Hello to all…
***EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ARES PLACED ON STAND-BY FOR ALL AREAS EFFECTIVE 4:00PM SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING DUE TO POTENTIAL IMPACTS FROM FORECASTED BLIZZARD***
***BLIZZARD WARNINGS IN EFFECT FOR EASTERN MA COAST FROM 4:00PM SATURDAY THOUGH 5:00AM SUNDAY. WINTER STORM WARNINGS UP FOR REMAINDER OF SECTION***
***WIND GUSTS TO HURRICANE FORCE POSSIBLE ALONG THE IMMEDIATE COAST***
***SKYWARN OPS AT NWS-TAUNTON TO COMMENCE AT 4:00PM SATURDAY***
As the snow begins to fall across southern New England, models have begun to consolidate on a trend which brings a period of heavy snow and strong winds to the region starting late this afternoon and continuing overnight. Snowfall accumulation of 6-10 inches is possible across much of Eastern Massachusetts with over 12 inches possible across southeastern MA and the Cape/Islands. Isolated higher amounts are possible depending on where the heaviest snow band set up over the area
Wind speeds in the blizzard warning area are forecasted to increase to 25-35mph sustained with gusts possibly reaching hurricane force (60-70mph), especially along the immediate coast per the latest forecast. Winds of this magnitude may cause power outages along with pockets of scattered damage. Travel during the storm is not recommended. For further meteorological updates, including the latest Blizzard Coordination Message, please see the NWS Taunton SKYWARN home page at http://www.wx1box.org
For the remainder of the Eastern MA section, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect for snowfall of 6-12 inches along with winds 15-25mph gusting to near 45-50 mph. These conditions will also create isolated pockets of tree/power line damage.
In advance of the storm, please advise your local EC/DEC/ADEC of your availability to support a potential deployment anytime over the weekend. We are creating a list of availability for ARESMAT deployment if needed for various local EOC’s, Red Cross, Salvation Army, NWS Storm Survey Teams, and hospitals as required. Keep your situational awareness level high for any updates from ARES leadership by checking your email for updates and our ARES web site at http://ares.ema.arrl.org and monitoring local SKYWARN/ARES/RACES frequencies for any updates on this developing situation.
When sending your availability, please send the following: Name, Call-sign, License Class, Capability (HF / VHF / UHF), Availability, and any other special notes we should be aware of. Also, please let us know if you can do an ARESMAT to another part of the Eastern Massachusetts section (specifically East Coastal and Southeast Mass/Cape Cod) as this area looks to be particularly hardest hit by this anticipated blizzard. We ask that as you contact your DEC, please send a copy of the message to hurricane@nsradio.org where multiple members of the EMA ARES Leadership will be able to access your availability.
What is ARES Stand-By mode?
ARES stand-by mode is to alert Amateurs within ARES that a mobilization is possible on a wide-scale and that some localized mobilizations are or could be taking place in isolated areas. It means to take a look at your Go-Kit and have batteries and equipment ready to go and charged up and take care of any requirements at home in case a mobilization is required and you can participate. Do NOT self-deploy. Wait for guidance from leadership for any deployment. It is an honor to be ready even if you don’t deploy for the event. Hopefully, this is just another exercise of our preparedness and capabilities. If not, the ARES leadership looks forward to working with you if any wide scale mobilization is required after the impact of this major storm to the region is fully understood.
Thanks for your continued support of Eastern Massachusetts ARES!
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
KD1CY / KB1KQW