Massachusetts Hit by Major Winter Storm: Widespread Disruptions and Playoff Game Impact

Massachusetts experienced a significant winter storm over the weekend and into Monday, bringing heavy snowfall, frigid temperatures, strong winds, and coastal flooding. The storm resulted in widespread disruptions to air and road travel, caused power outages, and contributed to severe incidents. Conditions were also anticipated to impact a scheduled NFL divisional playoff game in Foxborough.

Storm Development and Forecast Overview

The storm, described by some as a "winter hurricane" or "bomb cyclone," developed off the East Coast, gaining strength by merging upper-level atmospheric energy. Its precise track was a key factor in determining regional impacts. While earlier forecasts considered a "worst-case scenario" for broader New England, the primary effects became concentrated in southeastern Massachusetts.

Forecasts for the Boston area anticipated a prolonged snow event lasting approximately 36 hours.

Temperatures were projected to drop sharply, with wind chills reaching as low as -25 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit from Saturday morning through Sunday, posing a frostbite risk on exposed skin in under 30 minutes.

Detailed Storm Timeline and Accumulation

Pre-Storm Conditions (Thursday - Saturday)

• Thursday and Friday Nights: Temperatures were expected to drop below zero in many areas, with wind chills ranging from -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Saturday: Cold conditions persisted with highs in the teens and single-digit wind chills.
• Saturday Snow Event: A separate, unorganized snow event occurred, primarily between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. Most of southern New England received 1 to 3 inches of snow, with parts of eastern Massachusetts accumulating 2 to 4 inches. Isolated areas recorded 4 to 5 inches. Untreated roads were anticipated to become snow-covered and slippery.

Main Storm Event (Sunday - Monday)

• Sunday Morning/Afternoon (until ~3 p.m.): Light snow began mid-to-late morning, gradually intensifying. The main snow shield moved across southern New England between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Light to moderate intensity snowfall resulted in minimal accumulation, generally coatings to one inch, with up to two inches in the far southwest.
• Sunday Afternoon/Evening (3 p.m. - Midnight): Snowfall intensity increased significantly, leading to reduced visibility and deteriorating travel conditions. Moderate to heavy snow, with rates of one inch or more per hour in some areas, brought widespread accumulations of three to six inches by 8 p.m. The storm reached peak intensity between 8 p.m. and midnight, with six to twelve inches accumulated across southern New England.

Road conditions worsened late Sunday afternoon, becoming snow-covered after dark, and travel was considered most hazardous between 7 p.m. Sunday and 7 a.m. Monday.

Snowfall rates approached four inches per hour in parts of New England on Sunday afternoon.

• Monday Midnight to 7 a.m.: Steady to heavy snow became more scattered. A dry slot potentially reduced or halted precipitation over parts of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and southeastern Massachusetts. Accumulations reached 10 to 16 inches in most areas, excluding the South Coast, Cape, and Islands.
• Monday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.: The storm passed closest to southern New England. Snow continued but became lighter and more spotty. Frigid Arctic air returned, causing any standing water from mixed precipitation to freeze rapidly. Scattered snow bands rotated from north to south, with variable intensity, and locally heavy, ocean-enhanced snow bands were possible near the coastline.
• Monday 5 p.m. to Midnight: Snowfall began to move eastward, ending in central and western Massachusetts as final bands passed through eastern Massachusetts. Most snowfall ceased between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Monday.

Post-Storm Conditions (Tuesday onwards)

The snow event concluded by early Tuesday morning. Temperatures were predicted to remain below 32 degrees Fahrenheit through the following weekend, indicating minimal melting.

Accumulation Projections

• Overall Southern New England: Forecasts generally predicted a widespread accumulation of 10 to 20 inches of snow.
• Regional Variations:
  • Boston, North Shore, and Upper South Shore: Anticipated to receive snowfall in the middle to higher end of the 12-20 inch range, with some towns potentially exceeding 20 inches due to coastal front factors and rotating snow bands.
  • South of the Massachusetts Turnpike (South Shore, Norfolk County): Within the 12-20 inch forecast zone, but an increase in sleet farther north could limit accumulations in towns like Taunton, Middleboro, and Marshfield. A coastal front could cause temperatures to rise, leading to wetter, heavier snow.
  • North of the Turnpike (Worcester Hills, 495, Route 2 area): Expected to remain very cold, producing light, fluffy snow. Forecasts indicated the higher end of the 12-20 inch range, with potential for some towns to exceed 20 inches.
  • Southern Massachusetts Coast, Cape Cod, and the Islands: Projections were considered for reduction to 3 to 6 inches due to the potential for sleet from a thin layer of warmer air at approximately 5,000 feet altitude.
  • Mid to Outer Cape, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket: 3-6 inches.
  • Near Cape Cod Canal to Plymouth, South Coast: 1-3 inches.
  • Remaining Massachusetts coastline (including Boston, North Shore): Coating to 1 inch.

Wind and Coastal Impacts

Wind Conditions

• Pre-Storm: Northwest winds were forecast to gust between 20 and 40 mph across southern New England from Saturday night into Sunday. On Sunday, wind speeds were expected to range from 20 to 30 mph.
• During Storm Peak: Northeasterly gusts of 20-40 mph were projected for the immediate coastline late Sunday night through early Monday. Strong winds peaked midday Sunday through early Monday morning, with a north to northwest direction.
• Peak Gusts: The South Shore, Cape Cod, Cape Ann, and the Islands were forecast to experience gusts of 50-70 mph. Inland areas (back through I-95) could see gusts of 40-50 mph, while other regions experienced gusts of 30-40 mph. Nantucket and the Outer Cape could experience gusts up to 50-60 mph, potentially reaching 60-70 mph, which could lead to power outages and damage.

Coastal Flooding

Coastal flooding was a concern due to high astronomical tides from a full moon coinciding with northeast winds pushing water toward the shore.

Minor to moderate coastal flooding was anticipated for vulnerable shorelines, particularly on the Cape and South Shore. Offshore, large breaking waves of 10 to 20 feet were expected, potentially causing erosion. Moderate coastal flooding was possible at north or north-northeast facing beaches. Inundation of 1-2 feet of water on vulnerable coastal roads was anticipated, potentially leading to closures on Sunday and Monday. The highest tides and maximum impact were expected in the late morning on both days. Large waves of 6-12 feet were expected at east and northeast facing beaches.

Widespread Disruptions and Incidents

The storm led to significant disruptions across Massachusetts and the Eastern United States.

• Air Travel: Logan Airport reported over 500 flight cancellations on Monday morning following 18 inches of snow accumulation. Operations were expected to increase by 2 p.m. Monday, and travelers were advised to confirm flight statuses.
• Roads and Commutes:

Government officials urged residents to avoid roads due to heavy winds and snow drifts.

Schools and businesses across Massachusetts were closed, and non-essential state employees were directed to work remotely.

• Public Transit: The MBTA maintained overnight train operations to assist in keeping tracks clear.
• Power Outages: Approximately 850 customers in Massachusetts were initially without power Monday morning, a number that decreased significantly by early afternoon. Officials cautioned coastal areas about potential power disruptions from wet precipitation. Nationally, the storm resulted in nearly a million power outages across the Southern U.S.
• National Impact: The storm affected two-thirds of the nation, causing thousands of flight cancellations and road incidents.

Specific Incidents

• Maine Plane Crash: On Sunday night, a private business jet crashed during takeoff from Bangor International Airport in Maine.

Federal Aviation Administration officials reported seven fatalities among the eight people on board, with one crew member sustaining serious injuries.

• Massachusetts Pedestrian Fatality: A 51-year-old woman died in Norwood, Massachusetts, on Sunday afternoon after being struck by a plow truck in the MBTA's Norwood Central station parking lot. Her 47-year-old husband was injured but was expected to survive.

Emergency Response

The state established 40 warming shelters with a collective capacity of approximately 2,000 people across Massachusetts. Residents were also advised to begin precautionary preparations, including clearing house vents, roof snow, walkways, and mailboxes.

Impact on NFL Playoff Game

The New England Patriots were scheduled to host a divisional round playoff game against the Houston Texans on Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Weather conditions were anticipated to be a factor.

Game-time Conditions

Forecasts indicated temperatures in the low 30s during the game, with a wind chill potentially reaching 23-24°F. Snowfall was likely for most of the afternoon, with a chance of snow primarily after 1 p.m. ET, potentially following a brief period of rain. Accumulation of 1 to 2 inches was possible on the field by the end of the game.

Potential Game Impacts

The combination of low temperatures, wet conditions, and wind could pose challenges for both teams, particularly regarding ball security. The Patriots recorded 20 fumbles (8 lost) during the regular season, while the Chargers, another team mentioned in similar weather discussions, recorded 17 fumbles (7 lost). Patriots special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer commented on kicking strategy, advising to "Just strike the ball well. You don’t adjust because of the weather."

Snow accumulation on the field was suggested to potentially favor the Patriots over the Texans, who typically play in a dome.

Team Experience in Cold Weather

The Patriots had recent experience in cold conditions, playing five games this season with temperatures below 40°F and achieving a 4-1 record in those contests. They had a 5-1 record in their last six games with temperatures below 40°F, including a recent wild card victory. Their most recent game involving snow was a 35-31 loss in mid-December. The Houston Texans had less recent experience with snow games, not having played in such conditions since December 2016, with no players from their 2016 roster remaining on the current team. This season, the Texans won both of their cold-weather games. The Los Angeles Chargers, referenced in general cold-weather discussions, played one game in similar conditions during the regular season, securing a 16-13 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs when the kickoff temperature was 18°F.