monsoonmartin

Hey Friends,

The clipper system has come into clearer focus, and I need to adjust the timing and amounts, as well as driving hazards. Good news about next week, though: the Nor’easter I was discussing yesterday is a bust. Bad news about the following week: it looks like a winter weather mess.

A reminder about the Roadcon hazard classification system:

Roadcon 1 : smooth sailing with no weather-related impediments to travel

Roadcon 2 : wet roadways with the possibility of hydroplaning, but no icy spots; use some caution but not necessary to avoid travel

Roadcon 3 : light snow pack or visibility problems impair driving moderately; use a great deal of caution when driving, especially on untreated or back roads

Roadcon 4 : moderate to heavy snow and/or ice make driving hazardous; expect travel difficulties on untreated or back roads, and limit travel as much as possible

Roadcon 5 : heavy snow or icing and/or very low visibility make driving nearly impossible or extremely hazardous; stay inside!

The storm will unfold in this way…

3pm to 7pm today: flurries and light snow showers arrive. Accumulations will be minimal during this period, and driving should not be compromised. Roadcon 1-2

7pm to midnight: snow intensifies and the bulk of the accumulation will fall. It appears now that the snow will “lay” on untreated roads and sidewalks. There is a great deal more moisture associated with this system than a typical “clipper.” Driving becomes hazardous. Roadcon 3-4

Midnight to 5am tomorrow: snow continues to fall steadily with temperatures holding steady just below freezing (it does not appear that rain or sleet will mix in a whole lot, if at all). Driving remains “dicey.” Roadcon 3

5am to 10am: temperatures slowly rise above freezing and snow tapers. Clearing throughout the day thereafter with a high around 40. Roadcon 2-3

Accumulation: 2-4 inches in most of Berks County and northern Lancaster County, as well as Lebanon County; perhaps as much as 5 inches in northern Berks and the Poconos. Only and inch or two (with more rain mixed in) in Philadelphia, Chester County; points south and east get a mere coating before changing over.

Early dismissal: even if the snow begins a bit early, there is absolutely no chance of an early dismissal today. Any child who asks if there’s going to be an early dismissal, or who says “I heard we’re getting out early,” shall be fed to a pack of starving wolverines.

Drive safely…

Monsoon