Heavy Snow — Southern Somerset, Maine

2019-01-09 · Southern Somerset, Maine

Event narrative

Light mixed precipitation changed over to moderate snow during the morning of the 9th. A persistent north-south band of snowfall into the evening allowed accumulating snow to continue much later in the day than areas farther west.

Wider weather episode

Overnight on the 8th a warm front lifted into the Northeast and stalled along the coast. A strong upper level vorticity maximum crossed the the stalled boundary on the morning of the 9th and led to rapid cyclogenesis along the New England coastline. Low pressure moved northeast along the Maine coast before moving into New Brunswick. While it was cold enough to snow in the mountains, warmer temperatures in the low to mid levels allowed for precipitation to begin as a mix of sleet, freezing rain, and rain to the south. As low pressure strengthened, heights aloft lowered and precipitation transitioned to heavy snow as it exited the area. Low level moisture and northwest flow behind the departing system kept upslope snow showers going into the morning of the 10th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 794302. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.