Severe Storm Forecast: Impending Rain and Strong Winds
A robust spring storm is on the horizon, poised to sweep through the tri-state area later on Sunday afternoon and into the evening. The impending tempest is set to unleash wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph, coupled with torrential rainfall rates near an inch an hour at certain intervals.
As the day unfolds on Sunday, the forecast hints at predominantly dry conditions during daylight hours, with pockets of drizzle dotting the region. By evening, a more substantial rain is anticipated to make its way to far northwest New Jersey around sunset. It’s worth noting that this same system has wreaked havoc in the Midwest on Friday and the Southeast on Saturday, unleashing deadly storms characterized by fierce tornadoes, devastating wind gusts, and hailstones as large as baseballs. However, the severity of the system is expected to diminish as it reaches our area, with the most intense weather projected to veer southward.
Approaching Storm Timeline
By midnight, the storm front is projected to barrel into New York City, potentially lingering into the early hours of Monday morning, coinciding with the commencement of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Fifth Avenue. While rainfall may persist into the morning commute, the bulk of the inclement weather is anticipated to dissipate before the parade kicks off at 11 a.m.
As this weather system makes its way towards the tri-state region, the looming severe threat is expected to dwindle. Nevertheless, there remains a possibility of isolated severe weather, particularly concerning destructive winds. Wind gusts could escalate beyond 50 mph, posing risks such as dislodging tree branches and toppling power lines. Additionally, localized downpours may dump up to three inches of rain in various parts of the tri-state, encompassing Connecticut, Long Island, the Jersey Shore, and segments of New York City. While scattered showers may make an appearance around dinnertime, the brunt of the storm is forecasted to intensify between 9 p.m. and midnight.
Potential Impacts and Precautions
The primary focal point of concern with this impending storm remains the wind, although the gusts are not expected to reach the same intensity as experienced in the previous week. By the Monday morning commute, residual showers may linger, although the peak storm threat will have subsided. Commuters are advised to brace for intermittent heavy rain, which could lead to reduced visibility at times. While the risk of widespread flooding is minimal, there is a possibility of minor flooding in low-lying areas and flood-prone roads. If your daily route traverses such locations, allot extra time for your journey and have contingency plans in place.
On the whole, this weather system is poised to dispense a substantial volume of rain across the region, with most areas anticipated to receive at least an inch of precipitation.
