As we excitedly welcome the arrival of spring, Mother Nature seems to have different plans for us. Winter decided to make a surprise comeback, spreading its snowy blanket across the U.S. over the weekend. From New England to California, residents found themselves facing a mix of rain, heavy snow, and gusty winds. It was a stark reminder that nature operates on its own schedule, regardless of the season on the calendar.
In Boston, the weather took a wintry turn, with a winter weather advisory issued for parts of northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon, and Flagstaff, extending to the New Mexico border. The forecast predicted up to a half foot of snow at upper elevations, accompanied by winds gusting up to 40 mph. Meanwhile, central South Dakota to northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin braced for the likelihood of at least 8 inches of snow, with a greater than 70% chance of heavy snowfall.
Maine, known for its picturesque landscapes, was not spared from the winter blast. The National Weather Service cautioned residents about treacherous travel conditions, with ice forming inland from the coast in addition to the snow and sleet already covering the ground. Forecasts indicated the possibility of 1 to 2 feet of snow across the mountains in western Maine and northern areas of New Hampshire, with lower totals expected in the lakes region at 6 inches to a foot, mixed with sleet and freezing rain.
As the storm swept through Connecticut, New York City, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, it primarily manifested as a rain event. Frank Nocera, the lead forecaster for the National Weather Service in Norton, Massachusetts, reassured residents that the overnight dry spell would give way to sunshine, alleviating concerns about prolonged inclement weather. Despite the flood watch and wind advisory in New York City until the early hours of Sunday, the storm was predicted to move out of the New England region by Sunday morning.
For winter sports enthusiasts at Loon Mountain in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the storm brought a silver lining in the form of 12 to 20 inches of fresh snowfall. Skiers eagerly anticipated the ideal conditions the new snow would provide, setting the stage for an enjoyable spring season on the slopes. As one ski enthusiast aptly put it, “The more snow New England gets, the better for us.” While the storm may have been a surprise visitor, its departure signaled a return to more seasonally appropriate weather, much to the relief of many residents.
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