Storm 3.1.12: Leap Day Storm Brought to You by Miller (Type B)

The NWS has lowered their snow forecast for the Northern Berkshires for this afternoon and evening. Earlier in the day it was 8-12" but now they're calling for 5-8". This isn't great news but it isn't devastating either. A good base of 5 or 6" inches is all we need as long as the secondary low forms off the coast and brings us more snow (and sleet, too, which wouldn't hurt our chances).

Speaking of the secondary low, here's more information than you need (but it's interesting just the same). The storm pattern today and tomorrow is called a Miller Type B storm. Type A storms start in the Gulf of Mexico, race across the south, and gain strength as they work their way up the coast. Our typical Nor'easters result from Miller Type-A's. The Type B pattern occurs when the low pressure system comes out of the upper Midwest and transfers its energy to a secondary coastal low. The map below shows a typical Type B pattern. For our storm, the primary low is moving more due east than the low in the map below, which means our secondary low will form higher up the coast near NJ or Long Island.

We still will see heavy bands of snow this evening. Eventually--around 9 pm--we'll make the final call on our prediction for a delay or snow day tomorrow.