Potentially Historic Winter Storm Grayson

Potentially Historic Winter Storm Grayson Is Here

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Gray ME
343 PM EST Wed Jan 3 2018

...AREAS OF MODERATE COASTAL FLOODING EXPECTED ON THURSDAY...

.Low pressure will intensify east of Cape Hatterus tonight,
before passing east of Cape Cod as an intense storm Thursday.
Very high astronomical tides will combine with up to a 1.5
foot storm surge to produce moderate flooding along the coast
from Portland and points south where a coastal flood warning
is in effect. Further up the coast, minor flooding is expected
in the flood advisory area.

The storm tide in Portland is expected to be around 13 feet.
This will allow for foot of water to inundate side streets
along the wharfs in Portland. In some areas, water will reach
the tailpipes of parked cars in this area. Expect about a foot
of water to inundation Granite Point Road in Biddeford and
localized flooding of other shoreline communities.

In New Hampshire, inundation will reach a depth up to two feet
along the Backbay area of Hampton. Asheworth street in Hampton
may flood.

Nearshore waves up to 10 feet will allow for beach erosion
and splash-over near the time of high tide. The beach erosion,
splash-over and coastal flooding may continue for a couple hours
after high tide as the brunt of the storm passes by, especially
in the estuaries which are normally slow to recede.

Specific coastal impacts will ultimately be determined by the
exact track and timing of the passage of the storm.

MEZ023-024-NHZ014-041000-
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/O.NEW.KGYX.CF.W.0001.180104T1600Z-180104T2000Z/
Coastal York-Coastal Cumberland-Coastal Rockingham-
343 PM EST Wed Jan 3 2018

...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 3 PM EST
THURSDAY...

The National Weather Service in Gray has issued a Coastal Flood
Warning, which is in effect from 11 AM to 3 PM EST Thursday. The
Coastal Flood Watch is no longer in effect.

* Location...The southwest coast of Maine and Seacoast of New
  Hampshire.

* Coastal Flooding...Areas of moderate coastal flooding expected.

* Timing...During the midday hours on Thursday.

* Impacts...Moderate coastal flooding, beach erosion and
  splash-over is expected.

&&

Time of high total tides are approximate to the nearest hour.

FORT POINT NH
MLLW CATEGORIES - MINOR 12.0 FT, MODERATE 13.0 FT, MAJOR 14.0 FT

             TOTAL      TOTAL    DEPARTURE
 DAY/TIME    TIDE       TIDE     FROM NORM   WAVES    FLOOD
            FT MLLW    FT MHHW       FT       FT      IMPACT
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 04/12 AM     9.4       -0.1       -0.5       1.0      NONE
 04/12 PM    12.9        3.4        1.8       1.0    MODERATE
 05/01 AM     8.8       -0.7       -1.0       1.0      NONE
 05/01 PM     9.0       -0.5       -1.7       1.0      NONE
 06/02 AM     8.2       -1.3       -1.4       3.0      NONE

HAMPTON HARBOR NH
MLLW CATEGORIES - MINOR 11.0 FT, MODERATE 12.0 FT, MAJOR 13.0 FT

             TOTAL      TOTAL    DEPARTURE
 DAY/TIME    TIDE       TIDE     FROM NORM   WAVES    FLOOD
            FT MLLW    FT MHHW       FT       FT      IMPACT
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 04/12 AM     9.0       -0.5       -0.5       1.0      NONE
 04/01 PM    12.9        3.4        2.3       11.0    MODERATE
 05/01 AM     8.4       -1.1       -1.0       10.0     NONE
 05/02 PM     8.6       -0.9       -1.6       5.0      NONE
 06/02 AM     7.9       -1.6       -1.4       3.0      NONE

PORTLAND ME
MLLW CATEGORIES - MINOR 12.0 FT, MODERATE 13.0 FT, MAJOR 14.0 FT

             TOTAL      TOTAL    DEPARTURE
 DAY/TIME    TIDE       TIDE     FROM NORM   WAVES    FLOOD
            FT MLLW    FT MHHW       FT       FT      IMPACT
 --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -------  --------
 04/12 AM     9.6       -0.1       -0.5       2.0      NONE
 04/12 PM    12.9        3.2        1.6       6.0    MODERATE
 05/01 AM     8.7       -1.0       -1.3       10.0     NONE
 05/01 PM     9.1       -0.6       -1.9       5.0      NONE
 06/02 AM     8.1       -1.6       -1.7       2.0      NONE

&&
$$

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Caribou ME
255 PM EST Wed Jan 3 2018

...Major Nor`easter Blizzard will be Accompanied by Strong and
Gusty Northeast to North Winds...

.Intense low pressure east of the southeastern U.S. will move
north toward Western Nova Scotia on Thursday and track toward the
northern Canadian Maritimes on Friday. Heavy snow and wind is
expected throughout the region with blizzard conditions over
Downeast and Eastern Maine.

MEZ002-005-006-011-040400-
/O.UPG.KCAR.WS.A.0001.180104T1700Z-180105T1400Z/
/O.EXA.KCAR.BZ.W.0001.180104T1700Z-180105T1200Z/
Northeast Aroostook-Northern Penobscot-Southeast Aroostook-
Central Penobscot-
Including the cities of Presque Isle, Caribou, Van Buren,
Mars Hill, Millinocket, East Millinocket, Patten, Medway,
Houlton, Hodgdon, Sherman, Smyrna Mills, Lincoln, Howland,
and Springfield
255 PM EST Wed Jan 3 2018

...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON THURSDAY TO 7 AM EST
FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Travel will be very
  dangerous to impossible, including during the evening commute
  on Thursday. Total snow accumulations of 10 to 14 inches are
  expected.

* WHERE...Northeast Aroostook, Northern Penobscot, Southeast
  Aroostook and Central Penobscot County.

* WHEN...Noon Thursday to 7 AM Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds gusting as high as 40 mph will
  cause whiteout conditions in blowing snow. Significant
  drifting of the snow is likely.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are
expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds
and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout
conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If
you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you.  If you get
stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions for
Maine can be obtained by going to newengland511.org.

$$

3:56 PM AST Wednesday 03 January 2018
Winter storm warning in effect for:

Fredericton and Southern York County
Hazardous winter conditions are expected.

A developing low pressure system east of Florida will intensify rapidly into a major winter storm tonight and Thursday as it approaches the Maritimes from the southwest. The intense storm centre will track near the Bay of Fundy Thursday night and into the Gulf of St Lawrence Friday morning.

Snow at times heavy and blowing snow will develop on Thursday morning across southern New Brunswick and will spread to northern regions by early afternoon. On Thursday evening the snow will change to a mixture of freezing rain and ice pellets and finally to rain over most eastern regions. Total snowfall amounts ranging from 25 to 40 centimetres are expected with this system. Rainfall amounts of up to 10 millimetres can be expected for regions east of a line extending from Bathurst to Grand Lake Thursday night. Parts of the Fundy coast however will see heavier rain with anywhere from 20 to 30 millemetres expected over those regions.

Northeasterly winds will steadily increase Thursday ahead of the storm, likely gusting to 80 or 90 km/h late in the day giving reduced visibilities in blowing snow. Winds will shift to strong northwesterlies behind the system late Thursday night.

Very strong northeast winds will result in elevated water levels which could lead to some minor coastal flooding along northeast-facing coastlines of eastern New Brunswick near high tide Thursday afternoon or evening, and again with the next high tide towards dawn Friday.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ec.weatheraspc.ec@canada.ca or tweet reports using #NBStorm.

Potentially Historic Winter Storm Grayson On The Way Update Two

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Caribou ME
640 AM EST Wed Jan 3 2018

...Major Nor`easter Snow Storm will be Accompanied by Strong and
Gusty Northeast to North Winds...

.Intense low pressure east of the southeastern U.S. will move
north toward Nova Scotia on Thursday and track toward the
northern Canadian Maritimes on Friday. Blizzard conditions are
expected across Washington and Hancock Counties as well as the
Greater Bangor Region, with significant blowing and drifting snow
elsewhere. Do not become too focused on the exact snowfall
amounts with this storm as the wind combined with the blowing and
drifting snow will be the major impacts from this Nor`easter.

MEZ015>017-029-030-032-031945-
/O.CON.KCAR.BZ.W.0001.180104T1700Z-180105T1200Z/
Southern Penobscot-Interior Hancock-Central Washington-
Coastal Hancock-Coastal Washington-Northern Washington-
Including the cities of Bangor, Brewer, Orono, Old Town, Amherst,
Aurora, Dedham, Eastbrook, Great Pond, Orland, Calais,
Grand Lake Stream, Wesley, Perry, Princeton, Ellsworth,
Bar Harbor, Bucksport, Castine, Eastport, Machias, Cherryfield,
Danforth, Vanceboro, and Topsfield
640 AM EST Wed Jan 3 2018

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON THURSDAY TO 7 AM
EST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Travel will be very
  dangerous to impossible, including during the evening commute
  on Thursday into Thursday night. Power outages are possible.
  Total snow accumulations of 9 to 12 inches are expected, with
  locally higher amounts.

* WHERE...Southern Penobscot, Hancock, and Washington Counties.

* WHEN...Noon Thursday to 7 AM Friday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds gusting as high as 45 mph will
  cause whiteout conditions in blowing snow. Significant
  drifting of the snow is likely with snow drifts several feet
  deep possible in open areas.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are
expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds
and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout
conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If
you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you.  If you get
stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions for
Maine can be obtained by going to newengland511.org.

$$

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Caribou ME
640 AM EST Wed Jan 3 2018

...Major Nor`easter Snow Storm will be Accompanied by Strong and
Gusty Northeast to North Winds...

.Intense low pressure east of the southeastern U.S. will move
north toward Nova Scotia on Thursday and track toward the
northern Canadian Maritimes on Friday. Blizzard conditions are
expected across Washington and Hancock Counties as well as the
Greater Bangor Region, with significant blowing and drifting snow
elsewhere. Do not become too focused on the exact snowfall
amounts with this storm as the wind combined with the blowing and
drifting snow will be the major impacts from this Nor`easter.

MEZ001>006-010-011-031-031945-
/O.CON.KCAR.WS.A.0001.180104T1700Z-180105T1400Z/
Northwest Aroostook-Northeast Aroostook-Northern Somerset-
Northern Piscataquis-Northern Penobscot-Southeast Aroostook-
Central Piscataquis-Central Penobscot-Southern Piscataquis-
Including the cities of Allagash, Clayton Lake, Madawaska,
Fort Kent, Frenchville, Presque Isle, Caribou, Van Buren,
Mars Hill, Baker Lake, Billy-Jack Depot, Baxter St Park,
Chamberlain Lake, Churchill Dam, Mount Katahdin, Millinocket,
East Millinocket, Patten, Medway, Houlton, Hodgdon, Sherman,
Smyrna Mills, Greenville, Monson, Blanchard, Lincoln, Howland,
Springfield, Dover-Foxcroft, Milo, and Guilford
640 AM EST Wed Jan 3 2018

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow possible. Plan on difficult
  travel conditions, including during the evening commute on
  Thursday. Total snow accumulations of 7 to 10 inches, with
  localized amounts up to 14 inches, are possible.

* WHERE...Northwest Aroostook, Northeast Aroostook, Northern
  Somerset, Northern Piscataquis, Northern Penobscot, Central
  Piscataquis and Southern Piscataquis County.

* WHEN...From Thursday afternoon through Friday morning.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Winds gusting as high as 35 mph will
  cause areas of blowing and drifting snow and very poor
  visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant
snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. Continue
to monitor the latest forecasts.

$$

CB

10:52 AM AST Wednesday 03 January 2018
Winter storm watch in effect for:

Fredericton and Southern York County
A major winter storm will affect northwestern New Brunswick Thursday night.

Current guidance shows the storm approaching the Maritimes from the southwest and passing over southeastern New Brunswick Thursday night. Conditions will deteriorate Thursday evening due to accumulating snow. Potential impacts from this storm include: transportation delays, road closures and power outages.

The snow will develop Thursday afternoon across the regions under this watch giving near 10 centimetres by early Thursday evening. Additional snowfall amounts are expected Thursday night and into Friday. By the time the snow tapers off on Friday this storm will have likely brought anywhere from 15 to 25 centimetres of new snow and consequently this winter storm watch will likely be upgraded to a warning later this afternoon.

Northeasterly winds will strengthen with gusts nearing 90 km/h over the Bay of Chaleur Thursday evening. These strong winds combined with rapidly accumulating snow will give poor visibilities in blowing snow.

Very strong northeast winds will result in higher than normal water levels which could lead to some minor coastal flooding along the south shore of the Bay of Chaleur and the Acadian coast around high tide Thursday night to early Friday.

Avoid travel if possible. Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Poor weather conditions may contribute to transportation delays.

Winter storm watches are issued when multiple types of severe winter weather are expected to occur together.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ec.weatheraspc.ec@canada.ca or tweet reports using #NBStorm.

10:52 AM AST Wednesday 03 January 2018
Snowfall warning in effect for:

Halifax Metro and Halifax County West
Snowfall, with total amounts of 15 to 20 cm is expected.

A low pressure system will develop east of Florida today and then intensify rapidly into a major winter storm tonight and Thursday as it approaches the Maritimes. This storm will move into the Gulf of St. Lawrence Friday morning.

Snow will begin over these regions of Nova Scotia Thursday morning.
A period of heavy snow is forecast before the snow changes to rain Thursday afternoon. In addition, very strong easterly winds gusting up 100 km/h will give very poor visibilities in blowing snow inland for a short period of time before temperatures rise to the freezing mark or slightly above. Total Snowfall amounts are forecast to range from 15 centimetres near coastal areas to 25 centimetres inland before changing to rain during the day.

Environment Canada continues to closely monitor the development of this storm and will provide updates as the storm nears.

To report severe weather, send an email to ec.weatheraspc.ec@canada.ca or tweet reports using #nsstorm.

Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.

Snowfall warnings are issued when significant snowfall is expected.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ec.weatheraspc.ec@canada.ca or tweet reports using #NSStorm.


10:50 AM AST Wednesday 03 January 2018
Wind warning in effect for:

Halifax Metro and Halifax County West
Very strong wind gusts that may cause damage are expected or occurring.

A low pressure system will develop east of Florida today and then intensify rapidly into a major winter storm tonight and Thursday as it approaches the Maritimes. This storm will move into the Gulf of St. Lawrence Friday morning.

Very strong easterly winds gusting to 100 km/h are forecast to develop over these regions of Nova Scotia Thursday afternoon. Over exposed areas near the coast these winds could gust as high as 140 km/h with the strongest gusts over southwestern areas.

In addition, a period of very strong southwesterly winds gusting to 100 km/h or higher will develop Thursday night.

Environment Canada continues to closely monitor the development of this storm and will provide updates as the storm nears.

To report severe weather, send an email to ec.weatheraspc.ec@canada.ca or tweet reports using #nsstorm.

Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. High winds may toss loose objects or cause tree branches to break.

Wind warnings are issued when there is a significant risk of damaging winds.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ec.weatheraspc.ec@canada.ca or tweet reports using #NSStorm.


10:48 AM AST Wednesday 03 January 2018
Storm surge warning in effect for:

Halifax Metro and Halifax County West
High Storm Surge levels and large waves are expected to impact the coast.

A low pressure system will develop east of Florida today and then intensify rapidly into a major winter storm tonight and Thursday as it approaches the Maritimes.

During high tide Thursday evening, water levels along the Atlantic coast will be elevated enough to cause coastal flooding in vulnerable areas. In addition very large waves coming in to the coast from the south and east will contribute to the high water and will likely cause some damage to coastal infrastructure.

Environment Canada continues to closely monitor the development of this storm and will provide updates as the storm nears.

Please continue to to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.

To report severe weather, send an email to ec.weatheraspc.ec@canada.ca or tweet reports using #nsstorm.

High waves combined with the surge may cause damage along the coast. Coastal flooding is likely. Coastal erosion is likely in vulnerable areas. People close to the shoreline should stay on the lookout for worsening conditions.

Storm surge warnings are issued when water levels pose a threat to coastal regions.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ec.weatheraspc.ec@canada.ca or tweet reports using #NSStorm.

10:51 AM AST Wednesday 03 January 2018
Winter storm warning in effect for:

Moncton and Southeast New Brunswick
Hazardous winter conditions are expected.

A major winter storm will affect New Brunswick Thursday.

Current guidance shows the storm approaching the Maritimes from the southwest and passing over southeastern New Brunswick Thursday night. Conditions will deteriorate Thursday afternoon due to accumulating snow. Potential impacts from this storm include: transportation delays, road closures and power outages.

The snow will develop Thursday morning over the Fundy region and then spread northward across the province throughout the afternoon. The snow will change to ice pellets and then to rain southeast of a line from Charlotte county to Grand Lake to Kent county Thursday evening. Total snowfall amounts of 20 to 40 cm are likely across the province.
Northeasterly winds will strengthen with gusts near 90 km/h along coastal areas late Thursday afternoon or evening. The winds will shift Thursday night to strong northwesterly. These strong winds combined with rapidly accumulating snow will give poor visibilities in blowing snow.

Very strong northeast winds will result in elevated water levels which could lead to some minor coastal flooding along the south shore of the Bay of Chaleur and the Acadian coast around high tide Thursday night to early Friday.

Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions. Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow. Road closures are possible.

Winter storm warnings are issued when multiple types of severe winter weather are expected to occur together.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ec.weatheraspc.ec@canada.ca or tweet reports using #NBStorm.

10:51 AM AST Wednesday 03 January 2018
Rainfall warning in effect for:

Yarmouth County
Rain, heavy at times is expected. The frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall.

A low pressure system will develop east of Florida today and then intensify rapidly into a major winter storm tonight and Thursday as it approaches the Maritimes.

Heavy rainfall associated with this system is expected to begin Thursday morning. Rainfall amounts up to 40 millimetres are forecast up to Thursday evening. Additional amounts are likely later Thursday night. It is important to note that due to the frozen ground, rain may initially freeze on contact with the cold ground and very little of the rainfall will be absorbed so water pooling in low lying areas is likely.

Inland a period of snow is also forecast giving near 10 centimetres of accumulation. There is a risk of freezing rain during the morning.

Environment Canada continues to closely monitor the development of this storm and will provide updates as the storm nears.

To report severe weather, send an email to ec.weatheraspc.ec@canada.ca or tweet reports using #nsstorm.

Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.

Rainfall warnings are issued when significant rainfall is expected.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ec.weatheraspc.ec@canada.ca or tweet reports using #NSStorm.

10:53 AM AST Wednesday 03 January 2018
Winter storm warning in effect for:

Queens County P.E.I.
Hazardous winter conditions are expected.

A low pressure system will develop east of Florida today and then intensify rapidly into a major winter storm tonight and Thursday as it approaches the Maritimes. This storm will move into the Gulf of St. Lawrence Friday morning.

Snow at times heavy will develop over Prince Edward Island near noon Thursday. Extensive blowing snow will give very poor visibilities during the afternoon. Snowfall amounts up to 25 centimetres are possible before the snow likely changes to rain Thursday evening over the Island.

Easterly winds gusting to 80 km/h are forecast Thursday afternoon. These winds will increase with gusts to 90 km/h or higher Thursday evening. In addition, a period of very strong southwesterly winds is likely Friday morning as the low moves into the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Environment Canada continues to closely monitor the development of this storm and will provide updates as the storm nears.

To report severe weather, send an email to ec.weatheraspc.ec@canada.ca or tweet reports using #pestorm.

Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Public Safety Canada encourages everyone to make an emergency plan and get an emergency kit with drinking water, food, medicine, a first-aid kit and a flashlight. For information on emergency plans and kits go to http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/

Winter storm warnings are issued when multiple types of severe winter weather are expected to occur together.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ec.weatheraspc.ec@canada.ca or tweet reports using #PEStorm.