Massive ‘bomb cyclone’ rain storm to be followed by rush of Arctic air

Terry Eliasen, meteorologist and WBZ-TV executive.weather producer

Boston — the best time of the year!!

But we will get there this year. . . not so magical.

Think you have another gift to buy or do you still need to go to the grocery store? Or are you one of the lucky people who will be hopping on a plane, train, or car in the next 24 hours? ? Ah. . . All I can say is good luck, take it easy and stay calm!

A huge storm is forming as we speak. Some might call it a “bomb cyclone”. The term sounds like hype meant to make headlines, but it’s rooted in truth. Bombogenesis occurs when a region of low pressure he drops at least 24 millibars in 24 hours. This is usually what happens during the time of his strong Nor’easter one or two times a year.

read more: What is a bomb cyclone?

This time, the storm is developing in the west, heading towards Canada. And while people in the upper Midwest have been hit with a dizzying amount of snow, people here in New England are on the “warm side” this time around. As you can see, we have to deal with our own stormy weather.

First and foremost, be ready for what comes next.

If you have inflatables or loose holiday items in your yard, they should be secured or brought in immediately. Otherwise, your 20-foot Santa will end up as someone’s lawn ornament.

I don’t expect it to spread. blackoutwe recommend making sure your phone is charged and your generator is ready.

Also, if your home or yard is prone to flooding, check your gutters, storm drains, and drainage pumps just in case. Expect 1 to 3 inches of water.

Timeline:

7 p.m. Thursday

It’s been raining, but light to moderate, still not impacting the trip significantly. Winds begin to pick up, blowing over 20 mph from the east. Wet snow can fall over 1,000 feet in central and western Massachusetts, but it won’t last long.

One night:

The rain gets stronger around midnight. From midnight to dawn, heavy rain waves will roll in and winds will steadily increase from the south-southeast.

6 a.m. Friday

Heavy, windswept, soaking rain. South-easterly winds blow at 40 to 60 miles per hour, and rain falls from the sides. The roads are full of huge puddles and hydroplaning hazards.

Friday at 11am

Rain is more scattered in nature, with small downpour lines here and there. Gusts of 30-50 miles per hour are frequent, but there is a short “break” from the strongest winds. At this point, the worst is over. Most of the rain has fallen, but there are still several hours of scattered, gusty showers.

This is also the time of year when coastal flooding threat is highest, with high tide occurring between 9am and 1pm. Minor coastal flooding is seen on southeastern and south facing beaches, with moderate flooding and several pockets of inundation.

Friday at 5:30 p.m.

The rain tapers off in the late afternoon and cold Arctic air begins to blow in. Snow showers and squalls are likely due to this wind change and sudden temperature drop.

Winds turn west-southwest and actually pick up again, with gusts of 40 to 60 mph. For some inlanders, this will be the time of day with the strongest winds.

It’s a cold Friday night. The harshest air of the season so far pushes behind the storm. . . wind gusts drop to 15 to 35 miles per hour overnight, but enough to feel subzero by Saturday morning.

I’m not too worried about flash freezing given how strong the wind is. The wind works to dry things out very quickly, so cold air blows in, so most roads should be mostly dry. Please note in particular.

So it won’t be a White Christmas for most people this year…but there is still one place where you have a chance. Believe it or not, it’s Cape Cod and the islands! There will be ocean-effect showers near or above the area late Friday night through Saturday afternoon. Light buildup can occur there. . . just a few hours before Christmas morning!

Saturday afternoon’s Patriots game will be cold.

And finally, Christmas day is quiet and cold. . . less windy than Saturday, but still windy and bites in the air.

The WBZ Weather Team will provide updates throughout the storm and holiday weekend. Please look forward to it. happy holiday!