Dr. Jeff Masters' WunderBlog

Snowmageddon storm clobbers the Mid-Atlantic with 2 - 3 feet of snow

Posted by: Dr. Jeff Masters, 11:08 PM GMT on February 06, 2010

It's a very white world in the Mid-Atlantic today, where the historic blizzard of 2010 has buried residents under a record-breaking two to three feet of snow. The storm, which President Obama referred to as "Snowmageddon" in a speech before the Democratic National Committee winter meeting, set the all-time record for heaviest snowfall in Delaware history, thanks to the 26.5" that fell in Wilmington (old state record: 25" in the President's Day storm of 2003). "Snowmageddon" dumped the second heaviest at Philadelphia 28.5"), second heaviest at Atlantic City (18.2"), third heaviest at Baltimore (24.8"), and the 4th heaviest at Washington D.C. (17.8"). Several locations in Maryland have seen over three feet of snow, with the northern Washington D.C. suburb of Colesville receiving 40", and the southern Baltimore suburb of Elkridge receiving 38.3". While the blizzard was not an exceptionally strong storm--the central pressure was a rather unimpressive 986 mb at the height of the blizzard, at 9am EST Saturday--it was an exceptionally wet storm. The melted equivalent precipitation for the blizzard exceeded three inches along its core snow belt. That's an phenomenal amount of moisture for a winter storm. The blizzard formed a very unstable region aloft where thunderstorms were able to build, and there were many reports of thundersnow during the height of the storm. These embedded thunderstorms were able to generate very heavy snow bursts of 2 - 3 inches per hour.

A new storm expected to affect the area Tuesday may add to the immense pile of snow on the ground, though the precipitation may partially fall as rain. With only a slow warm up in store for the mid-Atlantic over the next ten days, the snow will stick around for a while. This is a good thing, since a sudden thaw or heavy rain event could generate considerable flooding, if the three inches of precipitation locked in the snow is suddenly released.

Today's blizzard is the second major snowstorm of 16+ inches to affect the Washington D.C./Baltimore region this winter--the other being the 16.4" storm of December 19 - 20. According to the National Climatic Data Center, the expected return period in the Washington D.C./Baltimore region for snowstorms with more than 16 inches of snow is about once every 25 years. Thus, a one-two punch of two major Mid-Atlantic Nor'easters with 16+ inches of snow in one winter is something that should happen only once every 625 years. Such an event has not happened since the beginning of the historical record in 1870. The numbers are even more impressive for Philadelphia, which has had two snowstorms exceeding 23" this winter. According to the National Climatic Data Center, the return period for a 22+ inch snow storm is once every 100 years--and we've had two 100-year snow storms in Philadelphia this winter. That should happen only once every 10,000 years, in today's climate. Of course, the last ice age was just ending around 12,000 years ago, so this probability number has to be viewed with a some skepticism. Still, the two huge snowstorms this winter in the Mid-Atlantic are definitely a very rare event one should see only once every few hundred years.

Figure 1. "Snowmageddon", the Nor'easter of February 5 - 6, just off the Mid-Atlantic coast, at 12:01 pm EST Saturday 2/6/10. Image credit: NASA GOES project.

The top 10 snowstorms on record for Baltimore:

1. 28.2", Feb 15-18, 2003
2. 26.5", Jan 27-29, 1922
3. 24.8", Feb 5-6, 2010
4. 22.8", Feb 11-12, 1983
5. 22.5", Jan 7-8, 1996
6. 22.0", Mar 29-30, 1942
7. 21.4", Feb 11-14, 1899
8. 21.0", Dec 19-20, 2009
9. 20.0", Feb 18-19, 1979
10. 16.0", Mar 15-18, 1892

The top 10 snowstorms on record for Washington, D.C.:

1. 28.0", Jan 27-28, 1922
2. 20.5", Feb 11-13, 1899
3. 18.7", Feb 18-19, 1979
4. 17.8" Feb 5-6, 2010
5. 17.1", Jan 6-8, 1996
6. 16.7", Feb 15-18, 2003
7. 16.6", Feb 11-12, 1983
8. 16.4", Dec 19-20, 2009 (Snowpocalypse)
9. 14.4", Feb 15-16, 1958
10. 14.4", Feb 7, 1936

Top 9 snowstorms for Philadelphia:

1. 30.7", Jan 7-8, 1996
2. 28.5", Feb 5-6, 2010
3. 23.2", Dec 19-20, 2009
4. 21.3", Feb 11-12, 1983
5. 21.0", Dec 25-26, 1909
6. 19.4", Apr 3-4, 1915
7. 18.9", Feb 12-14, 1899
8. 16.7", Jan 22-24, 1935
9. 15.1", Feb 28-Mar 1, 1941

I'll have a new blog on Monday, when I'll discuss if record snow storms are inconsistent with a world experiencing warming. Have a great Super Bowl weekend, everyone!

Jeff Masters

cleaning up the cars (chills)

Blizzard 2010 (TonyInDC)

winter scenic (gingyb)

From the looks of the cars we may never dig out.

Hubby Tries to Clear the Snow. (Proserpina)

Hubby tried to use the snow-blower to clear the snow, unfortunately for him the snow is too deep for the snow-blower. The shovel and his arms will have to do the job.

Categories: Winter Weather

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551. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 1:16 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
TIME TO REUP THE SNACKS AND REFRESHMENTS Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40398

552. GeoffreyWPB 1:17 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
I think Abbott and Costello would of went off better than that. Member Since: September 10, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 9108

553. PcolaDan 1:20 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting Orcasystems: God I hope they retire now... because its going to be brutal in the news :( Should be penalized, unsportmanlike conduct, and brought in Gloria Estefan. She should be nearby. Member Since: August 22, 2008 Posts: 12 Comments: 6008

554. GeoffreyWPB 1:23 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
I agree Dan...I rather would have heard this: Member Since: September 10, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 9108

555. drg0dOwnCountry 1:23 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
So who won ;) Member Since: September 22, 2005 Posts: 11 Comments: 1924

556. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 1:23 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
good start Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40398

557. aquak9 1:23 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
from the pic posted in the main blog header "hubby tries to clear the snow" to the next day- my father-in-law is a determined man!! Member Since: August 13, 2005 Posts: 163 Comments: 25002

558. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 1:25 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting KEEPEROFTHEGATE: good start 555. drg0dOwnCountry 8:23 PM EST on February 07, 2010 So who won ;) Action: Quote \| Ignore User just started second half i will let ya know in about 45 mins from now Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40398

559. Greyelf 1:26 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
I dunno..I was expecting a train wreck at halftime with The Who. I didn't find it bad at all. I guess that might be the difference. I didn't expect much and got more than I expected. Member Since: June 5, 2007 Posts: 18 Comments: 838

560. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 1:27 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting drg0dOwnCountry: So who won ;) right nows saints 13 colts 10 Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40398

561. drg0dOwnCountry 1:28 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting Seastep: 362. drg0dOwnCountry You can't be serious about Hypercapnia. Only Mountain climbers need to worry about that. Wrong It may also be caused by exposure to environments containing abnormally high concentrations of carbon dioxide (usually due to volcanic or geothermal causes), or by rebreathing exhaled carbon dioxide. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypercapnia An earthquake or volcanic eruption can trigger those. Your claim Co2 is not a pollutant is wrong seastep. Member Since: September 22, 2005 Posts: 11 Comments: 1924

562. GeoffreyWPB 1:29 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Gonna be a nail biter!!!! Member Since: September 10, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 9108

563. drg0dOwnCountry 1:29 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting KEEPEROFTHEGATE: right nows saints 13 colts 10 cooly, i get some snacks and watch this chat here for this epic game, lol. Member Since: September 22, 2005 Posts: 11 Comments: 1924

564. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 1:31 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting GeoffreyWPB: Gonna be a nail biter!!!! right down to the wire colts will come on strong now to try and break em if not saints may go all the way Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40398

565. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 1:38 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
touchdown colts Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40398

566. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 1:40 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
colts 17 saints 16 Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40398

567. drg0dOwnCountry 2:02 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting KEEPEROFTHEGATE: colts 17 saints 13 I want the saints to win, because they didn't in a long time? And the area where the saints are from, deserves it ;) And the name is better ;) So Who Dat? Member Since: September 22, 2005 Posts: 11 Comments: 1924

568. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 2:08 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting drg0dOwnCountry: I want the saints to win, because they didn't in a long time? And the area where the saints are from, deserves it ;) And the name is better ;) So Who Dat? it all comes down to who plays the best and in about 20 mins or so we shall know who will stand and who will fall Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40398

569. drg0dOwnCountry 2:09 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
lol i got a stream but no soudn ;( 16:17 Member Since: September 22, 2005 Posts: 11 Comments: 1924

570. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 2:09 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
5 mins final quarter Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40398

571. GeoffreyWPB 2:11 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
This is such a good game, no matter who wins I'm donating the full amount of my pledge on TD's blog to Portlight. Member Since: September 10, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 9108

572. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 2:14 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
saints 24 colts 17 Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40398

573. drg0dOwnCountry 2:20 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
lol the saints pretty much own now the colts ;) Member Since: September 22, 2005 Posts: 11 Comments: 1924

574. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 2:22 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting drg0dOwnCountry: lol the saints pretty much own now the colts ;) a lot can happen in 5 minutes Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40398

575. drg0dOwnCountry 2:27 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting KEEPEROFTHEGATE: a lot can happen in 5 minutes Seriously this is my first football game i watch ... Member Since: September 22, 2005 Posts: 11 Comments: 1924

576. BahaHurican 2:28 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Well??? Member Since: October 25, 2005 Posts: 19 Comments: 17588

577. drg0dOwnCountry 2:29 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting drg0dOwnCountry: Seriously this is my first football game i watch ... I loke it! have soudn now! Go Siants! Member Since: September 22, 2005 Posts: 11 Comments: 1924

578. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 2:29 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
and the saints go marching in Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40398

579. drg0dOwnCountry 2:29 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
TOUCH DOWN NEW ORLEANS Member Since: September 22, 2005 Posts: 11 Comments: 1924

580. presslord 2:31 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Who... Member Since: August 13, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 10377

581. BtnTx 2:31 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Thanks Peyton for that pass Go Saints! Member Since: October 12, 2001 Posts: 20 Comments: 876

582. presslord 2:32 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
...dat?!?!?!?!?! Member Since: August 13, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 10377

583. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 2:33 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
play of the game Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40398

584. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 2:33 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
classic Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40398

585. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 2:39 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
saints 31 colts 17 congrats super bowl champs Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40398

586. AstroHurricane001 2:42 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Saints 31; Colts 17. Member Since: August 30, 2008 Posts: 8 Comments: 2811

587. drg0dOwnCountry 2:44 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Incomplete, the Saints gonna do it ;) Member Since: September 22, 2005 Posts: 11 Comments: 1924

588. GeoffreyWPB 2:44 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Member Since: September 10, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 9108

589. GeoffreyWPB 2:45 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Let's put up that Portlight link so we can do our thing! Member Since: September 10, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 9108

590. BtnTx 2:46 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Saints 31 Colts 17 FINAL Member Since: October 12, 2001 Posts: 20 Comments: 876

591. drg0dOwnCountry 2:46 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Neat game! Member Since: September 22, 2005 Posts: 11 Comments: 1924

592. Tazmanian 2:47 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
the Saints won Member Since: May 21, 2006 Posts: 5088 Comments: 111320

593. PcolaDan 2:47 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! Member Since: August 22, 2008 Posts: 12 Comments: 6008

594. AstroHurricane001 2:48 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Meanwhile...Behemoth sunspot 1045 has a beta-gamma magnetic field that harbors e[n]ergy for strong M-class solar flares. Member Since: August 30, 2008 Posts: 8 Comments: 2811

595. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 2:48 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
and the saints go marching in Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40398

596. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 2:48 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
great game Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40398

597. BtnTx 2:49 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Awesome Game! Member Since: October 12, 2001 Posts: 20 Comments: 876

598. AstroHurricane001 2:50 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting BtnTx: Saints 31 Colts 17 FINAL I posted it first! Trusty old Wikipedia. :P Member Since: August 30, 2008 Posts: 8 Comments: 2811

599. drg0dOwnCountry 2:52 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
So cool when the saints scored 31. Dman i missed the first parts ... Member Since: September 22, 2005 Posts: 11 Comments: 1924

600. CybrTeddy 2:56 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Aww I wanted the colts to win. We're now at T-3 hours and HOLDING for the launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour in 6 hours, 18 minutes. Member Since: July 8, 2005 Posts: 253 Comments: 20201

601. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 2:58 AM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting CybrTeddy: Aww I wanted the colts to win. We're now at T-3 hours and HOLDING for the launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour in 6 hours, 18 minutes. i wanted the best playing team to win and i guess they are the best of the best Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40398

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