Review: PD II,2003

The Presidents Day weekend of 2003 closed with a bang. On the 16th, it was apparent that a major snowfall was forecast. At this time, the low was still in the midwest, and was organizing. The 16th brought a small band of Ocean Effect Snow that dumped a trace of snow on the ground. The real action came on the 17th,Monday. The snow began just after dawn, and quickly got to business. The wind was a steady 45 mph from the east-northeast. Around dusk on the 17th, a rare phenomenon occurred: Thunder snow.

The snow briefly changed to rain on the 18th. By this time however, the low pressure system was clearing the coast, and had kicked out of the region. There was leftover snow that had been enhanced by the ocean. All in all, the snow came to an end a little bit after 3 PM. The wind on the 18th, was not a problem as it had been on the previous day. The total accumulation on Nantucket was 15″

Totals from Southern New England

Peak of the storm

The snow was the perfect ratio for snow building. Damage from this storm was non-existent, and school was canceled for the days that snow fell. Most sledding areas on the island were jammed with people making the most out of the snow.

Stats:

Accumulation: 15″  Forecast: 6″

Winds:  Official: 45 MPH unofficial: 52 mph

Damage: none