(D)icy Morning Commute on Friday

The second Winter Weather Advisory of the week has been posted for early Friday morning through Friday evening.

We have not had many ice threats this winter, but tomorrow one is shaping up. The concern is surface level temps below freezing and rain moving into the area Friday morning. When that happens, we get freezing rain, which is the more dangerous of the two ice forms (sleet being the other one).

NWS Albany

The big question is timing. Precipitation should move in to the Berkshires south to north. Right now it looks like we'll see icing around 7 AM and it will steadily creep north. If the storm system accelerates even slightly, there could be enough time for schools to call a delay.

Ice is typically harder to pin down so chances for delays tomorrow are low. Contrary to most storms this season, southern districts and schools will have the better chance for delays.

Stay alert as some Superintendents may be forced to make later-than-normal decisions about any delays.

Delays for Wednesday, Jan. 29

Only a few inches have fallen at the GSD Home Office and roads look relatively clear. More snow later today but it will be less than an inch. But we do have a few delays to report:

TWO-HOUR DELAY:

Emma Miller
MCLA (10 AM start) 

Alberta Clipper On the Way (Winter Weather Advisory North County)

Despite the forecast for light snow this morning (Tuesday), very little fell and stuck to the ground. Fortunately, we do not have to wait long for more snow as an Alberta Clipper will move through late tonight and drop a few inches on the Berkshires.

A Winter Weather Advisory has been posted for Northern Berkshire only at this point. The Advisory is calling for 2-5" with gusty winds as well. Most of the snow should fall before the Wednesday commute, but due to the unsettled air, lingering snow showers, squalls, and upslope snows are possible throughout the day, which is why the Advisory extends to 1 AM Thursday.

NWS Albany

With the the bulk of the snow slated to fall between 10 PM and 4 AM, we would imagine most road crews will be able to get on top of their plowing and keep roads safe for school buses. But school districts north and east of Pittsfield will definitely have an elevated chance for a delay.

The GSD staff will be surprised if no schools have delays tomorrow. Equally surprising would be any full snow days called. So, depending on whether your are north or south, or are in a high elevation town or in the valley, that will determine your chances of a delay for Wednesday.

We will post early in the AM if any districts shorten the school day.