NOAA CLOSELY MONITORS POSSIBLE NOR'EASTER

March 3, 2001 — The East Coast is poised for an approaching winter storm that has the potential to bring heavy snow, drenching rain and high winds. The storm, which has already dumped flood-producing rain in the Southeast, will impact the East Coast, beginning March 4, lasting through March 6. NOAA scientists see this storm as an intense Nor'easter. (Click on NOAA satellite image to see current view.)

Rain is expected to begin on Sunday in the mid-Atlantic region, and change over to snow in northwestern Virginia, extreme north central Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York by Sunday evening. Also, this storm system will continue to bring major rains to Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Southern Virginia. There is a likelihood of severe thunderstorms and tornados in the South and Southeast. An F-1 tornado hit the Montgomery, Ala., area Friday evening. No deaths or injuries were reported. The outlook from NOAA's Storm Prediction Center continues a moderate risk of tornadoes over the extreme southeastern part of the United States.

NOAA's National Weather Service numerical weather model predictions are converging on the development of a winter storm along the East Coast by Sunday evening, however, the exact track of the storm will determine how much snow will fall along the East Coast.

"The potential for coastal flooding from the Mid-Atlantic into the Northeast remains significant with this developing storm," said Dr. Louis Uccellini, director of NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Prediction.

"The marine community should pay special attention to this developing storm system over the weekend. Mariners should be alerted that high winds and waves will exist and persist as this storm develops Sunday evening. This is a dynamic and developing weather situation," Uccellini added.

Dr. Jim Hoke, director of NOAA's Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, pointed to recent technology improvements that have helped forecasters keep pace with this storm. "Previously, this system would not have been detected. Only through the advancements that have been made in technology and physics are we now able to see it," he said.

NOAA's 2000-2001 Winter Outlook, originally issued in October, stated that this winter would likely be characterized by colder temperatures than those experienced during the last three winters and that the weather pattern would be more variable. Late January, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center cautioned the nation that cold snaps and snow storms are still likely as we proceed through the rest of the winter. That is what the USA is experiencing.

Uccellini said, "Americans must continue to watch local forecasts for the latest winter advisories and be prepared. This is a developing and dynamic winter storm system that has the potential to explode into a significant East Coast winter storm that will disrupt travel Sunday right into Monday."

NOAA's Hydrometeorological Prediction Center and the Climate Prediction Center are two of nine National Centers for Environmental Prediction. Located in Camp Springs, Md, the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center provides analysis and forecast products, specializing in quantitative precipitation forecasts to five days, weather forecast guidance to seven days, real-time weather model diagnostics discussions, and surface pressure and frontal analyses. The Climate Prediction Center monitors and forecasts short-term climate fluctuations and provides information on the effects climate patterns can have on the nation.

Relevant Web Sites
NOAA's National Weather Service

NOAA's Hydrometeorological Prediction Center

NOAA's Marine Prediction Center

NOAA's Storm Prediction Center

What is a Nor'Easter or Northeast Winter Storm?

The following National Weather Service Web sites are available to provide up-to-the-minute winter weather information.

Current winter storm watches, warnings and temperatures across the United States

NOAA's Climate Prediction Center — Winter Outlook 2000-2001

National forecasts that extend from three to 14 days in advance

Winter weather safety and preparedness tips to handle snow, ice, wind and bitter cold temperatures

Map showing the latest conditions over the United States

NOAA's Weather Page — includes latest satellite images and weather maps

NOAA's National Weather Service Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services

NOAA ISSUES NATION'S OFFICIAL WINTER OUTLOOK — Initial outlook unveiled October 12, 2000

NOAA Weather Radio

Media Contact:
Carmeyia Gillis, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, (301) 763-8000, ext. 7163

 

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