Wind, Sleet and Snow -- April 3-4, 2024

Let's just get right into it. Overnight developments:

*The upgrade to a Winter Storm Warning in Northern Berkshire County for today through Friday morning--expected snow 5-10".

*South County now has a Winter Weather Advisory -- expected snow 2-4". 

*The continuation of the High Wind Warning for North County and a Wind Advisory for South County.

Today will feature rain and high winds. Wind speeds will peak later this evening. Gusts up to 60 MPH are expected in some higher elevation spots in Northern Berkshire county. 

Snow totals are great for eastern elevation towns--still in the 6+ range--but less exciting for the route 7 corridor -- only 2-5 inches south to north.

This is the NAM model showing ample sleet (2 AM Thursday).

But sleet is going to be the big X factor for snow day decisions. Right now models are showing the potential for prolonged period of sleet between 2 AM and 10 AM for Thursday. If the sleet does happen, roads will be very slick and most districts will call for a snow day.

Here's what we're thinking:

*Likely snow days for the northeast mountain elementary schools, Hoosac Valley, and Richmond Consolidated.

*Better than average chance for North Adams, Mount Greylock, and Central Berkshire.

*50/50 for Pittsfield.

*Less than average chance for Lenox, Lee, Berkshire Hills and Southern Berkshire.

Of course, a long period of sleet--especially if sleet is falling between 5 AM and 8 AM--will raise everyone's chances for full snow days.

And also in our proverbial back pocket is the fact that Superintendents have to had few opportunities to call in snow days. Some of them may be more inclined to use that snow-day-calling muscle that has atrophied this winter.