Storm Diamond/Nemo: Afternoon Report

We're in that anxious waiting period right now as Diamond slowly starts to take shape and move into our region. The real potent low pressure that's going to give us our heaviest snow--around 11 pm tomorrow--is still down in the north of the Gulf of Mexico. The northern low--the other Wonder Twin-- is starting to creep into our area and should spread snow showers our way tonight and in the overnight hours.

We're monitoring as many reports and scenarios as possible to try to figure out the number 1 question with this storm: when in the heck is it going to start snowing?

We've seen 6 am, 7 am, 10 am, and noon. That's a big window. On one hand, the wide spread of the time could work for those of us wishing for a snow day. It's too risky to send students to school so let's not put them in harm's way, would say some school officials. Those folks would be wise to end the misery for their poor, suffering students and call in their plans tonight. Then they'll be the more conservative types who (rightfully so) want to wait until tomorrow and see if there have been any developments overnight. Their options will be to call school off or go for the early release.

Whenever the storm starts, there's little question from meteorologists that this is a major storm and will dump close to 18" on the Berkshires. If it starts at noon (at the latest) and ends Saturday morning, that's an inch an hour clip. No one should be on the roads when it's snowing an inch an hour or more. Plan on shutting everything down tomorrow night, curling up on the couch, and renting or downloading an inspirational family film, like Swiss Family Robinson or The Love Bug (a.k.a. Herbie the Love Bug). Or play a nice family game like Parcheesi.

Keep an eye out for cancellations tonight, and that may lead to the domino effect for the Superintendents. Give those good people space tonight as they are under a lot of pressure to make the right decision. And no, we are not blatantly sucking up to them.

We'll have an update later once the Watch becomes a Warning. We are increasing our odds of having a snow day, but it's by no means a done deal.