Winter Storm Warning for Berkshire County (Tuesday, Feb. 28)

After a terrible January (winter weather-wise), February is going to end on a high note.

NWS Albany has moved from a Winter Storm Watch to a Winter Storm Warning. The snow will actually start a little later than was predicted yesterday. It should start in Berkshire County around 9 PM--give or take a half hour--which is even better news for the timing of the storm. 

We're now close enough to the storm's onset to look at some of the short-range models, and what they are suggesting almost guarantees snow days for the well-rested students of Berkshire County. 

Moderate and heavy snow bands will impact our area between 9 PM and 5 AM (a half inch to 1 inch per hour). The snow rates will taper in the morning hours before ending around dusk on Tuesday. Low end amounts will be 4-5 inches in the southwest corner of the County; high end amounts will be double digits in the northeast mountain towns.

NWS Albany's latest snow prediction.

Almost certainly, the folks in the eastern, higher elevations towns should have a snow day--the northeastern mountain elementary schools, Hoosac Valley, Central Berkshire, and Farmington River. 

The northern districts also will have enough snow to merit a full day off--North Adams, Mount Greylock, Pine Cobble, Hancock, and McCann. 

There's an outside shot that Pittsfield, Lenox, Lee don't get quite enough snow (due to their lower elevation) and see a delay instead of a delay, but we're really not expecting that outcome. 

The only iffy districts would be Southern Berkshire and Berkshire Hills. There could be a changeover to rain there that could lead to delays instead of full snow days, but that would only happen if the storm is a real bust (which it probably won't be).

The short-range NAM with its prediction (total as of 6 PM Tuesday)

Given the perfect timing, the Winter Storm Warning, and the cold air in place, we think that some Superintendents will get out ahead of this thing and call in the snow day tonight. Fingers are crossed that you hear the sweet, sweet sound of the Robocall tonight.