Well, as most of you know, or are experiencing, the Northeast and Mid Atlantic is experiencing a major snowstorm and blizzard tonight, with bitter cold, high winds, and snowfall total measured in feet rather than inches. For at least two days, our local forecast on both the Weather Channel, and our local station, had predicted 12 to 24 inches of snow, very high winds, and blizzard conditions lasting through much of tomorrow. For a bit today, Lancaster did have some heavy snow, which came down in fluffy fine fashion. Suddenly, I kept noticing from Harrisburg west that the snow was disappearing on the radar. While it had been expected to snow here for more than 24 hours after starting early this morning, late this afternoon the snow suddenly stopped, completely. The snowfall totals given, instead of the foot to two feet predicted, were 5 or maybe 6 inches. According to the explanation given, dry air had moved into the storm in central PA, essentially shutting the snow off. For most of the rest of today, we have had no snow, and while we may have flurries, or an inch, or two, through tomorrow, the blizzard and massive snow predicted never happened, at least not here!
While Iam aware that computerized forecasts have made weather predictions more accurate, I have found that many times the opposite weather scenario usually occurs in relation to what is predicted. During the blizzard of 1996, I lived in Fort Lee, in northern NJ. At first, the weather channel predicted we would have about 6 to 8 inches of snow, and we had a 36 hour blizzard, dumping 21 inches on us. Conversely, there have been times, like today, where massive snows were predicted, and little or less than anticipated occured.
I also find that for some reason, the weather service in State College, which gives us our local weather here, can be wrong. I know nothing can be perfect, but this forecast was a massive blunder!
So, to all my friends in NYC north, enjoy the massive snow. Iam digging out from a moderate snow, and laughing at the weather service in State College who predicted this monster storm, that turned out to be little more than a moderate snow.
Mitch
While Iam aware that computerized forecasts have made weather predictions more accurate, I have found that many times the opposite weather scenario usually occurs in relation to what is predicted. During the blizzard of 1996, I lived in Fort Lee, in northern NJ. At first, the weather channel predicted we would have about 6 to 8 inches of snow, and we had a 36 hour blizzard, dumping 21 inches on us. Conversely, there have been times, like today, where massive snows were predicted, and little or less than anticipated occured.
I also find that for some reason, the weather service in State College, which gives us our local weather here, can be wrong. I know nothing can be perfect, but this forecast was a massive blunder!
So, to all my friends in NYC north, enjoy the massive snow. Iam digging out from a moderate snow, and laughing at the weather service in State College who predicted this monster storm, that turned out to be little more than a moderate snow.
Mitch
