Be prepared for a really wild cold frontal passage early this evening.
Late afternoon weather analysis indicated a cold front now pushing through the Mid-Atlantic states. The passage of this front has brought with it a period of heavy rain followed by very strong winds that gusted to 60-65 mph. I expect similar conditions when this front moves through Western and Central Mass early this evening.
It is expected that this strong cold front will move through Western Mass during the 7 to 7:30 pm time frame and through Central Mass during the 7:30 to 8 pm time frame.
This front will bring with it a band of heavy rain and freezing rain that might change to a bit of sleet and snow. This will be very closely followed by West winds that will gust up to 55 to 65 mph. Like I said, this front will roar through the region.
Once the front moves through, temperatures will fall through the 20s and the winds will gust up to 50-65 mph all night long out of the West. This means that any standing water from this afternoon’s rain will freeze up. Also, the slushy snow will freeze up, so it might be best to try to start removing the snow before it freezes up.
Downed tree limbs and power lines are likely from this evening through the overnight hours of tonight due to the strong winds. Areas that have ice on the trees and power lines will be particularly vulnerable to the strong winds.
Very strong West winds will continue through the day on Monday. Sustained wind speeds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 55 to 65 mph can be expected.
7:55 just west of lake quinsig- no wind, faint rain. Just below freezing.