal front. Given how difficult it is to verify blizzard warnings,
held them to the S/E coastline where the coastal front is expected
to be in close proximity.

As colder air pushes in from the W, lapse rates steepening, the storm
peeling off, that will be the time in where widespread strong to
damaging over all of S New England is more likely to occur Thursday
afternoon into the overnight period as strong northerly winds turn
out of the W going afternoon into evening.

*/ Coastal Flooding...

Please see the coastal flooding section below.

*/ Hazardous Seas...

Please see the marine section below.

&&

.LONG TERM /FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...

Big Picture...

Longwave pattern maintains a ridge-west/trough-east pattern through
next Wednesday, suggesting colder than normal temperatures much of
the period.  Shortwave pattern shows a closed low over NY/New
England Friday and general troffiness Saturday as that low ejects
northeast. The flow then flattens Sunday-Monday before another
trough digs over the Northeast USA midweek.

Southern New England is dominated by the upper low Friday-Saturday
with much below normal heights loudly proclaiming colder than normal
temperatures. Heights return to near normal Sunday night and Monday,
so temps will trend less cold less cold Sunday and near normal
through midweek.

Shortwave over the Gulf of Alaska moves ashore Friday and creates
shortwaves in both the northern and southern streams. These sweep
east, eventually crossing New England Monday night and Tuesday.

Details...

Friday-Saturday...

Closed upper low overhead Friday, ejecting Saturday. Surface high
pressure builds over us Sunday. Cross sections show a layer of
moisture on Friday and Saturday between 850 and 925 mb with addition
moisture above that. However dry air is indicated below 925 mb along
with subsidence at most levels. This would be good for some clouds,
especially northern Mass. Tropopause levels drop lower by 25 percent
during Friday, a further sign of the cold air moving in. Trop levels
start rising again Sunday.

Expect partly to mostly sunny skies, with mixing to between 900 and
925 mb. Temperatures in this layer will be equiv to -23 to -26C
Friday and -27 to -30C Saturday. This suggests max sfc temps in the
upper single numbers and teens Friday, and mostly in the single
numbers Saturday. Temperatures upstream are in the double digits
below zero, so min temps should be below zero Friday and Saturday
night, with northern/western areas of Srn New England -10 degrees or
colder.

Winds in the mixed layer are forecast at 35-40 knots Friday and
30-35 knots Saturday. Combine this with the chilly temps, and
that means wind chills -5 to -15F Friday, and -15 southeast to
-35 northwest Friday night. We have issued a Wind Chill Watch
for Friday and Saturday covering all but the Islands. This may
eventually need to be extended into Sunday.

Air-water temperature differences reach 20-30C Friday and Saturday,
and linger above 13C Sunday. Expect ocean-effect clouds/snow showers
through the weekend with west to northwest winds keeping this
mainly offshore.

Sunday...

The morning starts with more bone-chilling cold. But this will be a
transition day, as surface high pressure builds overhead. This
should continue the dry weather, and the diminishing wind should
shrink the ocean-effect clouds offshore. Temps aloft should be equiv
to -20 to -23C, supporting max sfc temps mid teens to lower 20s.

Monday to Wednesday...

There is some question whether the twin shortwaves will phase or
remain distinct. Either way, we expect increasing clouds Monday and
either a cold front or an offshore low passing New England around
Tuesday. Precipitation type will depend on which scenario
develops...snow from the offshore low or rain from the plain cold
front. For now we will feature rain southeast and snow north and
west. High pressure builds in on Wednesday with dry weather and
a return to cold temperatures.

&&

.AVIATION /08Z THURSDAY THROUGH MONDAY/...
Forecaster Confidence Levels...
  Low - less than 30 percent.
  Moderate - 30 to 60 percent.
  High - greater than 60 percent.

Short Term /through Tonight/...

06Z Update...High confidence in trends. Moderate confidence on
exact timing.

VFR conditions will fall to IFR from southeast to northwest
around 08-12z. IFR/LIFR in snow is likely along most terminals
between 12-21z, except a wintry mix or rain across Cape/Islands.
North winds will strengthen this morning with strongest gusts
along eastern MA and RI (gusts 30-45 kts) and gusts 50-60 kt
Cape Cod, Islands and Cape Ann. During Thu morning into Thu
afternoon, potential for a period of LLWS with N winds 45-65 kts
at 2kft. Blowing and drifting snow will impact area runways
tonight and may produce locally reduced vsbys, otherwise
conditions improve to VFR.

KBOS Terminal...High confidence in TAF. Impacts to the morning
push are likely. Evening push may be impacted.

KBDL Terminal...High confidence in TAF. Impacts to the morning
push are likely.

Outlook /Friday through Monday/...High confidence.

Friday through Friday Night: Mainly VFR, with local MVFR
possible on Cape Cod and Islands. Strong winds with local gusts
to 40 kt.

Saturday: VFR. Windy with gusts to 35 kt.

Saturday Night: VFR. Windy with local gusts to 30 kt.

Sunday through Sunday Night: VFR. Breezy.

Monday: Mainly VFR. Areas MVFR/IFR cigs and vsbys possible
Monday night in rain and snow. Breezy.

&&

.MARINE...
Forecaster Confidence Levels...

Low - less than 30 percent.
Moderate - 30 to 60 percent.
High - greater than 60 percent.

Short Term /through Tonight/...

Dangerously high seas and storm force wind gusts expected
Thursday into Thursday night.

Low pressure will undergo rapid intensification as it passes
a little east of the Benchmark Thursday afternoon. This will
result in northeast wind gusts shifting to the northwest during
the afternoon with gusts between 50 and 60 knots. This will
allow seas across the outer eastern coastal waters to build to
20-25 and 15 to 20 feet across Massachusetts Bay and just off
Cape Ann. Notably, these seas will likely build very rapidly
during mid to late Thursday morning.

Heavy freezing spray is expected with pockets of extreme freezing
spray possible in some near shore waters right behind this
system late Thursday night into early Friday morning. Freezing
Spray Warnings have been issued for near shore coastal waters
for Thursday and a Freezing Spray Watch is now in effect for the
rest of the waters, except Boston Harbor, for Thursday night
through Friday. Those warnings will probably need to be extended
into the weekend.

This is a dangerous and potentially life threatening situation for
mariners. Mariners should continue to monitor the latest
weather forecasts. Mariners should consider remaining in port
through at least Thursday and possibly longer due to the extreme
freezing spray potential.

Outlook /Friday through Monday/...

Friday: Moderate risk for gale force winds with gusts up to
40 kt. Rough seas up to 15 ft. Freezing spray, slight chance of
snow showers. Areas of visibility 1 to 3 nm.

Friday Night: Moderate risk for gale force winds with gusts up
to 40 kt. Rough seas up to 15 ft. Freezing spray likely, slight
chance of snow showers. Areas of visibility 1 to 3 nm.

Saturday: Moderate risk for gale force winds with gusts up to
35 kt. Rough seas up to 12 ft. Freezing spray likely, slight
chance of snow showers. Local visibility 1 to 3 nm.

Saturday Night: Moderate risk for Small Craft Advisory winds
with gusts up to 30 kt. Areas of rough seas. Freezing spray
likely, slight chance of snow showers. Local visibility 1 to
3 nm.

Sunday: Winds less than 25 kt. Seas locally approaching 5 ft.

Sunday Night: Low risk for Small Craft Advisory winds with
gusts up to 25 kt. Areas of seas approaching 5 ft. Freezing
spray likely.

Monday: Moderate risk for Small Craft Advisory winds with gusts
up to 25 kt. Local rough seas. Slight chance of rain. Local
visibility 1 to 3 nm.

&&

.TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
5 PM update...

Coastal Flood Warning remains in effect. We have not made any
significant changes from our earlier issuance. We are still
anticipating a widespread moderate event with pockets of major
coastal flooding along east and northeast facing shorelines
south of Boston.

This event will likely produce fairly extensive inundation given
the expected high water levels. Some damage to very vulnerable
structures is likely from wave action on top of the high water
levels. The rapid intensification expected with this storm is
alarming as well as having strong winds coincide fairly closely
with the time of the high tide. We see two factors that may
temper this event from being truly destructive. One is that it
looks as though the wind will be mainly from the NNE or perhaps
even N at the time of the high tide, limiting the onshore
component for some of the coastline. The second factor is that
this storm is very progressive and so there is limited duration
to fully develop the seas, although we expect rapid building of
seas nevertheless during mid morning into early afternoon. We
will need to monitor these two factors closely. Keep in mind
that there is always some uncertainty with these events, and a
wind direction change of just 20 to 30 degrees further from the
east could make a significant difference.

Recapping some highlights, we are starting at a very high
astronomical tide, 12.1 feet MLLW in Boston and 4.2 feet MLLW in
Nantucket, and this storm will intensify extremely rapidly with
very strong north northeast winds gusting to 60 mph or higher
along much of the coastline by the time of high tide. We are
still predicting a storm surge of 2 to 2.5 feet north of Boston
and 2.5 to 3 feet south of Boston along east and north facing
shorelines. Waves will be building rapidly during the day and
will probably have built to around 15 feet by the time of the
high tide off Cape Ann and across Massachusetts Bay and to 20
feet just east of Cape Cod and Nantucket. We continue to have
the additional concern of chunks of sea ice that may be washed
onshore and exacerbate damage in some spots along the coast.

We think the coastal flooding along vulnerable shore roads and
in vulnerable basements will be widespread and could have
pockets of inundation up to 6 feet in low lying areas. Waves on
top of the very high water levels will likely damage vulnerable
structures such as decks, docks, beach access stairs, parking
lots, etc. along the shoreline. Some homes and businesses,
especially along the Plymouth County coast, may be damaged by
the combination of high water and wave action. Still another
potential issue is that the cold temperatures will result in
freezing spray on some structures along the exposed shoreline
from Salisbury to Plymouth. More widespread damage of homes and
businesses is possible if waves should build several feet higher
than currently forecast or the wind should hold onto a more
easterly component through the time of high tide.

The water will probably be very slow to recede in some spots,
especially with some drains clogged with snow and ice. The
standing water will freeze and may be in place for an extended
time.

There may be some minor impacts lingering along Cape Cod Bay
and Nantucket for the Thursday night high tide but for the most
part this is a one tide cycle storm.

&&

.CLIMATE...

There is the potential for record cold again this weekend.

Record Minimum High (Low Max) Temperatures for Friday 1/5:

BOS  14/1884
BDL  18/1976
PVD  20/1976
ORH  14/1904, 1896
MQE  10/1904

Record Minimum High (Low Max) and Record Maximum Lows (Low Min)
for Saturday 1/6:

      Max           Min

BOS   7/1896      -10/1896
BDL   9/1912       -6/1976
PVD  11/1912        1/1996
ORH   6/1896      -12/1896
MQE   3/1896      -14/1896

Record Minimum High (Low Max) and Record Maximum Lows (Low Min)
for Sunday 1/7:

      Max           Min

BOS   12/1912     -2/1896
BDL   13/1996      1/1912
PVD   12/1912     -1/1912
ORH   11/1973     -5/1942
MQE    7/1912     -7/1896

&&

.BOX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CT...Winter Storm Warning until 1 AM EST Friday for CTZ002>004.
     Wind Chill Watch from Friday morning through Saturday
     afternoon for CTZ002>004.
MA...Blizzard Warning from 7 AM this morning to 7 PM EST this
     evening for MAZ007-015-016-018>021.
     Coastal Flood Warning from 11 AM this morning to 4 PM EST this
     afternoon for MAZ007-015-016-019-022>024.
     Wind Chill Watch from Friday evening through Saturday
     afternoon for MAZ005>007-013>022.
     Winter Storm Warning until 1 AM EST Friday for MAZ002>006-
     008>014-017-026.
     Wind Chill Watch from Friday morning through Saturday
     afternoon for MAZ002>004-008>012-026.
     High Wind Warning from 7 AM this morning to 1 AM EST Friday
     for MAZ022>024.
     Winter Storm Warning from 10 AM this morning to 1 AM EST
     Friday for MAZ022-023.
RI...Blizzard Warning from 7 AM this morning to 7 PM EST this
     evening for RIZ007-008.
     Wind Chill Watch from Friday evening through Saturday
     afternoon for RIZ001>007.
     Winter Storm Warning until 1 AM EST Friday for RIZ001>006.
MARINE...Heavy Freezing Spray Warning from 5 PM this afternoon to 1 PM
     EST Saturday for ANZ231>235-237.
     Storm Warning from 7 AM this morning to 10 PM EST this evening
     for ANZ231>235-237-250-251-254>256.
     Storm Warning from noon today to 10 PM EST this evening for
     ANZ230.
     Heavy Freezing Spray Warning from 7 AM this morning to 7 PM
     EST Friday for ANZ236.
     Storm Warning from noon today to 8 PM EST this evening for
     ANZ236.
     Heavy Freezing Spray Warning from 1 AM Friday to 1 PM EST
     Saturday for ANZ250-251-254>256.

&&

SYNOPSIS...WTB/Sipprell
NEAR TERM...KJC/Dunten/Sipprell
SHORT TERM...Sipprell
LONG TERM...WTB
AVIATION...WTB/Sipprell/NMB
MARINE...WTB/Sipprell/Thompson
TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
CLIMATE...
Hazardous weather outlook, Jan 4, 3:54 AM EST, 0 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Taunton MA
354 AM EST Thu Jan 4 2018

CTZ002>004-MAZ002>004-008>012-026-050900-
Hartford CT-Tolland CT-Windham CT-Western Franklin MA-
Eastern Franklin MA-Northern Worcester MA-Western Hampshire MA-
Western Hampden MA-Eastern Hampshire MA-Eastern Hampden MA-
Southern Worcester MA-Northern Middlesex MA-
354 AM EST Thu Jan 4 2018

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST FRIDAY...
...WIND CHILL WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY
AFTERNOON...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northern Connecticut, central
Massachusetts, eastern Massachusetts and western Massachusetts.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Wind Chill Watch.

Strong winds Friday and Saturday may require a wind advisory.

Through the weekend...The prolonged bitter cold brings the chance
for isolated freeze-up ice jams within interior southern New England.
Freeze-up ice jams can produce flooding upriver of the ice jam
location. Sea ice formation is also likely on harbors, bays, and
inlets.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

MAZ005-006-013-014-017-RIZ001>006-050900-
Central Middlesex MA-Western Essex MA-Western Norfolk MA-
Southeast Middlesex MA-Northern Bristol MA-Northwest Providence RI-
Southeast Providence RI-Western Kent RI-Eastern Kent RI-Bristol RI-
Washington RI-
354 AM EST Thu Jan 4 2018

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST FRIDAY...
...WIND CHILL WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY
AFTERNOON...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern Massachusetts,
northeastern Massachusetts, southeastern Massachusetts, northern
Rhode Island and southern Rhode Island.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Wind Chill Watch.

Strong winds Friday and Saturday may require a wind advisory.

Through the weekend...The prolonged bitter cold brings the chance
for isolated freeze-up ice jams within interior southern New
England. Freeze-up ice jams can produce flooding upriver of the ice
jam location. Sea ice formation is also likely on harbors, bays, and
inlets.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

MAZ007-015-016-019-050900-
Eastern Essex MA-Suffolk MA-Eastern Norfolk MA-Eastern Plymouth MA-
354 AM EST Thu Jan 4 2018

...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM EST
THIS EVENING...
...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 4 PM
EST THIS AFTERNOON...
...WIND CHILL WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY
AFTERNOON...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern Massachusetts,
northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern Massachusetts.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Blizzard Warning.
   Coastal Flood Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Wind Chill Watch.

Strong winds Friday and Saturday may require a wind advisory.

Through the weekend...The prolonged bitter cold brings the chance
for isolated freeze-up ice jams within interior southern New
England. Freeze-up ice jams can produce flooding upriver of the ice
jam location. Sea ice formation is also likely on harbors, bays, and
inlets.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

MAZ022-050900-
Barnstable MA-
354 AM EST Thu Jan 4 2018

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 1 AM EST
FRIDAY...
...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 1 AM
EST FRIDAY...
...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 4 PM
EST THIS AFTERNOON...
...WIND CHILL WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY
AFTERNOON...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeastern Massachusetts.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Wind Warning.
   Winter Storm Warning.
   Coastal Flood Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Wind Chill Watch.

Strong winds Friday and Saturday may require a wind advisory.

Through the weekend...The prolonged bitter cold brings the chance
for isolated freeze-up ice jams within interior southern New
England. Freeze-up ice jams can produce flooding upriver of the ice
jam location. Sea ice formation is also likely on harbors, bays, and
inlets.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

MAZ023-050900-
Dukes MA-
354 AM EST Thu Jan 4 2018

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 1 AM EST
FRIDAY...
...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 1 AM
EST FRIDAY...
...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 4 PM
EST THIS AFTERNOON...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeastern Massachusetts.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Wind Warning.
   Winter Storm Warning.
   Coastal Flood Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Strong winds Friday and Saturday may require a wind advisory. The
winds will produce bitterly cold wind chills.

Through the weekend...The prolonged bitter cold brings the chance
for isolated freeze-up ice jams within interior southern New
England. Freeze-up ice jams can produce flooding upriver of the ice
jam location. Sea ice formation is also likely on harbors, bays, and
inlets.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

MAZ018-020-021-RIZ007-050900-
Western Plymouth MA-Southern Bristol MA-Southern Plymouth MA-
Newport RI-
354 AM EST Thu Jan 4 2018

...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM EST
THIS EVENING...
...WIND CHILL WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY
AFTERNOON...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeastern Massachusetts
and southern Rhode Island.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Blizzard Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Wind Chill Watch.

Strong winds Friday and Saturday may require a wind advisory.

Through the weekend...The prolonged bitter cold brings the chance
for isolated freeze-up ice jams within interior southern New
England. Freeze-up ice jams can produce flooding upriver of the ice
jam location. Sea ice formation is also likely on harbors, bays, and
inlets.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

MAZ024-050900-
Nantucket MA-
354 AM EST Thu Jan 4 2018

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 1 AM EST
FRIDAY...
...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 4 PM
EST THIS AFTERNOON...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeastern Massachusetts.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Wind Warning.
   Coastal Flood Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Strong winds Friday and Saturday may require a wind advisory. The
winds will produce bitterly cold wind chills.

Through the weekend...The prolonged bitter cold brings the chance
for isolated freeze-up ice jams within interior southern New
England. Freeze-up ice jams can produce flooding upriver of the ice
jam location. Sea ice formation is also likely on harbors, bays, and
inlets.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

RIZ008-050900-
Block Island RI-
354 AM EST Thu Jan 4 2018

...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM EST
THIS EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southern Rhode Island.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Blizzard Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Strong winds Friday and Saturday may require a wind advisory. The
winds will produce bitterly cold wind chills.

Through the weekend...The prolonged bitter cold brings the chance
for isolated freeze-up ice jams within interior southern New
England. Freeze-up ice jams can produce flooding upriver of the ice
jam location. Sea ice formation is also likely on harbors, bays, and
inlets.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

ANZ250-251-254>256-050900-
Coastal waters east of Ipswich Bay and the Stellwagen Bank National
Marine Sanctuary-Massachusetts Bay and Ipswich Bay-
Coastal waters from Provincetown MA to Chatham MA to Nantucket MA
out 20 nm-
Coastal Waters extending out to 25 nm South of Marthas Vineyard and
Nantucket-
Coastal Waters from Montauk NY to Marthas Vineyard extending out to
20 nm South of Block Island-
354 AM EST Thu Jan 4 2018

...STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 10 PM EST THIS
EVENING...
...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM FRIDAY TO 1 PM
EST SATURDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Massachusetts coastal waters
and Rhode Island coastal waters.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Storm Warning.
   Heavy Freezing Spray Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Heavy Freezing Spray Warning.

The prolonged bitter cold is favorable for sea ice formation on
harbors, bays, and inlets through the weekend.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

ANZ231>235-237-050900-
Cape Cod Bay-Nantucket Sound-Vineyard Sound-Buzzards Bay-
Rhode Island Sound-Block Island Sound-
354 AM EST Thu Jan 4 2018

...STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 10 PM EST THIS
EVENING...
...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON
TO 1 PM EST SATURDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Massachusetts coastal waters
and Rhode Island coastal waters.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Storm Warning.
   Heavy Freezing Spray Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Heavy Freezing Spray Warning.

The prolonged bitter cold is favorable for sea ice formation on
harbors, bays, and inlets through the weekend.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

ANZ236-050900-
Narragansett Bay-
354 AM EST Thu Jan 4 2018

...HEAVY FREEZING SPRAY WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO
7 PM EST FRIDAY...
...STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 8 PM EST THIS
EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Rhode Island coastal waters.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Heavy Freezing Spray Warning.
   Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Heavy Freezing Spray Warning.

The prolonged bitter cold is favorable for sea ice formation on
harbors, bays, and inlets through the weekend.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
 conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

ANZ230-050900-
Boston Harbor-
354 AM EST Thu Jan 4 2018

...STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 10 PM EST THIS
EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Massachusetts coastal waters.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

The prolonged bitter cold is favorable for sea ice formation on
harbors, bays, and inlets through the weekend.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
 conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures.

For the latest updates...please visit our webpage at
www.weather.gov/boston

You can follow us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/NWSBoston

You can follow us on Twitter at
@NWSBoston

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

21 winter storm, 7 coastal flood, 3 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.

Winter Storm, Southern Worcester

When
January 4, 3:54 AM EST to 10:00 PM EST
Where
Southern Worcester forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
42.351, -71.908 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ten to seventeen inches of snow fell across Southern Worcester County. At 557 PM EST, the Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS) at Worcester Regional Airport measured a wind gust to 57 mph. At 325 PM EST, a trained spotter in Milford estimated a wind gust to 55 mph. Winds at Worcester Region Airport frequently gusted to 40 mph or higher while the visibility was one-quarter mile or less from 1054 AM to 126 PM EST.

Winter Storm, Eastern Hampden

When
January 4, 5:21 AM EST to 11:15 PM EST
Where
Eastern Hampden forecast zone
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
42.135, -72.632 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Nine to twelve inches of snow fell across Eastern Hampden County.

Winter Storm, Western Hampshire

When
January 4, 5:30 AM EST to 11:20 PM EST
Where
Western Hampshire forecast zone
Reported by
CoCoRaHS
Coordinates
42.340, -72.664 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Seven to eleven inches of snow fell across Western Hampshire County.

Winter Storm, Eastern Hampshire

When
January 4, 5:30 AM EST to 11:30 PM EST
Where
Eastern Hampshire forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
42.340, -72.664 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ten to thirteen inches of snow fell across Eastern Hampshire County.

Winter Storm, Northern Worcester

When
January 4, 5:45 AM EST to 9:00 PM EST
Where
Northern Worcester forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
42.351, -71.908 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ten to seventeen inches of snow fell across Northern Worcester County. At 655 PM EST, the Automated Surface Observation Platform (ASOS) at Fitchburg Municipal Airport measured a wind gust to 51 mph.

Winter Storm, Northwest Middlesex County

When
January 4, 5:52 AM EST to 7:00 PM EST
Where
Northwest Middlesex County forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
42.486, -71.392 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Twelve to sixteen inches of snow fell across Northwest Middlesex County.

Winter Storm, Southern Bristol

When
January 4, 5:53 AM EST to 7:53 PM EST
Where
Southern Bristol forecast zone
Property damage
$3,000
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
41.757, -71.088 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Eight to sixteen inches of snow fell across Southern Bristol County, except near the coast where three to eight inches fell. At 1230 PM EST, a tree was reported down on Cedar Street in New Bedford. At 318 PM EST, a tree was reported down on wires on Faunce Corner Road in Dartmouth. At 402 PM EST, a tree was down on wires on Sharon Street in Fairhaven.

Winter Storm, Western Hampden

When
January 4, 6:00 AM EST to 11:00 PM EST
Where
Western Hampden forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
42.135, -72.632 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Twelve to thirteen inches of snow fell across Western Hampden County.

Winter Storm, Southern Plymouth

When
January 4, 6:00 AM EST to 8:00 PM EST
Where
Southern Plymouth forecast zone
Reported by
CoCoRaHS
Coordinates
41.987, -70.737 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Six inches of snow fell across Southern Plymouth County.

Winter Storm, Northern Bristol

When
January 4, 6:21 AM EST to 8:52 PM EST
Where
Northern Bristol forecast zone
Reported by
CoCoRaHS
Coordinates
41.757, -71.088 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Thirteen to eighteen inches of snow fell across Northern Bristol County.

Winter Storm, Western Norfolk

When
January 4, 6:50 AM EST to 9:45 PM EST
Where
Western Norfolk forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
42.171, -71.184 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Eleven to eighteen inches fell across Western Norfolk County.

Winter Storm, Eastern Norfolk

When
January 4, 7:00 AM EST to 9:00 PM EST
Where
Eastern Norfolk forecast zone
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
42.171, -71.184 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Twelve to seventeen inches of snow fell across Eastern Norfolk County.

High Wind, Barnstable

When
January 4, 7:00 AM EST to 11:30 PM EST
Where
Barnstable forecast zone
Measured
65 kt (75 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$8,000
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
41.684, -70.274 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

At 214 PM EST, a trained spotter in East Falmouth estimated a wind gust to 75 mph. At 455 PM EST, an amateur radio operator in Barnstable estimated a wind gust to 71 mph. At 154 PM EST, the Automated Weather Observing System platform in Provincetown measured a wind gust to 63 mph. There were several reports of trees downed by the wind, including on Acorn Drive in West Barnstable, Main Street in Chatham, Baptist Lane in Falmouth, and Parrot Point in Wellfleet.

High Wind, Dukes

When
January 4, 7:00 AM EST to 7:00 PM EST
Where
Dukes forecast zone
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
41.389, -70.699 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

At 241 PM EST, an amateur radio operator at Aquinnah estimated a wind gust to 70 mph. At 218 PM EST, an amateur radio operator at Edgartown estimated a gust to 65 mph. At 210 PM EST, an amateur radio operator at Vineyard Haven estimated a gust to 64 mph. At 213 PM EST, the Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS) platform at Marthas Vineyard Airport measured a wind gust to 59 mph. At 418 PM EST, a large tree was down due to wind at Mercier Way in Edgartown.

High Wind, Nantucket

When
January 4, 7:00 AM EST to 7:00 PM EST
Where
Nantucket forecast zone
Measured
53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by
ASOS
Coordinates
41.270, -70.022 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

At 213 PM EST, the Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS) platform at Nantucket Memorial Airport measured a wind gust to 61 mph.

Winter Storm, Suffolk

When
January 4, 7:15 AM EST to 8:00 PM EST
Where
Suffolk forecast zone
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
42.264, -71.125 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ten to seventeen inches of snow fell across Suffolk County. At 326 PM EST, the Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS) platform at Logan International Airport measured a wind gust to 51 mph. Winds frequently gusted to 37 mph while visibility was less than one-quarter mile from 1100 AM EST to 1219 PM EST.

Winter Storm, Eastern Essex

When
January 4, 7:29 AM EST to 10:00 PM EST
Where
Eastern Essex forecast zone
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
42.639, -70.868 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Seven to seventeen inches of snow fell on Eastern Essex County. At 940 PM EST, the Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS) platform at Beverly Municipal Airport measured a wind gust to 54 mph. At 625 PM EST, there was a media report of an estimated 53 mph wind at Gloucester. At 123 PM EST, a tree was reported down due to snow and wind at Water Street in Plum Island. At 302 PM EST, a tree was down on wires on Railroad Avenue in Rockport.

Winter Storm, Eastern Franklin

When
January 4, 7:30 AM EST to 10:00 PM EST
Where
Eastern Franklin forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
42.583, -72.592 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Five to eleven inches of snow fell across Eastern Franklin County.

Winter Storm, Southeast Middlesex

When
January 4, 7:30 AM EST to 8:00 PM EST
Where
Southeast Middlesex forecast zone
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
42.486, -71.392 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Twelve to seventeen inches of snow fell across Southeast Middlesex County. At 414 PM EST, a tree was down on power lines on Seminole Avenue in Waltham.

Winter Storm, Western Franklin

When
January 4, 7:40 AM EST to 11:00 PM EST
Where
Western Franklin forecast zone
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
42.583, -72.592 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Five to ten inches of snow fell on Western Franklin County.

Winter Storm, Western Middlesex

When
January 4, 7:45 AM EST to 7:00 PM EST
Where
Western Middlesex forecast zone
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
42.486, -71.392 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Seven to seventeen inches of snow fell across Western Middlesex County. At 836 PM EST, the Automated Surface Obseravation System (ASOS) platform at Hanscom Field in Bedford measured a wind gust to 51 mph. At 731 PM EST, a tree was down on power lines on Fairbanks Road in Chelmsford. At 825 PM EST, a tree was down in a yard on Clark Street in Wilmington.

Winter Storm, Western Essex

When
January 4, 7:52 AM EST to 9:20 PM EST
Where
Western Essex forecast zone
Reported by
CoCoRaHS
Coordinates
42.639, -70.868 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Eight to sixteen inches of snow fell on Western Essex County.

Coastal Flood, Barnstable

When
January 4, 9:45 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Barnstable forecast zone
Property damage
$200,000
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
41.684, -70.274 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Chatham, water cut through Barrier Island on Starfish Lane and several cars at a condo complex were floating; flooding also occurred at Claflin Landing, Ryders Cove, Cow Yard Landing, and at the piers and docks around the Chatham Fish Pier. Water rescues were needed in Chatham in the Salt Works Village area. In Dennis, route 28 near Horsefoot Cove, Salt Works Road, Paddocks Path, and Airline Road were all impassable; docks were were damaged due to sea ice and flooding. In Brewster route 6A at H P Newcomb Road was closed and Abergris Circle was under one foot of water. In East Harwich, route 28 was closed to flooding.In South Harwich, South Chatham Road was impassable. In Yarmouth, Greys Beach boardwalk was destroyed by ice and flooding. In Yarmouthport, Yarmouthport Beach was flooded and part of route 6A was closed. In Sandwich, parts of route 6A were impassable; Boardwalk Road, Marina, Harbormaster's Shack, Town Neck Beach lot, and Jones Road were submerged; Town Neck Beach Road was under three feet of water.

Winter Storm, Western Plymouth

When
January 4, 10:00 AM EST to 9:00 PM EST
Where
Western Plymouth forecast zone
Property damage
$6,000
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
41.987, -70.737 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Ten to seventeen inches of snow fell across Western Plymouth County. At 1104 AM EST, a tree was down on wires on Country Road in Hanover. At 114 PM EST, a tree was down on U.S. route 44 in Middleborough. At 202 PM EST, a tree was across Montgomery Road in Lakeville. At 320 PM EST, a large tree was reported down on wires on Wareham Street in Middleborough. At 443 PM EST, a tree was down on Juniper Road in Pembroke. At 453 PM EST, a tree was down on Rhode Island Road in Lakeville.

Coastal Flood, Dukes

When
January 4, 10:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Dukes forecast zone
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
41.389, -70.699 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Oak Bluffs, Beach Road and Seaview Avenue were closed due to flooding, as were East View Avenue, Lake Avenue, and East Chop Drive. In Vineyard Haven the Five Corners intersection was flooded with significant overwash across the sea wall onto Beach Road at Farm Pond.

Winter Storm, Eastern Plymouth

When
January 4, 10:40 AM EST to 8:45 PM EST
Where
Eastern Plymouth forecast zone
Reported by
CoCoRaHS
Coordinates
42.079, -70.960 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Seven to twelve inches of snow fell across Eastern Plymouth County. At 239 PM EST, a trained spotter at Manomet estimated a wind gust to 64 mph. At 226 PM EST, the Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS) platform at Plymouth Municipal Airport measured a gust to 54 mph. Winds at the airport frequently gusted to 50 mph while visibility was at or below one-quarter mile from 124 PM to 207 PM EST.

Coastal Flood, Eastern Plymouth

When
January 4, 11:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Eastern Plymouth forecast zone
Property damage
$500,000
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
42.079, -70.960 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Plymouth, a portion of Warren Road was closed, Azalia Lane was flooded and there were several reports of water rescues and evacuations on the Esplanade, Bay Road, and Ocean Street. Also in Plymouth, White Horse Beach Road near Brook Road was flooded and impassable. In Marshfield, a marina on Dyke Road was significantly flooded, Dyke Road was also impassable by the town pier near Brant Rock, and Walton Avenue was flooded. In Cohasset, Border Street, Atlantic Avenue, Jerusalem Street, and Howard Gleason Road were flooded and impassable, and the intersection of Margin Street and Stockbridge Street was impassable. In Scituate, several roads were reported flooded and impassable: Oceanside Drive, Seventh Avenue, Egypt Beach Road, Bailey's Causeway, Rebecca Road, Lighthouse Road, Jericho Road, Edward Foster Road, Cole Parkway, Front Street, and Otis Place. The sea wall on Gannett Road in Scituate was damaged with 3 to 4 foot flooding. Gilson Road in Scituate was flooded with water flowing around buildings. In Hull, a home on Bay Street was surrounded by flood waters, State Road and Nantasket Avenue in Hull were closed, George Washington Blvd was closed, and several cars were stalled in flood waters on Hull Shore Drive. Overwash was reported on Atlantic Avenue in Hull, and five feet of flood water was reported at Hampton Circle. In Hingham, Kilby Street at Rockland Street was impassable, as were Beach Lane and Beach Road. In Duxbury, access to Duxbury Beach and homes around Gurnet Road were cut off.

Coastal Flood, Eastern Essex

When
January 4, 11:35 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Eastern Essex forecast zone
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
42.639, -70.868 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Salisbury, access to North End Blvd. and Salisbury Beach Center were cut off due to flooding. The Plum Island Causeway was closed due to flooding, and 54th Street was evacuated. In Newburyport, Cashman Park was flooded. In Ipswich, Jeffreys Neck Road was closed due to flooding. In Rockport, flooding occurred at T-Wharf, Bearskin Neck, Goose Cove Causeway, St Peters Square, and Essex Avenue Causeway. In West Gloucester, the causeway was closed due to flooding. In Gloucester, Commercial Street and Bass Street were flooded; Atlantic Avenue and Nautilus Road were closed. In Nahant, Castle Road was closed at Castle Way, Fox Hill Road, and the Nahant Short Beach Business District. In Salem, coastal flooding on Bayview Avenue reached into several basements; Derby Wharf was flooded; Margin Street, North Street, Bay View Terrace, and Columbus Avenue were closed due to flooding. In Swampscott, Humphrey Street, Puritan Road at Woodbine Avenue, and Atlantic Avenue at Preston Beach were all closed due to flooding. In Lynn, the Nahant Rotary, Lynn Shore Drive, Willow Road, Spring Street, and sections of route 1A were flooded. In Saugus, Ballard Street was flooded from Lincoln Street to route 107 with boat rescues required.

Coastal Flood, Nantucket

When
January 4, 11:45 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST
Where
Nantucket forecast zone
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
41.270, -70.022 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Coastal flooding to a depth of three feet on Washington Street, and to 8 inches on Easy Street.

Coastal Flood, Eastern Norfolk

When
January 4, 11:45 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Eastern Norfolk forecast zone
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
42.171, -71.184 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Quincy, a car was trapped in floodwaters and floating ice at East Squantum Road and Victory Road, and flooding was reported at Gordon Road and Watson Park. In Weymouth, Neck Street near Wessagusett Beach was flooded. In Braintree, flooding was reported on East Howard Street.

Coastal Flood, Suffolk

When
January 4, 12:00 PM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Suffolk forecast zone
Property damage
$500,000
Reported by
Amateur Radio
Coordinates
42.264, -71.125 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

In Winthrop, Pebble Street was under two feet of floodwaters; as many as 75 homes were reported by emergency management to be flooded to the first floor with utilities compromised. In Chelsea, Beacham Street was flooded with two trapped cars containing people. In Charlestown, a six inch tide was flowing down 1st Avenue. In Revere, the Revere Beach Parkway was closed; flooding was reported on the parkway from Washington Avenue to near route 107. In Boston, Morrissey Blvd was closed due to flooding, and additional roads were inundated in the Boston Seaport District.

What these are

Winter Storm
A storm that brought snow, sleet or freezing rain at warning levels, usually over several hours or days.
High Wind
Sustained non-thunderstorm winds of 40 mph or more for an hour, or gusts of 58 mph or more.
Coastal Flood
Flooding of coastal land by the sea, from storm surge, onshore wind or high tides.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Massachusetts in 2018Every state in 2018This day in weather historyWarnings in Massachusetts, January 2018

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 733196, 733167, 733170, 733173, 733195, 733175, 733146, 733174, 733193, 733144, 733189, 733190, 733288, 733294, 733298, 733194, 733149, 733164, 733178, 733162, 733177, 733153, 733211, 733191, 733216, 733192, 733208, 733221, 733222, 733223, 733224.