A weather system from the Midwest initially brought snow and ice to the region. The system swung a cold front through New England, followed by strong west to northwest winds from the afternoon of the 8th to the afternoon of the 9th.
Every event with a place to put it; 1 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS BOX wrote it up.
A weather system from the Midwest initially brought snow and ice to the region. The system swung a cold front through New England, followed by strong west to northwest winds from the afternoon of the 8th to the afternoon of the 9th.
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 Feb 9, 12:34 AM EST, 26 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
1234 AM EST Sat Feb 9 2019
.SYNOPSIS...
Low pressure in Northern Quebec ships colder drier air over
Southern New England on strong west to northwest winds tonight
and Saturday. Dry, near-seasonable conditions Sunday into
Monday. Potent storm system Tuesday into Wednesday however exact
outcomes still uncertain. Potential late week Arctic air
followed by another potent weekend storm system.
&&
.NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM THIS MORNING/...
935 PM update...
Winds are increasing in strong cold advection, especially across
northern MA where gusts have reached 40-50 mph. Expect these
gusts to continue and gradually expand south of the Pike
overnight in a deep and well mixed boundary layer. Peak of the
wind expected late tonight and Sat morning with gusts 45-55 mph.
Skies are mainly clear across SNE, with some lake effect clouds
spilling into western MA. A few flurries are possible across the
Berkshires. Temps will drop steadily through the night in strong
cold advection with lows ranging through the teens, with lower
20s near the coast. Wind chills fall into the single numbers
by Saturday morning with below zero readings over the higher
elevations in northern MA.
&&
.SHORT TERM /6 AM THIS MORNING THROUGH 6 PM SUNDAY/...
Continue to see cold pool moisture over Nrn New England with
possible extension into parts of Srn New England. The will
continue to support patches of clouds, but overall a sunny day
Saturday. High pressure moves closer late Saturday and Saturday
night, continuing the dry cold weather with mostly clear skies.
Mixing Saturday to at least 900 mb and may go a little higher.
But as the high pressure moves closer late in the day, expect
the mixed layer to shrink under subsidence. Winds in the mixed
layer start the day at 35-45 kt, but diminish in the afternoon.
Temps at the top of the layer will be equiv to 850 temps of -14C
to -17C, supporting max sfc temps in the upper 20s and lower
30s.
Diminishing winds Saturday night may allow a period of
radiational cooling, especially in Western Mass and CT. Dew
points will be in the single numbers, leaving room for lows in
the single numbers in the colder spots in the west while the
remainder of Srn New England reaches the teens to around 20.
&&
.LONG TERM /SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY/...
*/ Highlights ...
- Dry, near-seasonable Sunday into Monday, maybe some S-coast snow
- Stout winter storm Tuesday / Wednesday, exact outcomes uncertain
- Late week Arctic dip before a potential weekend storm system
Overview and model preferences...
Mean slightly SW-NE oriented jet remains in place across the
CONUS as dominant Bermuda/subtropical high continually forces
height rises through the Mid Atlantic and Appalachian regions.
The first wave of note, Sun night, becomes rapidly suppressed
and loses much of its cyclonic flow as it interacts with the N
periphery of this ridge. The second, linked to a more acute
vortex currently resting along the BC coastline, may combine
with a weaker arctic trof diving S from Victoria Island and
Nunavut. The phasing, or lack thereof, will determine how
dynamic the system ultimately becomes, but he pattern favors at
least some cold air on the front end, which would be enhanced by
coastal low pres development. This is the one to watch as we
approach. Will continue erring toward the more consistent ECMWF
for both timing and thermal profiles with this update, but that
does not mean there will be no deference for other guidance.
Details...
Sun through Mon night...
Although weak wave associated with a Quebec vortex will be
rotating through, confluence aloft will rapidly open the wave
and yield some subsidence across much of New England. This
subsidence will limit moisture through the column and even in
the DGZ, so suspect that much of the region remains dry even as
a frontal wave develops well to the S. Low POPs, mainly for the
S coastal areas are preferred for Sun night into early Mon.
Otherwise, H85 temps near normal, so suspect 2m temps to reflect
this with highs mainly in the low-mid 30s and lows dropping
into the teens and 20s across the region.
Tue and Wed...
Parent low pres associated with a potentially S/N stream phased
wave taking on a somewhat negative tilt will slide through the
Great Lakes as it occludes. This process does allow for
secondary triple point-coastal low pres development by Tue night
near the Delmarva. With the late start Tue, antecedent airmass
for mainly SN on the front end, with the possibility of moderate
snowfall rates as the DGZ saturates with modest lift from
nearly +3 std deviation LLJ and then trowal development
associated with the coastal low. Noting PWATs about 2 std
deviations above normal suggesting more than sufficient
moisture. The final track of the coastal low, and how rapidly it
deepens will determine how long cold air remains locked in,
especially since orientation of high pres to the N is somewhat
favorable. Noting in mass fields a signal for ageostrophic cold
air damming at least to some extent. However, if the track as
currently forecast is mainly across SE New England, a chance to
a wintry mix then rain is likely for some. This will be
determined with time as the track is refined and the strength of
the ageostrophic response is resolved. Agree with previous
forecaster that the N and W interior portions of New England
have the best chance at remaining all snow.
Given the risk for a snow to mix to RA progression, it remains
too early to suggest ice/snow/rain amounts and exact locations.
With a risk for all SN at the onset, the Tue afternoon commute
could be impacted, along with the early portions of the Wed AM
commute although the change will have occurred by this time. Am
becoming more confidence in at least advisory level snow/ice
amounts, but there remains a risk for warning levels for some as
well. These will be better determined once the players involved
are better sampled.
Thu...
Dry and somewhat colder punch of air expected Thu into Thu
night but moderation is expected as high pres passes to the S,
allowing for some warm advection through the column. Mainly dry.
Fri...
For Fri, will be monitoring yet another deepening wave with a
stronger link to subtropical moisture. This one is currently
looking milder but with higher moisture content given that
aforementioned link. If snowpack is established from the mid
week system and this one remains mild, a risk for flooding is
possible but still premature to get too detailed.
&&
.AVIATION /06Z SATURDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
Forecaster Confidence Levels...
Low - less than 30 percent.
Moderate - 30 to 60 percent.
High - greater than 60 percent.
Short Term /through Sunday/...High confidence.
Today...
Strongest W/NW gusts 35-45 kt through midday, then gradual
diminishing winds into the evening. VFR.
Tonight...
VFR. Continued diminishing winds becoming light, but NW gusts
20-25 kt Cape/Islands in the evening.
Sunday...VFR.
KBOS Terminal...High confidence in TAF.
KBDL Terminal...High confidence in TAF.
Outlook /Sunday Night through Wednesday/...
Sunday Night through Monday Night: VFR. Breezy.
Tuesday: VFR early, then MVFR/IFR conditions possible. Breezy.
SN, FZRA and PL.
Tuesday Night: Mainly IFR, with areas MVFR possible. Windy with
local gusts up to 30 kt. SN, PL, RA, FZRA.
Wednesday: Mainly MVFR, with local IFR possible. Breezy. Chance
RA, chance FZRA, chance SN early.
&&
.MARINE...
Forecaster Confidence Levels...
Low - less than 30 percent.
Moderate - 30 to 60 percent.
High - greater than 60 percent.
Short Term /through Sunday/...High confidence.
Tonight...
West to northwest wind gusts 35-45 kt through the night. A Gale
Warning continues on all waters. Seas will build with 10 ft
heights on the outer waters. Cold air brought in by this wind
will bring air temps below freezing. Expect light freezing spray
conditions starting after midnight.
Saturday...
West to northwest winds will continue gusting to 45 kt in the
morning. Expect winds to diminish during the afternoon. Seas to
10 ft on the outer waters. Seas diminish on all waters as winds
also diminish. Freezing spray continues during the morning, then
diminishes in the afternoon.
Saturday night...
High pressure builds in from the west. Winds will continue to
diminish with gusts roughly 25 to 30 kt. Seas subside with
highest values 8-9 ft on the outer waters in the evening and
highest values around 5 ft on the outer waters toward morning.
Freezing spray returns, mainly to the eastern waters.
Outlook /Sunday Night through Wednesday/...Moderate confidence.
Sunday through Monday Night: Winds less than 25 kt. Seas
locally approaching 5 ft.
Tuesday: Winds less than 25 kt. Local rough seas. Snow changing
to rain. Visibility 1 to 3 nm.
Tuesday Night: Moderate risk for Small Craft Advisory winds
with gusts up to 30 kt. Rough seas up to 10 ft. Rain, snow,
sleet, freezing rain. Areas of visibility 1 to 3 nm.
Wednesday: Moderate risk for Small Craft Advisory winds with
gusts up to 30 kt. Rough seas up to 10 ft. Slight chance of
rain.
&&
.BOX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
CT...Wind Advisory until 5 PM EST this afternoon for CTZ002>004.
MA...Wind Advisory until 5 PM EST this afternoon for MAZ002>024-026.
RI...Wind Advisory until 5 PM EST this afternoon for RIZ001>008.
MARINE...Gale Warning until 7 PM EST this evening for ANZ230-232>235-
237-255-256.
Gale Warning until 9 PM EST this evening for ANZ231-250-251-
254.
Gale Warning until 5 PM EST this afternoon for ANZ236.
&&
SYNOPSIS...WTB/Doody
NEAR TERM...KJC
SHORT TERM...WTB
LONG TERM...Doody
AVIATION...KJC/Doody
MARINE...WTB/DoodyHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA 348 PM EST Fri Feb 8 2019 MAZ002>010-014-015-026-092100- Western Franklin MA-Eastern Franklin MA-Northern Worcester MA- Central Middlesex MA-Western Essex MA-Eastern Essex MA- Western Hampshire MA-Western Hampden MA-Eastern Hampshire MA- Southeast Middlesex MA-Suffolk MA-Northern Middlesex MA- 348 PM EST Fri Feb 8 2019 ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 PM EST SATURDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Massachusetts, eastern Massachusetts, northeastern Massachusetts and western Massachusetts. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Wind Advisory. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Wind Advisory. There is potential for a wintry storm beginning mid day Tuesday into early Wednesday. At this time, there is a moderate risk for at least Advisory level snow and ice for some part of Southern New England, with a low risk for warning levels. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures. CTZ002>004-MAZ011>013-016>024-RIZ001>008-092100- Hartford CT-Tolland CT-Windham CT-Eastern Hampden MA- Southern Worcester MA-Western Norfolk MA-Eastern Norfolk MA- Northern Bristol MA-Western Plymouth MA-Eastern Plymouth MA- Southern Bristol MA-Southern Plymouth MA-Barnstable MA-Dukes MA- Nantucket MA-Northwest Providence RI-Southeast Providence RI- Western Kent RI-Eastern Kent RI-Bristol RI-Washington RI-Newport RI- Block Island RI- 348 PM EST Fri Feb 8 2019 ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 PM EST SATURDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northern Connecticut, central Massachusetts, eastern Massachusetts, southeastern Massachusetts, western Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Wind Advisory. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Wind Advisory. There is potential for a wintry storm beginning mid day Tuesday into early Wednesday. At this time, there is a moderate risk for at least Advisory level snow and ice for some part of Southern New England, with a low risk for warning levels. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather conditions according to Standard Operating Procedures. ANZ230-255-256-092100- Boston Harbor- 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- 348 PM EST Fri Feb 8 2019 ...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST SATURDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Massachusetts coastal waters and Rhode Island coastal waters. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Gale Warning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Gale Warning. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. ANZ231-250-251-254-092100- Cape Cod Bay- 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- 348 PM EST Fri Feb 8 2019 ...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EST SATURDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Massachusetts coastal waters. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Gale Warning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Gale Warning. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. ANZ232>235-237-092100- Nantucket Sound-Vineyard Sound-Buzzards Bay-Rhode Island Sound- Block Island Sound- 348 PM EST Fri Feb 8 2019 ...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 PM EST SATURDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Massachusetts coastal waters and Rhode Island coastal waters. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Gale Warning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Gale Warning. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. ANZ236-092100- Narragansett Bay- 348 PM EST Fri Feb 8 2019 ...GALE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 PM EST SATURDAY... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Rhode Island coastal waters. .DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Gale Warning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Gale Warning. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. 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
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...SUMMARY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BOSTON/NORTON MA
1047 PM EST FRI FEB 08 2019
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0656 PM NON-TSTM WND DMG WESTFORD 42.58N 71.43W
02/08/2019 MIDDLESEX MA TRAINED SPOTTER
TREE DOWN ON LITTLETON ROAD AT LITTLETON / WESTFORD
TOWN LINE.
0707 PM NON-TSTM WND DMG BOXFORD 42.67N 70.99W
02/08/2019 ESSEX MA TRAINED SPOTTER
TREE AND WIRES DOWN ALONG MIDDLETON ROAD.
0735 PM NON-TSTM WND DMG LOWELL 42.64N 71.32W
02/08/2019 MIDDLESEX MA TRAINED SPOTTER
LARGE TREE BRANCH DOWN BLOCKING PART OF MAIN STREET.
0750 PM NON-TSTM WND DMG LAWRENCE 42.70N 71.16W
02/08/2019 ESSEX MA TRAINED SPOTTER
WIRES DOWN ALONG COMMON STREET.
0800 PM NON-TSTM WND DMG HARVARD 42.50N 71.58W
02/08/2019 WORCESTER MA TRAINED SPOTTER
MULTIPLE TREE BRANCHES DOWN ON LITTLETON ROAD.
0804 PM NON-TSTM WND DMG HINGHAM 42.24N 70.89W
02/08/2019 PLYMOUTH MA TRAINED SPOTTER
LARGE TREE DOWN IN THE ROADWAY ALONG ROUTE 3A.
0813 PM NON-TSTM WND DMG TOPSFIELD 42.64N 70.96W
02/08/2019 ESSEX MA TRAINED SPOTTER
TREE DOWN ALONG SURREY LANE.
1030 PM NON-TSTM WND DMG WORCESTER 42.27N 71.81W
02/08/2019 WORCESTER MA LAW ENFORCEMENT
LARGE TREE DOWN ON SUNDERLAND ROAD.
&&
EVENT NUMBER BOX1900567 BOX1900568 BOX1900569 BOX1900570 BOX1900572
BOX1900571 BOX1900573 BOX1900574
sipprellThe national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
1 strong wind. Local standard time, as filed.
At 9:48 AM EST on February 9th an amateur radio operator in Glocester reported a tree down on Sawmill Road at the Scituate/Glocester town line.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Rhode Island in 2019Every state in 2019This day in weather historyWarnings in Rhode Island, February 2019
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: 800522.