The term "snurricane" may not be a technical one, but it certainly sums up the weather threat--both hurricane and snowstorm--that's expected to impact the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Appalachians over the next few days.
- Atmospheric Setup: Hurricane Sandy (currently a Category 1 storm located 200-300 miles off the North Carolina coast) is expected to make landfall in the state of Delaware tomorrow afternoon. In addition to bringing life-threatening storm surge to coastal areas of the Northeast, its remnants will merge with an upper level low and a cold front to produce heavy, wet snow and strong winds along the Central and Southern Appalachians.
- Timing: Late Sunday night (tonight) into Wednesday
- Locations: From the Northeast U.S. extending down towards the Tennessee/Georgia border
- Hazards: Winds - Strong northwest winds of 30-40 mph, with gusts up to 80 mph could leave millions along the Eastern seaboard without power. Storm surge - The potential for a 10+ foot storm surge exists for Long Island and New York City. (High tides will add 2-3 inches to the storm surge height to create a storm tide.) Rain - Sandy is forecast to bring 6-10" of rainfall to regions of Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Snow - The Appalachians will act as the axis of snowfall. Heaviest amounts (12+ inches) are expected at high elevations of the West Virginia and North Carolina mountains.
Image credit: GOES East Enhanced Infrared, NOAA
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