Winter Storm — Western Franklin, Massachusetts

2011-02-01 to 2011-02-02 · Western Franklin, Massachusetts

Event narrative

A total of 9-14 inches of snow fell across Western Franklin County over the two day period. Damage amounts are for the roof collapses of 2 structures that occurred following heavy snowfall that totaled 53 inches by the end of the snow season. Most of this snow fell from December 26 through February 2 and most roof collapses occurred during or shortly after the February 1 and 2 snow storm.

Wider weather episode

A series of low pressure centers impacted the Southern New England Region with a combination of heavy snows and ice. The first area of low pressure on February 1st lifted northeastward offshore of the Southeastern New England shoreline ushering heavy snows across the interior portions of New England, especially north and west. A second area of low pressure deepened through the Ohio River Valley, redeveloping over the Southeastern New England shoreline bringing a combination of heavy snows, sleet and freezing rain over much of the region February 2nd, before changing back to all snow into the end of the event.

A series of significant heavy snow events occurred between December 26, 2010 and February 2, 2011. Snow for the winter season totaled 86.4 inches, most of which fell during this period. Across Massachusetts, numerous roof collapses due to heavy snow load occurred following the February 2nd storm.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 283291. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.