We’re debating to go to Watertown, NY or Bellevue, OH (near Sandusky) for the solar eclipse. Both are on or very near the centerline of the path of totality. The extended forecast shows Watertown should be clear on Monday, 8 APR. But, how much snow is this area expecting? I understand there is a winter storm watch (or warning?) for this Wednesday night into Thursday. And, what about existing snow on the ground?
Should I expect snow mounds reducing street parking? And, should I expect the park where they encourage the pubic to congregate to be snow covered? Should we expect to freeze our molasses off? TIA!
(FYI: The greater Sandusky area may have high clouds and low 60’s.)
Here are a couple of livestream cameras from Watertown. It doesn’t appear that there is any snow on the ground there currently (note you will need to hit the “play” button to see the current stream):
Here’s the National Weather Service forecast for Watertown. Looks like they are expecting on-and-off snow from tomorrow through Saturday, but the current forecast is saying that there won’t be much, except for Wednesday afternoon into evening. Also, it’s going to be 55 degrees there tomorrow, and highs around 40 for most of the week, so even if it does snow, it’s not going to stick around, especially as it’s forecast to be sunny and 51 on Sunday.
It is, indeed, a Winter Storm Watch for that time period, and it does say “accumulations of 7 inches or more possible” – but the local, hourly forecast for Watertown is currently showing an estimate of 3.3" on Wednesday night into Thursday, and another fraction of an inch Thursday night.
Forecasts can and do change, but at this point, if it were me, speaking as an amateur meteorologist, I wouldn’t worry about it. The ground is warm (it will be 55 there tomorrow, and was 55 today, and 45 yesterday), which means that any accumulating snow will likely melt rapidly, and I would not expect “snow mounds” along the street by Monday.
I’d expect traffic to be an absolute nightmare at any place that’s in the path of totality, but that’s another story, and has nothing to do with snow.
Thanks for the info! NOAA shows minimal accumulation for each day showing snow which is hard for me to accept. I think your statement of 7-inches is more credible. Just a hunch. …or, at least 3"-3.5".
It’s now April; more daylight hours & the sun is stronger/better position than in in the dead of winter; both of those help melt any spring snowstorms quicker.
Yup, yup! All good thoughts! Also, I saw where the Weather Channel App was predicting a 7" snowfall and (as of this morning) was only mentioning a minimal amount of accumulation, if any PLUS it may be more of a rain/snow mix for the next few days with improving conditions by the weekend and into Monday. I’ll keep watching the forecast!
Looking at the current forecast. the NWS is saying it’ll be mostly rain until around midnight on Wednesday night, and they’re predicting 2.8" from midnight Wed/Thurs through noon on Thursday, and then another 3/4 of an an inch or so for the rest of the storm (Thursday afternoon into Friday).
Bear in mind that the temperature is going to be at or above freezing for that entire time. Whatever precipitation falls as snow will melt rapidly.
Once again: snow isn’t going to be an issue, esp. by the weekend. Worry more about massive traffic jams.