Heavy Snow — Block Island, Rhode Island

2016-01-23 · Block Island, Rhode Island

Event narrative

Approximately thirteen inches of snow fell on Block Island. Snow was difficult to measure due to strong, gusty winds occurring simultaneously resulting in blowing and drifting of snow. Blizzard conditions may have occurred on Block Island but the observation site on Block Island failed prior to blizzard conditions being recorded. Winds gusted as high as 76 mph at the Automated Weather Observation System at Block Island State Airport prior to the sensors failing. Utility poles were downed across the island, knocking power out to most, if not all, the island.

Wider weather episode

Low pressure intensified as it moved off the coast of North Carolina and tracked northeastward, passing south of southern New England. This brought accumulating snow to areas south of Interstate 90 in Massachusetts, including Connecticut and Rhode Island. In addition, strong, damaging winds accompanied the snow. With bare trees, there was remarkably little damage associated with winds that gusted near hurricane force at times.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 614920. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.