Winter Storm Watch for Tuesday & Wednesday

Snow and sleet are headed our way on Tuesday, and the National Weather Service thinks we'll get at least half a foot so it has announced a Winter Storm Watch starting at 10 AM Tuesday and lasting through noon on Wednesday.

Initially, we did not like the timing on this storm, but the last few runs of the models have slowed it down so it is likely we'll see snow or sleet into the morning commute on Wednesday. Most estimates indicate 6-8 inches for northern Berkshire County and 4-6 in South County. These numbers could easily change significantly in either direction as the track of the storm will determine how much snow we get--and when we changeover to sleet for a time. The changeover is highly likely, and we don't like that.

Image courtesy of NWS Albany

This storm is no slam-dunk nor'easter. It is a complicated storm because there are two low pressure systems involved--a "double-barrel low" as they say in meteorological parlance--and it's not always clear how the first low will impact the second one.

If this storm hits a home run, then we're looking at an early release on Tuesday followed by a full snow day on Wednesday. If it hits a little dribbler to the mound, we might see a few delays in the higher elevation towns but everyone else will see a full day of school.

So let's aim right for the head pin on this one and go with a few releases on Tuesday and everyone on Wednesday morning getting a delay or full snow day. That's the official GSD position at the nonce, but it will change as we get closer to the storm and better understand the impact the sleet will have on this storm.

Check back in tomorrow for more sub-optimal sports metaphors and updated information about our approaching storm.