March 11-12, 1999 snowfall

It had been a very horrible winter for the far away island of Nantucket. Not much snow had fallen, save for a few storms here and there, you know: nickel and dime events. The storm in question was a small low pressure system that scooted off to our south. Most coastal regions of southern New England were affected by this low pressure system, including Cape Cod and the Islands.

The 11th of March, 1999 dawned overcast on Nantucket, but that was typical for the winter. As the day progressed, the clouds thickened, and it looked like there was going to be some snow. Around this time, the snow was still off to the west, about to enter Providence. During the late evening hours, the snow began to fall.

It came down heavy at times. At midnight, the snow became increasingly heavy, almost to near white out conditions. The snow also fell all day on friday. At times, it looked as though the snow would leave heavier accumulation on the island. The snow mixed and changed to rain in the evening on the 12th, but the rain did not last long. It switched back to snow after dark.

This storm paved the way for the more intense 13-15 snowstorm. Most islanders don’t even remember this storm. Kids of all ages appreciated the snow and used it to their advantage for sledding, however the snow was not of a good quality for building.

The low south of New England

 

Stats:

Accumulation: 3″ Forecast: 1″- Positive bust

Winds: 30 mph Unofficial: 35 mph

Damage: if any, it was slight.

Review: January 19-20, 2002 snowstorm

For the most part, the winter of 2001/2002 was a bit of a dry winter. It had been mild just after Christmas and the New Year, and fears that Nantucket might not get any snow were beginning to come together. A low pressure area was in the Appalachians on the 19th, and steadily moved eastward. The 19th on Nantucket began as a clear day, it wasn’t until 2 PM that any clouds began to filter in. Gradually the sky went from a milky haze to all out overcast.

Snow began after dark, and grew in intensity. At this time, the wind also switched; until now, the wind was out of the east-southeast.  Most areas near and around Nantucket saw their snow end by 4:30 AM on the 20th.  5.5″ fell on the island. Wind was not a problem with this storm, however there was a peak wind gust of 26 mph, however unofficially there was a wind gust of 30 mph and this was recorded at Chicken Hill.

There was also a brief, and I mean brief period of rainfall. This rainfall did not melt the snow cover at all. By 10 AM, the sky was clear, and the storm was all but a distant memory.

snow contour map for SNE

radar image from the snowstorm

Stats:

Accumulation: 5.5″  Forecast: rain

Wind: 20 mph  Unofficial: 30

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