REMEMBERING THE GREAT SNOW OF OF 1997 - [03/31-04/01]
The Great Snowstorm of 1997
Here are some reports on the blizzard from the Weather Obs
Mid-Atlantic Newsgroup and from Buddy Potts, Past President of the IWW, and
NOAA'S HCP:
A View from the Mount Washington, NH Summit
(2:00 PM EST 4/1/97)
After the Blizzard of March 31-April 1, 1997!
Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 12:13:52 -0500
Good afternoon from Clarksboro, NJ...located 14 miles to the SSE of
Philadelphia, Pa...
Old Man Winter is back! Just in the last half hour or so, the rain
has mixed with and totally changed over to snow. Temperatue has
fallen steadily since dawn, from about 44F to the current temp of
just 34F. Winds are howling out of the NW at 29mph, making the WCI an
extremely cold +4F...some brutally cold stuff! Snow is beginning to
show some signs of accumulation on wooden and grassy surfaces. Of
course it will take some time for any accumulations to begin based
soley on the fact on the extremely warm temps of recent days.
Currently, the National Weather Service is sticking with their 1-2"
forecast, but I'm thinking more on the order of 2-4".
March came in like a lion and it's certainly going out like a lion!
Updates later...
Brian
****************************************
Brian Monahan Kingsway Regional HS
Clarksboro, NJ Weather Observer
Channel Op on Undernet's #weather
Nick: wxcentral Email: bmonahan@p3.net
****************************************
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Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 13:11:56 -0500
From: "Gary J. Wilt Jr."
Subject: OBS Wood Ridge, NJ 311315
STORM SUMMARY AS OF 1315:
PRECIPITATION DATA (type/amt): Rain/1.99"
STORM TOTAL: 1.99" so far...
PEAK GUST/DIRECTION: ENE @ 25 mph
LOWEST PRESSURE: 29.31"
CURRENT CONDITIONS @ 13:15
SKY: Overcast with moderate snow
TEMP: 33.9 (down 6.8 degrees during the last hr.)
WIND: NNW @ 10 G 21 mph
BAROMETER: 29.31 F (down .02 during the last hr.)
OUTLOOK & COMMENTS:
Rain has now changed over to snow and is moderate in intensity.
Early morning very heavy rains lead to some flooding across the
area. E-NE winds have now shifted to the NNW and are averaging
10-15 mph with some higher gusts. The temperature in the last
hour has fallen from 41 to 34. It will take a while for the snow
to accumulate as surface temps are very warm yet due to the past
few day's mild temperatures. A general 4 inch accumulation is
possible especially away from the city. Updates later....
_____________________________________________________________
Gary J. Wilt
Cooperative Spotter- NWS Co-op Office-Harrison, NJ
Wood Ridge, is in Bergen Co. N.J. & is 14 miles W of NYC.
WWOL Contributor
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Subject: OBS Saugerties, NY 311330 S+ 33F S: T"G: T"
Date: Mon, 31 Mar 97 13:24:54 -0500
From: "Frederick E. Smith"
1:30 PM
Heavy Wet Snow and 33F
...It has been snowing very wetly for up to four hours, but only recently
has begun to whiten the ground in a few spots. Accumulation should increase
as the sun angle decreases later this afternoon.
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Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 13:48:21 -0500
From: Greg
Subject: OBS Fords, NJ S and R 33.9F
Moderate Snow begins around 1:30 pm
Still mixed with Rain
Rain portion now less than one-qtr of total precip falling
Temps falling steadily.
Pressure falling, now at 29.32 iom
-Greg
yaz@home.com
http://members.home.net/yaz
yaz@mars.superlink.net
http://mars.superlink.net/yaz
Yaz or EyeWall on IRC undernet channel #weather
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From: "Craig Elzey"
Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 19:13:59 +0000
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
WEATHER SUMMARY
EASTON, MD. (38:53:54N 76:02:38W) ELEV 70 FT
MON. 31 MARCH 1997 @ 1911 HOURS EST
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sky: cloudy
Temperature: 33.1F
Barometer: 29.60in.
Wind: NW @ 28
High gust: 44 mph
Dew Point: 30.8F
High temp since midnight: 57.0F @ 1210 hours
Low temp since midnight: 33.0F @ 1901 hours
Currently SNOWING with some snow sticking to the roof and grassy
areas. We have had sustained winds of 25mph to 35 mph since 0700
hours today. Fine time for winter to finally show up!!
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Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 15:12:25 -0500
From: Greg
Subject: OBS Fords NJ 3pm S- Windy 32.0f 29.32
Light accums on cartops...
32.0f with Light wind-driven Snow
29.32 iom and steady
yaz@home.com
http://members.home.net/yaz
yaz@mars.superlink.net
http://mars.superlink.net/yaz
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Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 16:24:56 -0500
From: Buddy Potts
Friends,
Southern New England is being battered by a fierce winter storm.
Heavy rain fell overnight and through the morning here in Agawam, MA.
Agawam is located 5 miles SW of Springfield, MA in the Connecticut
Valley. The rain changed to snow between 1230 and 1245. The snow has
varied in intensity since the changeover. Initially it was light but
since 1500 it has varied between moderate and heavy. The wind has been
increasing from the northeast. I now estimate the wind between 10 - 30
MPH.
At 1600 - 1605 we had several loud claps of thunder. The visibility is
now under 1/4 mile with heavy snow. We have some blowing snow but the
snow is very wet and that is limiting the blowing. The ground is covered
with about 2" of wet, heavy snow. The temperature is in the upper 20's
and is slowly falling. The roads are now seeing accumulation and the
driving is very dangerous. Cars are just crawling by. Many of the
businesses in this industrial park are closing early. Local schools are
already closing tomorrow's sessions.
This reminds me very much of the April 1982 blizzard. While we have
not seen blizzard conditions yet this is certainly the worst snowfall of
the 1996 / 1997 winter season. The early December storm did not have
much wind and the visibility was not as bad. This is the also the first
thundersnow I have heard this winter.
The latest forecast is for 8 - 15" here in the valley. There should
be 2 feet in the Berkshires. Our former home in West Granville is at
ground zero for heavy accumulation. Our new home is 250 feet higher than
here at my office at that will add 3 - 6" compared to here.
Now to try and drive home. Wish me luck. I will try and report later
but we may lose power. I love people who think that spring arrived on
March 20. If they believe that they haven't lived in New England very
long!
Buddy
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Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 16:42:00 -0500 (EST)
From: Justin Consor
Subject: OBS Roslyn, NY 311510 OVC Ns 3/4S** 35F N-15G30* S:Tr G:Tr R:1.80"
Roslyn is in NW Nassau County, on the North Shore of Long Island. It is
situated at the head of Hempstead Harbor (an extension of LI Sound), and
is 24 mi E of Midtown Manhattan and 3 mi S of Sea Cliff. My station is
0.6 mi N of the LIE and 1.0 mi S of Route 25A. Station Elevation: 180 ft.
Rain began before dawn today, falling very heavily at times.
A few very wet snowflakes began mixing in at 1:40 PM this afternoon during
the periods of heaviest precip. The few snowflakes made a very loud
'rattle' on windows. A few isolated claps of thunder were heard around
2PM, but I didn't see any lightning at the time (I was in school). According
to the RHS weather station, the temp. fell from 38 to 35 from 2:15 to 2:40
PM. Thus, by 2:45 PM, the precipitation was all moderate snow.
I took a walk up to Harbor Hill (368 ft and 0.6 mi NNW of me) to see how
elevation is impacting on this storm so far. It does not seem to be
having much of an impact as of now on the greater Roslyn area, since slush
began to whiten the ground at around the same time at the top of the hill
as where I live, which is about 180 ft.
So far, a thin layer of slush is coating grassy surfaces, car tops, and
grassy surfaces, but snow is having trouble accumulating because the
flakes are "only" dime to nickel sized and the snow is just not heavy
enough. Roads and driveways are wet with many puddles.
Winds veered from NW to E last night, but then backed to NE by this
morning and N now. Sustained winds have been surprisingly low (only
around 10-15 mph) but occasional gusts of up to 30 mph have been
occurring.
According to the RHS weather station, the barometer fell rapidly much of
the day, from 29.49 inches at 7:30 AM to 29.25 inches at 2:40 PM.
Temperatures dropped from 53 around midnight last night to 43 by 7AM this
morning, and then continued to slowly fall during the morning and early
afternoon before falling rapidly as the changeover occurred.
* Wind estimated from tree, grass, and flag motion, and nearby reports
**Visibility estimated using known landmarks.
--
Justin Consor
(rconsor on Undernet channel #Weather)
NEMAS-NYC Amateur Meteorologist
http://www.nwdc.com/~jconsor/nemasnyc.html
Long Island Weather Observers member
Roslyn High School
jconsor@nwdc.com
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Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 17:00:31 -0500
From: gsurplus@delphi.com (Gregory A. Surplus)
Reduced visibilities are occuring from the wind and snow...
A dusting has accumulated on the ground...
************************************************************************
* Greg Surplus ======= MICROG'S DEN ======== *
* gsurplus@delphi.com http://people.delphi.com/gsurplus/tripbot.html *
************************************************************************
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Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 17:03:38 -0500 (EST)
From: Justin Consor
Subject: OBS Roslyn, NY 311625 OVC Ns 1/4S+ 34F N-15G30* S:0.1" G:0.1 R:1.88"
Roslyn is in NW Nassau County, on the North Shoreof Long Island. It is
situated at the head of Hempstead Harbor (an extension of LI Sound), and
is 24 mi E of Midtown Manhattan and 3 mi S of Sea Cliff. My station is
0.6 mi N of the LIE and 1.0 mi S of Route 25A. Station Elevation: 180 ft.
Since the snow began here, the snowflakes have consistently been no larger
than nickels and the snow intensity has remained moderate. Thus, the snow
is still having trouble accumulating on all surface. The 0.1" noted above
is true slush, which has accumulated on the deck, on my snow board, and
the grass.
However, at 4:20 PM, a very sudden change was observed. The
snow went rapidly from nearly all small flakes to humungous, greater than
silver-dollar sized flakes in the space of about a minute. These
humungous flakes are now sticking quite well, not only to the grass and
deck, but to the roof, trees, and power lines as well. The individual
snowflakes are now initially sticking to the sidewalk and driveways, but
they are all melting within a few seconds.
The relatively high elevation here (180 ft) seems to be making a
difference in terms of temperatures and especially precipitation type.
While there has been absolutely no rain here since LaGuardia and
JFK airport in NYC were reporting a mix of rain and snow with temps of 36
and 38, respectively. Similarly, Farmingdale, Westhampton, and Islip
airports in central and eastern LI were reporting all rain as of 4PM.
*Wind Estimated from tree, grass, and flag motion, and nearby reports
--
Justin Consor
(rconsor on Undernet channel #Weather)
NEMAS-NYC Amateur Meteorologist
http://www.nwdc.com/~jconsor/nemasnyc.html
Long Island Weather Observers member
Roslyn High School
jconsor@nwdc.com
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Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 17:15:53 -0500
From: Greg Keklak
Very light snow, or flurries, 31.8F
29.32 steady over the last 4 hours.
-Greg
yaz@home.com
http://members.home.net/yaz
yaz@mars.superlink.net
http://mars.superlink.net/yaz
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Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 17:31:20 -0500 (EST)
From: Justin Consor
Subject: OBS Roslyn, NY 311725 OVC Ns S 33F S:0.5" G:0.5"
Roslyn is in NW Nassau County, on the North Shore of Long Island. It is
situated at the head of Hempstead Harbor (an extension of LI Sound), and
is 24 mi E of Midtown Manhattan and 3 mi S of Sea Cliff. My station is
0.6 mi N of the LIE and 1.0 mi S of Route 25A. Station Elevation: 180 ft.
Despite the fact that heavy snow with silver dollar sized snowflakes is
falling from the air, only 0.4" has accumulated on my deck and snow board
in the past hour, bringing the storm total snowfall up to 0.5". The snow
on the ground, measured in a protected area with no grass, is also 0.5".
All local roads remain wet, though there are a few patches of slush on
driveways.
*Estimated from tree, grass, and flag motion, and nearby
reports
--
Justin Consor
(rconsor on Undernet channel #Weather)
NEMAS-NYC Amateur Meteorologist
http://www.nwdc.com/~jconsor/nemasnyc.html
Long Island Weather Observers member
Roslyn High School
jconsor@nwdc.com
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Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 19:02:13 -0500
From: "Gary J. Wilt Jr."
Subject: OBS Wood Ridge, NJ 311900
DAILY SUMMARY: SUN., MARCH 31, 1997
TEMPERATURE DATA (low/high): 33.0/53.6 low temp. will go lower
MEAN TEMPERATURE: 43.3
WIND DATA (dir/peak gust): NNE @ 26 mph
PRESSURE DATA (low/high): 29.27/29.87
PRECIPITATION DATA (type/amt): Rain/2.33"- Snow/Trace
STORM TOTAL: 2.33"
MONTHLY PRECIP TOTAL TO DATE: 5.85"
YEARLY PRECIP TOTAL TO DATE: 12.11"
____________________________________________________________
CURRENT CONDITIONS @ 19:05
SKY: Overcast with moderate snow mixed with rain @ times
TEMP: 33.0
WIND: NNE 15mph G 26 mph
BAROMETER: 29.34 R (up .01)
OUTLOOK & COMMENTS:
Temperatures have remained nearly steady during the last several hrs.
with moderate snow occasionally mixing with rain. The temperature
has started to fall again, but most notably is that the wind which had
been NW, has now shifted back to the NNE. A winter storm warning is
in effect for the area for the possibility of 6-9" of snow. This is the
first winter storm warning for Bergen County this season! Better late
than never. Doppler radar is indicating very little movement to the
precip, so we could be in for an extended period of snow. Accumulating
snows should begin at any time as the temperature is now very close to
the freezing mark. And with the roads so wet, they should begin to
freeze over during the next few hours. A very interesting scenario for
the latter part of the month, but this is not all that uncommon.
Today's precip total pushed the monthly tally way above normal. Possible
updates later...
_____________________________________________________________
Gary J. Wilt
Cooperative Spotter- NWS Co-op Office-Harrison, NJ
Wood Ridge, is in Bergen Co. N.J. & is 14 miles W of NYC.
WWOL Contributor
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Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 20:07:02 -0500
From: Buddy Potts
Friends,
The storm continues to batter southern New England.
As of 1930 we have seen 6.0 inches of snow here in West
Suffield, CT. The snow is very wet and heavy and has caused a
great deal of icing on the roads. The temperature is just
below freezing at 31F but that is enough to allow the freezing.
We currently have moderate to heavy snow, blowing snow and fog.
Visibility is about 250 feet.
Our house is literally plastered by the snow. The back side
of the house faces east. The wind has 30 miles of open territory
before it hits this ridge. The howling of the wind sounds like a
distant jet. The wind is gusting to about 50 mph and is driving
the snow against the east and north sides of the house. The wind
is so strong that I can feel it penetrating the walls and
windows. The snow has some ice pellets mixed in and that sounds
like pebbles crashing into the windows. The trees that surround
our house are swaying in the wind in wild contortions as they
fight the wind and the weight of the snow that is sticking to
them. It is a very wintry scene!
My ride home from work was terrible. The roads were covered
with ice and slush. Visibility was less than 100 feet in places.
As I crept along the sky turned yellow with that unforgettable
color of lightning embedded in snow. It was close as thunder
followed in just a few seconds. My ride is only 8 miles and is
all on back roads so I had no traffic problems. I did go by one
car that had skidded off the road.
We have lost power briefly two times. We have filled up
several buckets and the bathtub in case we lose power for a
longer period. I am typing this in a word processor rather than
my e-mail software, as it is easier to save it. The power may
burp at any time!
The storm shows no signs of abating. The center appears to
have stalled east of New York City. Moisture is feeding in from
the ocean in band after band. This is expected to continue all
night. I don’t believe anywhere in southern New England will
reach true blizzard conditions, as the temperature is not cold
enough. That is little solace as the wind and snow pounds against
the house and makes travel almost impossible. I am glad to be
home!
Oh yes. Today in Bradenton, FL it was in the 80’s. I suppose
a few of you think this storm is more fun. Someday you can come
down and visit me in Florida and tell me all about the fun you
had in an April snowstorm!!
Buddy
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Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 20:09:13 -0500
From: Eugene Stackhouse
Subject: Weather Summary
Daily Weather Summary
Germantown, Philadelphia, PA (40:02:30N; 75:10:00W; elev. 240 feet)
Monday, 31 March 1997, 1930 hours EST
Sky: Snow
Wind direction NW at heavy. Gauge is clogged with snow.
Temperature: 30.7F
Barometer: 29.30 Falling, very low
Precipitation since 2020 EST, 30 Mar 97: 3" snow (0.3" water)
Total precipitation for March 1997: 5.0"
Lowest temperature since 2020 EST, 30 Mar 97: 30.4F
Highest temperature since 2020 EST, 30 Mar 97: 62.1F
Today was one of the most miserable in a long time. High winds, snow,
falling temperature, rain this morning.
GeneStackhouse@compuserve.com
egstackhouse@mail.biosis.org
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From: "Brian Monahan"
To: wxobs-mda@greatbasin.net
Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 20:23:43 -0500
Good evening everyone...
Going to be brief here because time lacks. Pressures are rising a bit
right now but we still continue to get hammered by the wrap around
moisture from this storm. Snow should be continuing for quite a
while...with no foreseeable end, at this time. Snow has accumulated
to 1.7" on my deck and other surfaces, but continues to not stick to
pavements.
Updates later...if I have time...
-Brian
****************************************
Brian Monahan Kingsway Regional HS
Clarksboro, NJ Weather Observer
Channel Op on Undernet's #weather
Nick: wxcentral Email: bmonahan@p3.net
****************************************
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Roslyn is in NW Nassau County, on the North Shore of Long Island. It is
situated at the head of Hempstead Harbor (an extension of LI Sound), and
is 24 mi E of Midtown Manhattan and 3 mi S of Sea Cliff. My station is
0.6 mi N of the LIE and 1.0 mi S of Route 25A. Station Elevation: 180 ft.
Snow has generally been light since 5:30 PM, with occasional bursts of
moderate to heavy snow and some periods of only very light snow and snow
pellets. The alternating bands of heavier and lighter snow have been
associated with mesoscale dry slots and enhanced snow bands which have
been rotating around the storm. Snow accumulation has been very slow but
steady on the deck and the grass. The snow has become slightly drier with
time as the temp has slowly fallen to 32. Driveways and local and
secondary roads continue to be wet. Sidewalks have patches of slush on
them. Power lines are coated with a layer of slush.
Around 8 PM this evening, I took a ride to Greenvale (1.5 mi NE of
Roslyn) on Route 25A.. Throughout the whole ride, the snow was moderate
with large, nickel-sized flakes. Though the roads themselves were wet and
quite passable, the wind gusts and large snowflakes combined to
create low visibilities and blowing snow, causing quite hazardous driving
conditions. I noticed that the snow was significantly lighter and the
flakes smaller when I got back to Roslyn around 8:30.
Sustained winds have slowly been increasing to near 30 mph during the past
few hours. Interestingly, the gusts so far seem to be very unpredictable
and sudden, coming almost out of the blue after long periods of
relatively lighter winds. The estimated peak gust so far is 50 mph. Many
small to medium branch segments have been downed.
*Estimated from tree, grass, and flag motion, and
nearby reports --
Justin Consor
(rconsor on Undernet channel #Weather)
NEMAS-NYC Amateur Meteorologist
http://www.nwdc.com/~jconsor/nemasnyc.html
Long Island Weather Observers member
Roslyn High School
jconsor@nwdc.com
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Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 21:46:49 -0500
From: gsurplus@delphi.com (Gregory A. Surplus)
Subject: Obs--Parkville MD--COR 312145 S 30/M/M/M/29.60 S:2.9
Hi so far today 47
Low so far today 30
Correction...I forgot to importantly note that most of the accumulation
is on grassy areas and car tops...
************************************************************************
* Greg Surplus ======= MICROG'S DEN ======== *
* gsurplus@delphi.com http://people.delphi.com/gsurplus/tripbot.html *
************************************************************************
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Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 22:27:12 -0500
From: Buddy Potts
Subject: Storm Update #2
Friends,
BOOM! Lightning and thunder again!
As of 2200 our snowfall has reached 10.5 inches. The temperature
remains steady at around 30F. The snowfall intensity has been moderate
to heavy throughout the evening. Visibility remains only about 250
feet in fog and blowing snow. The snow is very heavy and that is all
that is keeping us from seeing 3 inch per hour snowfall rates.
The wind has abated a bit from its peak at about 8:00 PM.
Thundersnow returned at 2200 and that makes it clear that the
atmosphere is still very unstable. I can’t explain the drop in the
wind but it is welcome. Our power went out for a third time at 2045
but has been good since. We are on a well and have electric heat so
power outages are no fun at all.
Our driveway has already been plowed once. The guys we use do a
good job. This heavy, wet snow is miserable to plow. I expect we will
hear them plow a couple of times during the night.
Our landscaping is getting clobbered again. The shrubs and trees
are pushed right to the ground under the weight of the snow. I guess
it does not matter much now. The December storm and the ice storm
earlier this month had already wrecked much of what we have.
What will be our final total? 15 - 18 inches looks to be a good
bet. I don’t want to guess at the water equivalent of so much wet
snow. I worry about our deck handling the weight. The gas grill looks
kind of silly out there tonight!
Buddy
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Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 23:07:17 -0500
From: Eugene Stackhouse
Subject: Interim Report
Interim Weather Report
Germantown, Philadelphia, PA
Monday, 31 March 1997, 2300 hours EST
So much for Spring.
We have about 6" of snow on the ground in Germantown.
So far, the streets have not iced up and driving isn't too bad.
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Date: Tue, 01 Apr 1997 00:32:20 -0500
From: gsurplus@delphi.com (Gregory A. Surplus)
Subject: Obs--Parkville MD 010013 S 32/M/M/M/29.62 Monday Snow 3.5in
Parkville Climate Data
Greg Surplus--Parkville MD
04-01-1997 00:15:15
During the day of Monday, March 31, 1997
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Max Min Mean
Deg F 47 30 38.5
Deg C 8.3 -1.1 3.6
26 Heating Degree Days
Heating Degree Days So Far This Month... 656
Cooling Degree Days So Far This Month... 0
Daily Snow accumulation 3.5 inches 8.9 cm
Snow so far this month 5.0 inches 12.7 cm
Conditions at Parkville MD Tuesday, April 1, 1997 12:13am EST
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Weather Snow
Temperature 32F 0C
Barometer 29.62in 1003.1mb 100.31kPa
Comment...Most of the accumulation was on grassy areas and
car tops...
************************************************************************
* sGreg Surplus ======= MICROG'S DEN ======== *
* gsurplus@delphi.com http://people.delphi.com/gsurplus/tripbot.html *
************************************************************************
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Date: Tue, 1 Apr 1997 01:54:38 -0500 (EST)
From: Justin Consor
Subject: OBS Roslyn, NY 010145 OVC Ns S+ 31F N-20G40* S:2.9" G:2.6" R:2.15"
Roslyn is in NW Nassau County, on the North Shore of Long Island. It is
situated at the head of Hempstead Harbor (an extension of LI Sound), and
is 24 mi E of Midtown Manhattan and 3 mi S of Sea Cliff. My station is
0.6 mi N of the LIE and 1.0 mi S of Route 25A. Station Elevation: 180 ft.
Snow is now finally sticking to sidewalks, driveways, and local streets.
Power lines and trees are coated with snow.
Snow has become much drier past few hours, with smaller flakes and greater
number of flakes than before. Spacing between flakes is now almost none,
whereas at 11PM large flakes were very widely spaced. Winds have calmed
down a bit past hour.
*Estimated from tree, grass, and flag motion, and nearby reports --
Justin Consor
(rconsor on Undernet channel #Weather)
NEMAS-NYC Amateur Meteorologist
http://www.nwdc.com/~jconsor/nemasnyc.html
Long Island Weather Observers member
Roslyn High School
jconsor@nwdc.com
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Date: Tue, 1 Apr 1997 06:35:55 -0500 (EST)
From: Justin Consor
Subject: OBS Roslyn, NY 010630 OVC Ns S-BS 31F N-20G35* PkGust:NNE-55* S:5.7" , G:4.3" R:?
Message-ID:
Roslyn is in NW Nassau County, on the North Shore of Long Island. It is
situated at the head of Hempstead Harbor (an extension of LI Sound), and
is 24 mi E of Midtown Manhattan and 3 mi S of Sea Cliff. My station is
0.6 mi N of the LIE and 1.0 mi S of Route 25A. Station Elevation: 180 ft.
Snow fell generally moderately overnight, with 3.6" of additional
accumulation since 12:30 AM. All local streets and secondary roads,
though plowed, are still snow covered with icy spots. Driveways and
sidewalks are also covered with about an inch of snow.
During the night, it appears the snow became much drier and less granular,
judging by the consistency of the snow on the ground. Currently, it seems
the accumulation is just about over, since the snow has tapered off
markedly since 6AM and the back edge of the snow is just to our west.
The elevation here (180 ft) appears to have been a strong factor in
allowing the snow to stick on the grass relatively early yesterday
afternoon and determining the amount of snow that eventually
accumulated on the grass.
*Estimated from tree, grass, and flag motion, and nearby reports
--
Justin Consor
(rconsor on Undernet channel #Weather)
NEMAS-NYC Amateur Meteorologist
http://www.nwdc.com/~jconsor/nemasnyc.html
Long Island Weather Observers member
Roslyn High School
jconsor@nwdc.com
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Date: Tue, 1 Apr 1997 07:01:57 -0500 (EST)
From: ah728@osfn.rhilinet.gov (Jim Corbin)
Subject: OBS Bellingham,Ma 010700 S- 30/28 N-8 S:18"R:2.67" G:0-36"
Drifts to 3ft here...peak gust was just 33robins walking around in a daze..got one stuck in the
garage...
--
Bellingham is 29mi. SW of Boston..here at 210' in the Blackstone
Valley. Jim Corbin, meteorologist, NECN..WPRI-TV.
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Date: Tue, 01 Apr 1997 09:54:57 -0500
From: Buddy Potts
Subject: Storm Update #3
Friends,
What a storm!
This morning we awoke to a state of emergency in Massachusetts and a
disaster in Connecticut. I don't know where to start but here goes.
The snowfall totaled 17" at our house in West Suffield, CT. I no
longer measure water content but the ratio must be about 7:1. The snow
is wet and as heavy as the snow we had in early December. The
temperature did not budge overnight and was 30 when we got up this
morning. The snow ended about dawn. The wind was less of a factor
overnight and that actaully made the situation worse.
I looked out at 0600. Our yard looked like some kind of grotesque
cave filled with white stalagmites. Everything is draped in a blanket of
smothering wet snow. I could see that our driveway was blocked by trees.
It was a miracle that we had not lost power.
I ventured out at 0630. I dug my way out of the garage. My next task
was to dig out our 4 wheel drive Jeep. We have 3 cars and a two car
garage so the Jeep stays out. It was not too difficult to get to the
Jeep due to the driveway being plowed last evening. I cleared the snow
from the Jeep. I took a few pictures too.
The next task was tougher. I could see that the driveways was
blocked. In the end it proved to be blocked in 4 places. I don't have a
chain saw (dumb!) so I ventured out with a hand saw and an axe. The
first tree was a birch. They have very soft wood and bend like a rubber
band. I was able to cut that tree without much trouble. It was too heavy
to move and once it was on the ground the hand saw was binding. Out came
the trusty axe and I gave it the Paul Bunyon treatment. I just pushed
the branches off to the side. The next tree was a small maple and I made
quick work of it with the axe. At that point I was no longer cold! Just
as I finished chopping the maple I heard a loud crash as a big branch
fell about 50 feet away. The potential for a "widow maker" coming down
immediately came to mind. All the trees were covered with the snow and
there was just enough wind to make me nervous. I walked along and bashed
the snow off of low hanging branches. The next block was another birch.
I was able to free that one of enough snow for it to spring back up. I
will cut it down another time. The last block was a beauty. A hemlock
came down across the driveway near the road. The local hemlocks are
dying from an insect infestation and are very weak as a result.
Fortunately it had broken clean when it came down. I was able to get
enough snow off to make it light enough to move. I pushed it aside for
now. It will have to be cut and removed another day. As I did the
clearing I took more photos when I rested. It took about an hour to
clear everything enough to make the driveway passable and plowable. I
then walked to the road. It was not in good shape but it was passable. I
was surprised how little the state plow trucks had plowed into the end
of our driveway.
After a quick shower and a change of clothes I headed to work. I put
the Jeep into 4 wheel drive low range and got out of the driveway
without much trouble. Once on the road I changed it to 4 wheel drive
high range. As I drove by our neighbors I saw they have a big mess on
their hands. Last December all of their power and phone lines were torn
down in the big storm. Their luck was no better this time and trees once
again came down blocking their driveway and tearing down the power and
phone lines. They are away on vacation but family members were at their
house as I drove by. They will be without power for a couple of days
again. :(
The main state road in front of our house was awful. I crashed along
on a rutted, icy mess that was washboarded in places. Very little salt
had been used and the road had not been plowed in a long time. A low car
could easily be damaged in such conditions. The road is usually
excellent and I am not sure what was wrong. When I reached the first
back road I use I found the going much easier. It was partially blocked
in a couple of places but was well plowed. I had no difficulty reaching
my office.
We only have a skeleton crew. Many people are trapped by downed
branches or are staying home due to power outages. We have enough people
to handle emergencies and should be OK.
My parents do not have power and may not for a few days. They are
coming to stay with us. My poor brother is in Bradenton and is missing
all the festivities. The poor guy may need a sweater tonight as the cold
air has made it down there. My heart bleeds for him. :-)
As I type this at 0945 the snow has stopped. The roads are rapidly
improving. The roads I can see from my office window are now clear. We
have overcast skies and a brisk north wind. There are a few thin spots
in the overcast. The storm is now over. By the weekend it will only be a
bad memory as a blocking high looks to be setting up. Spring may be on
its way yet!
Buddy
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 01 Apr 1997 10:15:45 -0500
From: Buddy Potts
Friends,
This is the NWS statement with the snow totals for southern New
England. Incredible!
I must admit it looks funny without West Granville on it. Maybe
someday it will have West Suffield ...
Buddy
*******************************************
* PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
National Weather Service Taunton MA
950 AM EST Tue Apr 1 1997
Here are reports of snow accumulations for the storm event which
Began around 9 AM Monday morning March 31 st.
The largest amounts so far...33 inches in Milford Massachusetts
...30 in Hopkinton and Shrewsbury...Around 28 in Grafton
Massachusetts And Burrillville Rhode Island...27 in Jaffrey NH.
Since this storm is still giving parts of the region snowfall
Rates of at least an inch an hour...Reports in each section are
Listed with the most recent at the top.
We have not had time to check on daily or monthly snowfall
Records.
Thanks to all local media and cooperative observers for providing
Reports. This product is also available on our homepage at
Http://www.Nws.NOAA.Gov/er/box and http://bristol.Wbox.NOAA.Gov
...Nws offices... Time snowfall
Inches
NWSFO Taunton /box/ 1000 AM 20.3
Boston Logan 700 AM 19.0
Near tf green in Providence 545 AM 12.0 unofficial
Worcester Airport 1200 AM 21.7 unofficial
According to Massachusetts emergency management...Some 500,000
Customers in the Bay state have been without power at some time
During the night and at 7 AM...100,000 were reported to still be
Without power.
...Eastern Massachusetts...
Carver 930 AM 17.0
Foxboro 920 AM 21.0
Cohasset 920 AM 16.0
Dennis 915 AM 7.0
Tyngsboro 915 AM 17.4
North Billerica 900 AM 16.0
Milton 900 AM 24.3
Vineyard Haven 900 AM 4.0
Rochester 900 AM 12.0
Mansfield 900 AM 17.4
Lexington 900 AM 21.8
Ashburnham 900 AM 23.0
West Peabody 900 AM 19.0
Hopkinton 800 AM 30.0
West Townsend 800 AM 25.6
West Ware 800 AM 8.0
Yarmouthport 800 AM 8.0
Bourne 800 AM 8.0
West Dennis 800 AM 5.0
Eastham 800 AM 5.0
East harwich 800 AM 4.5
S. Orleans 800 AM 5.5
Brewster 800 AM 5.0
Provincetown 800 AM 4.0
Otis 800 AM 4.0
Chatham 800 AM 3.0
Plymouth 745 AM 10.0
Wakefield 745 AM 22.0
Hingham 745 AM 19.0
New Bedford 745 AM 9.5
Winthrop 745 AM 15.1
Maynard 700 AM 22.0
Walpole 700 AM 22.0
West Medway 700 AM 22.0
Natick 700 AM 21.0
Fairhaven 645 AM 9.0 2.97 total W.E.
Acushnet 635 AM 14.6
Quincy 600 AM 17.0
Lexington 600 AM 19.0
Braintree 600 AM 15.0
Newburyport 600 AM 15.0
Methuen 550 AM 15.0
Newton 430 AM 18.0
Chelmsford 430 AM 15.0
Fall River 330 AM 8.5
N. Woburn 230 AM 17.0
Woburn 230 AM 15.0
North Bellingham 100 AM 12.0
Littleton 100 AM 12.0
Waltham 100 AM 12.0
Melrose 100 AM 8.5
North Cambridge 100 AM 8.5
Dorchester 100 AM 6.5
East Weymouth 100 AM 6.0
Marshfield 1220 AM 6.7
Canton 1110 PM 8.0
Hopkinton 1100 PM 14.0
Millis 1100 PM 11.0
Medway 1100 PM 10.0
Ipswich 1100 PM 10.0
Manchester By the sea 1100 PM 7.0
Lynnfield 1100 PM 6.5
Sudbury 1055 PM 12.0
Somerville 1055 PM 5.5
Blue Hill 900 PM 9.0 g72 mph
...Central Massachusetts... (Worcester county only)
Shrewsbury 900 AM 30.3 5 ft drifts at 6 AM
Grafton 800 AM 28.0
Milford 800 AM 33.2
West boylston 730 AM 24.0
Rutland 600 AM 22.0
Lunenburg 600 AM 23.0
Northbridge 600 AM 26.0
...Western Massachusetts...
Worthington 730 AM 24.0
Charlemont 730 AM 17.0
Sunderland 730 AM 15.1
Westfield 730 AM 16.5 2.0 W.E.
Munson 700 AM 17.0
Greenfield 630 AM 10.5
Montague 630 AM 13.0
Ashfield 630 AM 24.0
Wales 200 AM 16.0
West Springfield 1000 PM 10.0
Shelburne 930 PM 12.0
...Southern New Hampshire...(Hillsborough and Cheshire counties)
Wilton 900 AM 26.0
Weare 800 AM 19.6
Manchester 730 AM 14.0
Marlow 730 AM 14.0
Otterbrook 730 AM 12.0
Keene 730 AM 12.0
Surry Mountain Dam 730 AM 11.0
Nashua 700 AM 15.0
Francestown 700 AM 20.0
Jaffrey 430 AM 27.0 26 degs
New Ipswich 255 AM 21.0
Peterborough 1100 PM 10.0
Swanzey 1100 PM 7.0
Bedford 1100 PM 7.0
Hudson 1100 PM 10.0
...Northern Connecticut... (Hartford/tolland/windham counties)
Bristol 935 AM 13.0
Mansfield 930 AM 16.0
Storrs 930 AM 12.0
Chaplin 930 AM 10.0
Scotland 930 AM 7.0
Windham 930 AM 12.0
Union 800 AM 17.5
Vernon 800 AM 13.0
Farmington 800 AM 15.5
Wethersfield 800 AM 12.3
Mansfield 800 AM 12.5
Putnam 800 AM 21.0
Avon 800 AM 14.0
East Granby 800 AM 11.0
Mansfield Hollow 700 AM 10.0
Glastonbury 600 AM 13.0
Unionville 550 AM 17.0
Granby 400 AM 14.0 no power at 2am
Woodstock 400 AM 16.5
East killingly 400 AM 17.0
West Hartford 330 AM 13.0
Berlin 200 AM 6.0
East hartland 1220 AM 17.0
Andover 1220 AM 4.0
Unionville 1155 PM 11.5
Stafford Springs 1000 PM 10.0
...Rhode Island...
Woonsocket 930 AM 23.8
Providence - Downtown 930 AM 17.5 55 mph gust 11 PM
Burrillville 900 AM 28.0
West Warwick 900 AM 16.5
Johnston 900 AM 16.0
Cranston 800 AM 16.5
West Cranston 735 AM 21.5
Hope Valley 735 AM 8.0
Cumberland 715 AM 21.0 drifts to 4 ft
North foster 700 AM 21.5
West Warwick 700 AM 14.5
Tiverton 635 AM 10.7
Johnston 600 AM 14.0
Burrillville 540 AM 26.5 5 ft drifts
North Providence 515 AM 13.0
Woonsocket 500 AM 19.6
Scituate 330 AM 17.0
Glocester 330 AM 14.5
Lincoln 330 AM 14.0
Westerly 330 AM 2.0
Coventry 1200 AM 5.0
Portsmouth 1130 PM 2.0
Charlestown 1130 PM 1.5
Drag
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: OBS Saugerties, NY 0100800 SCT 30F S:8" G:6"
Date: Tue, 01 Apr 97 10:25:12 -0500
From: "Frederick E. Smith"
Asbury, 5 miles north northwest of Saugerties, NY
Storm Total: 8"
Ground: 6"
Seasonal Total To Date: 54.3"
Amounts within 20 miles of here ranged form almost nothing in Woodstock
where they were apparently shadowed by the Catskills(to their north) to an
incredible 37" in East Jewett. Most of the northeast Catskills had anywhere
from 24 to 40 inches. The east facing peaks may have had 40+ but we may
never know :-)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Clayton Towers
Date: Tue, 1 Apr 1997 09:33:24 -0700
Really, we got a few flakes yesterday. Almost forgot what snow looks like. I
miss the snows.
I planted some garden on Feb. 28 this year. Already have some things up.
Somebody threw a switch from winter to spring back in Febrary. Of course,
the ground hog knew all the time about this mild weather.
Don't work too hard. Take care!
From: Clayton Towers
Subject: storm
Date: Tue, 1 Apr 1997 10:03:18 -0700
Bill, I thought you were kidding about the blizzard of 97 since it is April 1.
After checking my e-mail, I'm thinking otherwise.
>From a friend on the Eastern Shore of Maryland where I grew up, 2 inches was
on the ground last night and still snowing. A weather friend in Rye, New
Hampshire said they had 12 inches on the ground with some very strong winds.
I'm jealous!
We still have a chance of snow, but I must say the chances are very slim.
Clayton
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Dean & Eleanor Talbot
Subject: Re: Storm Update
Buddy Potts wrote:
> Friends,
>
> The storm continues to batter southern New England.
Yup. It was nasty here, too. Got out of work after 2 AM...no problems
getting home this morning, but after that, trying to park here was an
adventure, as the side street was barely plowed. The driveway was
AWFUL, but at 2 AM it was no surprise. So I had to park, after
literally spinning in circles, on the street after 1/2 hour working my
car out. NOW, I've been called in again to cover a shift on my day off
(JOY!), and my car is buried under a snow pile. JOY...
I'm getting like Buddy...snow stinks. Dean and I want to go south, but
not as far as him. The Mid Atlantic is fine with us, if anything in the
gov't ever opens up there. We'll see...
> The storm shows no signs of abating. The center appears to
> have stalled east of New York City. Moisture is feeding in from
> the ocean in band after band. This is expected to continue all
> reach true blizzard conditions, as the temperature is not cold
> enough. That is little solace as the wind and snow pounds against
> the house and makes travel almost impossible. I am glad to be
> home!
Folks, the temperature requirement (at or below 20 degrees) was removed
from the blizzard definition several years ago, so that's why we (the
NWS) went with blizzard warnings for eastern and central MA and northern
RI yesterday. The "requirements" are sustained winds or frequent gusts
over 35 mph AND sustained visibilities below 1/4 mile for at least 3
hours. I believe we also met that criteria out west too. This is one
for the record books.
> Oh yes. Today in Bradenton, FL it was in the 80s. I suppose
> a few of you think this storm is more fun. Someday you can come
> down and visit me in Florida and tell me all about the fun you
> had in an April snowstorm!!
Fun my BUTT! Well, can't stay...time to dig the car out and go to
work. And leave a note for Dean. Yuck, I really, really dislike snow.
TTYL!
--Eleanor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Brian Monahan"
To: wxobs-mda@greatbasin.net
Date: Tue, 1 Apr 1997 16:23:40 -0500
Good afternoon from Clarksboro, NJ...located 14 miles to the SSE of
Philadelphia, Pa...
Just a TRACE of snow remains on the ground from yesterday's wild end
to March 1997 and a wild beginning to April 1997. Final snow total
from yesterday's/today's storm was 3.5", a couple of inches above the
National Weather Service's initial expectations...so we faired quite
nicely...but not as well as sections of New England! Some areas came
to near 30.0" of snow, with Milton, Ma, checking in with a tremendous
26.8". Boston was near two feet of snow at last check...that's almost
to the level of SuperStorm 96 that affected the Northern Mid-Atlantic
so profoundly!
Well, just a great day shaping out here. Temperature has been to 50F
a few times, and that's right about where our high should finish at.
That 50 is about seven degrees below our normal high of 57F for April
1st. Surprisingly, RH values are quite low, at onl 35% as I write
this with a very low dewpoint of 22F. Winds continue to gust out of
the northwest...nearly to 45mph at times here in Clarksboro...
That's about it...I don't know when I'll have the monthly climate
report out...I'd say by early this weekend at the latest...but most
likely Friday. I have all the raw stats done, I just have to get off
my butt and write a summary... :)
Brian
****************************************
Brian Monahan Kingsway Regional HS
Clarksboro, NJ Weather Observer
Channel Op on Undernet's #weather
Nick: wxcentral Email: bmonahan@p3.net
****************************************
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 01 Apr 1997 19:44:26 -0500
From: "Gary J. Wilt Jr."
Subject: OBS Wood Ridge, NJ 011945
DAILY SUMMARY: TUE., APRIL 01, 1997
TEMPERATURE DATA (low/high): 31.8/51.3
MEAN TEMPERATURE: 41.6
WIND DATA (dir/peak gust): N @ 38 mph
PRESSURE DATA (low/high): 29.45/30.04
PRECIPITATION DATA (type/amt): Snow/2.6"
STORM TOTAL: 2.55"
MONTHLY PRECIP TOTAL TO DATE: 0.19"
YEARLY PRECIP TOTAL TO DATE: 12.30"
____________________________________________________________
CURRENT CONDITIONS @ 19:50
SKY: Mostly clear
TEMP: 41.5
WIND: NW 10 mph G 18 mph
BAROMETER: 30.04 RR (up .05)
OUTLOOK & COMMENTS:
A very interesting snowfall scenario across the region as
areas in and around the NYC-metro area really didn't receive
that much. Likewise areas in southern NJ did pick up quite a
bit more. Overall this was the biggest snowfall tally for one
storm the entire season! Areas well to the north got hammered!
Today the story was the wind which gusted to 50 mph in some
places. All the snow here is gone now as afternoon highs just
above 50 helped to melt the white stuff. A return to spring is
likely during the next several days.
_____________________________________________________________
Gary J. Wilt
Cooperative Spotter- NWS Co-op Office-Harrison, NJ
Wood Ridge, is in Bergen Co. N.J. & is 14 miles W of NYC.
WWOL Contributor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Brian Monahan"
Date: Tue, 1 Apr 1997 20:36:32 -0500
Subject: OBS Clarksboro, NJ 011839 CLR 44F 36% 19F 29.90R NW-16 R:0.24 S:
Good evening from Clarksboro, NJ...located 14 miles to the SSE of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania...
As the main surface low that caused so many problems over the last
day or two continues to skirt northeastward, we're left with clear
skies and cool temps in its wake. Even at this 8pm hour, skies remain
crystal clear, with temps now having fallen off into the upper 30s.
The little snow that was on the ground late this afternoon remained
at the 6pm OBS, so a TRACE goes into the books for snow on the ground
at observation time. Winds are just beginning to die down, just a
bit, at this time and are expecting to continue doing so into
tomorrow. However, winds should still be gusting at a pretty decent
clip at least into late tomorrow morning if not the whole day...
Some of the totals coming in from New England are just stunning. Many
airports up there remain shut down and buried under two feet or more
of snow! Normally, I would probably say something like "Can you
imagine that?"...but not after Superstorm 96 :)...The highest total
I've seen so far is 28.6" in Milton, Massachusetts, but I will
continue to browse through WXOBS-SNE and other reports to see if I
can find any higher totals...
Now for the daily climatological report for this first day of April,
1997...
CLARKSBORO, NEW JERSEY
NORTHWESTERN GLOUCESTER COUNTY
DAILY CLIMATOLOGICAL REPORT
TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 1997
TEMPERATURES
MAX 50 1418
MIN 29 0055
PRECIPITATION
Total 24 Hours Ending 6pm 0.24"
Total for the Month to Date 0.24"
Total for the Year to Date 10.62"
SNOWFALL
Total 24 Hours Ending 6pm 2.3"
Total for the Month to Date 2.3"
Total for the Season to Date 5.2"
Total for the Year to Date 14.2"
6PM CLIMATOLOGICAL OBSERVATION
Sky/Weather CLR
Temperature 44F
Humidity 36%
Dewpoint 19F
Barometer 29.90R
Wind NW-16
Brian
****************************************
Brian Monahan Kingsway Regional HS
Clarksboro, NJ Weather Observer
Channel Op on Undernet's #weather
Nick: wxcentral Email: bmonahan@p3.net
****************************************
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 1 Apr 1997 20:46:26 -0500
From: Eugene Stackhouse
Subject: Weather Summary
Daily Weather Summary
Germantown, Philadelphia, PA (40:02:30N; 75:10:00W; elev. 240 feet)
Tuesday, 1 April 1997, 2030 hours EST
Sky: Clear
Wind direction: NW at 15mph
Temperature: 42.3F
barometer: 30.00 Rising
Precipitation since 1930 EST, 31 Mar 97: 0.4"
Lowest temperature since 1930 EST, 31 Mar 97: 30.4F
Highest temperature since 1930 EST, 31 Mar 97: 49.1F
The total snowfall for yesterday's storm was 7"
Today was very windy and uncomfortable, but sunny. Most of the snow is
gone.
egstackhouse@mail.biosis.org
GeneStackhouse@compuserve.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 02 Apr 1997 00:01:41 -0500
From: gsurplus@delphi.com (Gregory A. Surplus)
Subject: Obs--Parkville MD 012351 CLR 45/M/M/M/30.17
Parkville Climate Data
Greg Surplus--Parkville MD
04-01-1997 23:51:15
During the day of Tuesday, April 1, 1997
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Max Min Mean
Deg F 54 32 43
Deg C 12.2 0 6.1
22 Heating Degree Days
Heating Degree Days So Far This Month... 22
Cooling Degree Days So Far This Month... 0
Daily Snow accumulation Trace
Snow so far this month Trace
Conditions at Parkville MD Tuesday, April 1, 1997 11:51pm EST
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Weather Clear
Temperature 45F 7C
Barometer 30.17in 1021.7mb 102.17kPa
************************************************************************
* Greg Surplus ======= MICROG'S DEN ======== *
* gsurplus@delphi.com http://people.delphi.com/gsurplus/tripbot.html *
************************************************************************
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 01 Apr 97 20:18:26 EST
From: Gary Gallaher <71277.535@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Bear DE WX 3-31-97
Buddy (Potts) & Eleanor Vallier-Talbot (both of MA),
This storm was nothing compared to what you received in CT.& MA, but for here
is was the worst late spring storm that I have observed since I began observing
back in '62. Here the winds were too strong to allow snow to remain on trees.
For you ASOS lovers, ILG's undermeasured the liquid precipitation total again.
This month I had over 2 1/4" more than it did. For 3/31 it measured less than
1/2 of what I did.
Gary.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Greetings from Bear 6 WSW, DE
Preliminary data for Monday, March 31, 1997
What a difference a day can make. A coastal storm formed off
the Jersey Coast after the passage of the cold front. It
rapidly developed and pulled moisture around to the western side,
normally the dry side of coastal storms here in Northern Delaware.
The barometer held fairly steady at 29.49" to 29.55" for over
20 hours. Winds during the day and night time hours were steady
out of the W to NNW at 20 gusting to over 40 MPH. Rain began
around midnight and lasted till mid day when it turned to wet snow.
The snow lasted for the balance of the day and evening hours. All
during the time the temperatures fell constantly till it reached
below freezing at dinner time. The snow melted as fast as it fell
until late afternoon when it began to stick to grassy areas and
vehicles. At times visibility was less than a 1/4 mile due to
falling and blowing snow. The snow "dried" for a brief time around
9PM but later it became wet again. Over 2" of snow was on the warm
ground with snow drifts of over a foot at midnight.
Maximum snow on the ground: 2"
TEMPERATURES PRECIPITATION
Maximum 53 Day Total 1.17"
Minimum 30 Month Total 5.84"
Average 42 Month Departure + 2.35"
Departure - 5 Year Total 10.93"
Month Departure + 16 Year Departure + 1.13"
Year Departure +249
DEGREE DAYS SNOWFALL
Heating 23 Day Total 3.5"
Month Total 690 Month Total 6.4"
Departure - 16 Departure + 3.9"
Season Total 4332 Season Total 18.1"
Departure -157 Departure - 4.9"
Cooling 0 MISC ITEMS
Month Total 0
Departure + 0 Peak Wind Gust 44 MPH NW
Year Total 0
Departure - 0 Max Barometer 29.64"
Min Barometer 29.49"
April 1 - Storm Wrap-up Storm Precip Total 1.65", Snow 7.7"
The storm was over by dawn. At 7AM EDT the snow depth was 4".
Main roads were clear and wet, but secondary roads and local streets
were mainly slush covered. Another estimated 4.2" fell since
midnight (liquid measurement 0.48") fell since midnight. The heaviest
reported snow in the local area was 18" which fell in Christiana PA
located in eastern Lancaster CO. PA, a 45 minute drive from here.
The main road from Wilmington, DE to Lancaster, PA was closed as was the
Lincoln Highway (US 30) from Phila to Lancaster. Remarkably much of the
central and western portions of Lancaster Co. had an inch or less of
snow. The storm caused few problems here. Driving was very poor after
dark. This was the worst late spring storm to hit since the first day
of spring of 1958, four years before I started keeping local records.
That storm was one of the worst ever to hit the area. Electric was
out for over a week in some areas.
==============================================================
* PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
National Weather Service Taunton MA
1102 PM EST Tue Apr 1 1997
Here are reports of snow accumulations for the storm event which
Began around 9 AM Monday morning March 31 st.
This should be the final report on this storm.
Thanks to all media and coop observers for the reports.
Our homepage is:
Http://www.Nws.NOAA.Gov/er/box and http://bristol.Wbox.NOAA.Gov
...Nws offices... Time snowfall inches
NWSFO Taunton /box/ final 23.3
Boston Logan /bos/ final 25.4
Worcester Airport /orh/ final 33.0
Blue hills obs /bho/ 305 PM 30.0 3rd highest ever
Warwick RI /pvd/
Bradley Intl /bdl/
...Peak wind gust...
Boston Logan /bos/ 53 mph
Worcester Airport /orh/ 47 mph
Blue hills obs /bho/ 72 mph
Warwick RI /pvd/ 51 mph
Bradley Intl /bdl/ 48 mph
...Eastern Massachusetts...
Fairhaven Final 14.5 3.53 liquid
Fall River Final 15.0
Attleboro Final 22.0
Randolph Final 27.0
Hull final 24.0 5.32 liquid
Gust to 64 mph
Acushnet Final 17.0
New Bedford Final 14.0
Newton Final 27.0
Norton final 22.8
Milton Final 22.5
Hingham Final 23.0 2nd highest ever
Scituate Final 18.0
Onset final 15.0
Danvers Final 16.0
E. Falmouth Final 8.0
Pocasett final 8.0
Hyannis Final 6.5
Martha/s Vineyard final 5.0
Nantucket Final trace
Winthrop 355 PM 23.7
Mansfield 345 PM 20.3 2.93 liquid
West Cranston 345 PM 25.0
Manchester 340 PM 24.5
Marshfield 315 PM 20.0
East Woburn 200 PM 30.0
Woburn 200 PM 20.0
Walpole 100 PM 22.5
North Woburn 100 PM 27.0
Maynard 100 PM 24.7
Lynnfield 100 PM 21.0
Carver 100 PM 19.4
Hingham 100 PM 26.0
West Townsend 1245 PM 27.0 liq. Eqv. 2.75
Hanson 1240 PM 18.0
Littleton 1200 PM 26.0
West framingham 1200 PM 20.0
Acton 1155 AM 29.0
North Cambridge 1136 AM 25.5
Methuen 1130 AM 18.0
Cohasset 1130 AM 19.0
Wakefield 1115 AM 25.0
Swampscott 1115 AM 21.1
Marlboro 1110 AM 30.0
Wakefield 1110 AM 18.0
Tyngsboro 1026 AM 20.0
...Peak wind gusts...
Onset 64 mph
West Island 55 mph
Nantucket 55 mph
New Bedford 42 mph
Pocasett 46 mph
...Central Massachusetts... (Worcester county only)
Milford Final 36.0 ties blzzrd 78' tot.
Northbridge 110 PM 30.0
Grafton 1130 AM 29.0
Shrewsbury 900 AM 30.3 5 ft drifts at 6 AM
West boylston 730 AM 24.0
...Western Massachusetts...
Worthington 730 AM 24.0
Charlemont 730 AM 17.0
Sunderland 730 AM 15.1
Westfield 730 AM 16.5 2.0 liq. Eqv.
Munson 700 AM 17.0
...Southern New Hampshire...(Hillsborough and Cheshire counties)
Nashua 1040 AM 16.0
Wilton 900 AM 26.0
Weare 800 AM 19.6
Manchester 730 AM 14.0
Marlow 730 AM 14.0
Otterbrook 730 AM 12.0
Keene 730 AM 12.0
Surry Mountain Dam 730 AM 11.0
Francestown 700 AM 20.0
...Northern Connecticut... (Hartford/tolland/windham counties)
W. Suffield final 17.0
Union 1100 AM 18.3
Vernon 1100 AM 13.5
Farmington 1100 AM 15.5
Wethersfield 1100 AM 12.3
Mansfield 1100 AM 12.5
Putnam 1100 AM 21.0
Avon 1100 AM 14.0
East Granby 1100 AM 11.0
Bristol 935 AM 13.0
Mansfield 930 AM 16.0
Storrs 930 AM 12.0
Chaplin 930 AM 10.0
Scotland 930 AM 7.0
Windham 930 AM 12.0
...Rhode Island...
N. Foster final 24.7 3.58 liquid
Middletown Final 4.0
Providence (downtown) final 19.5 3.06 liq. Eqv.
Tiverton Final 14.0 3.08 liq. Eqv.
West Warwick 415 PM 18.0
West Cranston 1245 PM 24.0
Woonsocket 1130 AM 21.7
Warwick 1100 AM 16.5
Burrillville 1100 AM 30.5
Cumberland 1100 AM 24.0
Johnston 1049 AM 16.0
...Peak wind gusts...
Little compton 71 mph
Warwick 50 mph
Notchey/strauss
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Richard H Dr. Hanauer, INTERNET:Richard_H_Dr._Hanauer@rohmhaas.com
TO: Kevin Shaw, Kevin_D_Shaw
DATE: 4/7/97 9:25 AM
RE: Re: Florida trip- returned to Maryland
Kevin,
Welcome back. Thanks for the 'postcard'....sounds like you had a great
time.
While you were away, we experienced wild weather here in the southeast
corner of Pennsylvania. It was 70 deg on Sunday, March 30. Many
people were out in their gardens cleaning up from the winter. I even
had been down in Washington that Friday, seeing the cherry blossoms.
Then, on Monday, a surprise 'blizzard' hit. It starting out as heavy
rain Sunday night. By Monday morning, the temperature was steadily
dropping from the 40's thru the 30's. 0.95" rain fell overnite and
early morning. Then it began to mix with and change to snow. By
lunchtime it was blowing sideways and beginning to stick on the grass
and on anyone's cloths who was walking in the wind. By rush hour it
was a full blown snowstorm....I hardly got home it was so bad. Temps
were in the upper 20's...snowing hard and blowing. By midnite I had a
foot of snow in my yard. On Tuesday morning, I measured a grand total
of 12.4 inches of snow here at Furlong. I had to pull out the
snowblower to get to work on Tuesday (Many of my non-weather friends
had put their snowblowers away for the summer....ha ha!). Some areas
in the northeast reported over 30 inches. This storm reminded me a
lot of the Blizzard of 1888 (read a lot about it)....warm weekend
followed by heavy rain Sunday nite, changing to snow Monday morning,
stationary low parked off Long Island, etc. By Thursday it was back to
70 deg. Anything that interesting in Fla?
Best Regards,
Rich Hanauer
EDITOR'S NOTE:
We're not sure whether or not the Blizzard of '97 inspired this writing;
however, it certainly could have! Thus, we'll include it for your
pleasure. (BTW, Dewey, did you really blow the forecast badly?)
Date: Wed, 02 Apr 1997 01:04:16 -0500
From: Alan Grossberg
Subject: More Tales From Badgers Island
Though it was barely 5:30 and a great day to sleep in, I'd been tossing
and turning for several hours. The wind was howling, the snow beating
against the window panes, and the plows were humming in the distance
sounds all too rare this past winter, but ones which have stirred my
adrenaline since early childhood. By six I gave up any hope of sleep; I
jumped out of bed, threw on some clothes, and waded through drifts in
the backyard to take some measurements.
As I made my way to the front yard two town snowplows whooshed past,
leaving the obligatory 3-foot wall of snow across my driveway. Across
the street, a neighbor was clearing the sidewalk with a snowblower while
his dogs romped in the drifts. When the machine-made snowclouds began to
disperse, I noticed my neighbor on his front porch. He was sitting in a
director's chair, hastily jotting notes on a large clipboard between
gulps of coffee...
"Hey Bill, long time no see. Some storm, huh? I'll bet you never even
saw it coming."
"Well, I may not have predicted it, but I'm sure as hell not surprised.
If you recall, the last time we spoke I told you those boys sittin' in
the Meteorological Winter seats would leave the game early and miss a
few surprises. And anyone who thinks this is the end of it's gonna get
caught with their pants down. I'll betcha my bottom dollar something's
gonna pop up along about April the..."
"Hold it. I think we've had enough of your predictions for one season.
It's April already- give it a rest until November why don't ya. Besides,
you don't want to get in another shoutin' match with the Spring-monger
of Sterling, do you?"
"Funny you should mention...I was watching some old videos last night,
and then I got this brainstorm for a movie script. Came to me during the
night in a dream, actually. It's about a weather forecaster who gets
stuck in a time warp, and every day he wakes up at the crack of dawn
and..."
"Uh, Bill, I think I see where you're going with this, and I hate to..."
"Now hold on a minute. How could you possibly know where I'm going with
this?"
I could see the wheels turning and knew it would be futile to interrupt
him until he'd had his say, so I decided to humor him awhile."
"OK, keep talking- sounds good so far."
"Anyway, this forecaster wakes up at the same time every morning, hears
the same song on the radio, goes to the window and looks out upon the
same exact scene."
"Wow, now why didn't I think of something like this? Got anyone in mind
for this forecaster?"
"Well, I'd rather not say much until I talk to my agent, but I guess
you're good to keep it under your hat. I'm thinking of modelling the
lead character after that Spring-monger down there in Sterling- you know,
that Walston fellow. I think he'd be perfect for it, assuming it clears
any legal hurdles."
"Agent? Lead character? Legal hurdles? What the hell are you talking
about, Bill? You've got the bare bones of a story here, which you
haven't even finished writing, and you're talking about an agent? What
kind of agent?"
"Oh, I forgot to tell you. My grandson lives out in L.A., and his best
friend's brother is a screenwriter whose girlfriend's father is one of
them big shot Hollywood agents. I talked to him briefly about this, and
he suggested I come out there and..."
"Bill, I think you'd better sit down a minute. I wanted to tell you this
earlier, but I could see there was no stopping you once you got started.
I hate to burst your bubble, but this story's already been done. Have
you ever heard of a movie called "Groundhog Day?" It starred Bill Murray
as a TV weatherman who kept waking to the same forecast every day
and..."
"What kind of a fool do you take me for, son? I KNOW about Groundhog
Day. Must have seen it five times. I'm workin' on a sequel here, get it?"
" Aha, a sequel...why didn't you say so in the first place...give me a
hint."
"OK, but you've gotta promise to keep this under wraps. The sequel picks
up where "Groundhog Day" left off...the forecaster goes home to
Pittsburgh, marries his producer, and eventually gets a job with the NWS
office there. A year later he gets transferred to NWS Sterling, where he
writes such brilliant SFD's that he's promoted to Public Program
Forecast Leader. One evening he's informed that some of the top brass at
NWS are coming out the next day to tour the facilities. Knowing he'd
better nail the forecast, he checks all the latest model runs and other
data, confers with other offices, and issues a forecast of sunny and
70F."
"Hey, I like it, but aren't you gonna work the groundhog angle somehow?
If I were you, I'd..."
"Listen, bud, if you like the hog so much, why don't you write your own
damn movie? I haven't forgotten him, but I've got something different in
mind for old Phil. Anyway, our fearless forecaster goes to bed, wakes up
at 6am and flips on the radio, and the first thing he hears is the DJ
sayin'- "Better get started early today, folks, the roads are nearly
impassable. Guess the good old weatherman blew another one." He leaps
out of bed and runs to the window...there's heavy snow falling, a good
15" on the ground with drifts to 3' in places. He goes into his office,
checks the computer runs, and they're completely opposite from the night
before. With a dazed look in his eyes, he scratches his head and stares
blankly out the window...
"Oh shit, what the hell happened! I wrote a forecast last night of
clear and 70 and now the big boys are coming out to see me...my ass is
grass!"
He notices a message on his answering machine...walks over and
reluctantly hits the play button:
"Uh Dewey...Friday here. What on earth's going on out there? How the
hell did you miss this one? Relying too much on those models again? How
many times have I told you...when we get inside a certain time frame,
it's time to chuck the models out with the bath water and go with radar,
satpics, obs and your own damn intuition! Listen and listen good: if you
can't do a simple nowcast you're gonna find yourself working for the
Weather Channel -- doing commercials!"
Just then a big black limo pulled up and Bill ran into the house. He
emerged wearing sunglasses, with a suitcase in one hand and a bullhorn
tucked under his arm.
"I'm off to Hollywood to pitch this idea, kid. Wish me luck."
"Hey Bill, what's the title for the sequel... "Groundhog Day II?"
As the car sped off, he stuck his head through the sunroof, grinned from
ear to ear, and yelled into his bullhorn
" April Fool's Day, boy, April Fool's Day."
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