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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701. Bordonaro 2:34 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting Jeff9641: It is going to get cold enough for snow in the Florida Panhandle! The computer models keep a pointing in that direction!! Has anyone seen Patrap today, or is he still celebrating DA SAINTS victory on Bourbon Street? Member Since: August 25, 2009 Posts: 20 Comments: 6785

702. mikester 2:35 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting Bordonaro: Good morning everyone! The WHO was awesome last night! I am 48yrs old, and not ashamed of it and the Saints were awesome! Todays $64,000.00 question is, "How much more snow is the DC/Balt/Philly, NYC and Boston going to get on Tuesday into Wednesday"? URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC 404 AM EST MON FEB 8 2010 DCZ001-MDZ004>007-009>011-013-014-VAZ040-042-052>054-501-081715- /O.CON.KLWX.WS.A.0005.100209T1900Z-100210T2100Z/ DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA-FREDERICK MD-CARROLL-NORTHERN BALTIMORE- HARFORD-MONTGOMERY-HOWARD-SOUTHERN BALTIMORE-PRINCE GEORGES- ANNE ARUNDEL-RAPPAHANNOCK-LOUDOUN- PRINCE WILLIAM/MANASSAS/MANASSAS PARK-FAIRFAX- ARLINGTON/FALLS CHURCH/ALEXANDRIA-NORTHERN FAUQUIER- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...WASHINGTON...FREDERICK...WESTMINSTER... GAITHERSBURG...COLUMBIA...BALTIMORE...ANNAPOLIS...LEESBURG... MANASSAS...MANASSAS PARK...FAIRFAX...ALEXANDRIA...FALLS CHURCH... WARRENTON 404 AM EST MON FEB 8 2010 ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON... A WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. * PRECIPITATION TYPE...SNOW. * ACCUMULATIONS...POTENTIAL FOR 5 OR MORE INCHES OF SNOW. * TIMING...MID TO LATE TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. * TEMPERATURES...TEMPERATURES AT OR JUST ABOVE FREEZING AT THE ONSET TUESDAY AFTERNOON. TEMPERATURES WILL DROP INTO THE MID TO UPPER 20S TUESDAY NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY. * WINDS...LIGHT SOUTHEASTERLY WINDS TUESDAY BECOMING NORTH- NORTHWESTERLY 15 TO 25 MPH WEDNESDAY. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT SNOW ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS. NY and pts further north are probably not going to get snow measuring in ft like you guys in baltimore. We will probably get around 8" of snow. I would love to see snow in 2-3ft range around here but i have a gut feeling that ain't going to happen to us. Maybe on the shore nycity/boston might get 1-2ft maybe. Still to far out to get an good idea. Member Since: April 4, 2005 Posts: 1 Comments: 133

703. Bordonaro 2:36 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting AwakeInMaryland: One runway will be open at National Airport at 10:00am EST. BWI and Dulles have limited service today. Good morning AIM. Ready to pack your bags and head to Miami, FL ahead of Winter Storm III. Got this funny feeling you will be seeing another 6-18" on Tu-We. Member Since: August 25, 2009 Posts: 20 Comments: 6785

704. IKE 2:38 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting Jeff9641: I felt as if I as watching the WHO Grandad episode. A bunch of old men playing in a band at a retirement community (aka The Villages, FL) LOL http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Villages,_Florida I kind of agree with what Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane said.... ""all rock-and-rollers over the age of 50 look stupid and should retire.""..... Speaking of Grace Slick. You think she could still rock on-stage? Member Since: June 9, 2005 Posts: 23 Comments: 37070

705. AwakeInMaryland 2:40 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting Bordonaro: The computer models keep a pointing in that direction!! Has anyone seen Patrap today, or is he still celebrating DA SAINTS victory on Bourbon Street? You needed to ask the second part of that question? :) Good morning, Bob. Doesn't look too good for my escape plan to drive south. I'll just keep "visualizing" warm beaches and pina coladas. Congrats Saints and fans! I should have bought a Saints shirt here before this win. Now they will be mega-$$$$. Member Since: August 19, 2008 Posts: 32 Comments: 1918

706. hydrus 2:44 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting AwakeInMaryland: You needed to ask the second part of that question? :) Good morning, Bob. Doesn't look too good for my escape plan to drive south. I'll just keep "visualizing" warm beaches and pina coladas. Congrats Saints and fans! I should have bought a Saints shirt here before this win. Now they will be mega-$$$$. You will have to get one of those car T.V,s so you can keep up with the latest weather info. ( car T.V,s LOL). Member Since: September 27, 2007 Posts: 1 Comments: 14715

707. AwakeInMaryland 2:48 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting hydrus: You will have to get one of those car T.V,s so you can keep up with the latest weather info. ( car T.V,s LOL). Isn't it against the law to watch, blog and drive, lol? Oh, you mean I could "pull over" and catch up (a little cya, there)! Member Since: August 19, 2008 Posts: 32 Comments: 1918

708. hydrus 2:52 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting AwakeInMaryland: Isn't it against the law to watch, blog and drive, lol? Oh, you mean I could "pull over" and catch up (a little cya, there)! I am always fascinated with this computer tech of today. I think of the future when computers will rule the world, Oh, I mean cyberspace. I do not have a t.v. in my car yet. 67 Cutless supreme. Member Since: September 27, 2007 Posts: 1 Comments: 14715

709. Bordonaro 2:53 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting AwakeInMaryland: You needed to ask the second part of that question? :) Good morning, Bob. Doesn't look too good for my escape plan to drive south. I'll just keep "visualizing" warm beaches and pina coladas. Congrats Saints and fans! I should have bought a Saints shirt here before this win. Now they will be mega-$$$$. Talking about the Who I had a Jefferson Starship "White Rabbit" flashback, ya know "Go Ask Alice". Watched the You Tube Video from Woodstock in 1969. You can get out today, head to Florida ahead of the next snowstorm! However you may be there for awhile, with 2 more East Coast storms for this week. Member Since: August 25, 2009 Posts: 20 Comments: 6785

710. AwakeInMaryland 2:56 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting hydrus: I am always fascinated with this computer tech of today. I think of the future when computers will rule the world, Oh, I mean cyberspace. We rented "MOON" from Netflix. Kevin Spacey puts his usual interesting twist on the voice of this movie's version of space-computer "Hal." Member Since: August 19, 2008 Posts: 32 Comments: 1918

711. Bordonaro 2:59 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting IKE: I kind of agree with what Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane said.... ""all rock-and-rollers over the age of 50 look stupid and should retire.""..... Speaking of Grace Slick. You think she could still rock on-stage? The answer is a resounding yes!! Member Since: August 25, 2009 Posts: 20 Comments: 6785

712. IKE 3:03 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting Bordonaro: Talking about the Who I had a Jefferson Starship "White Rabbit" flashback, ya know "Go Ask Alice". Watched the You Tube Video from Woodstock in 1969. You can get out today, head to Florida ahead of the next snowstorm! However you may be there for awhile, with 2 more East Coast storms for this week. Man....it's a small world...I was listening to the kick-a rocker right now....the same song!!!! Member Since: June 9, 2005 Posts: 23 Comments:** 37070

713. Buhdog 3:03 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
I thought the stage was the highlight of the halftime show. That was some serious lighting...I cant believe that they don't a mash of different artists..like we see on PBS every so often. I would rather have 3 or 4 groups all do 1 or 2 songs. How about a "Van Halen", Mellencamp, JOhn Mayer, Rascal Flats" line up....1 or 2 songs each and Jam out. Make us all happy.... Member Since: July 30, 2005 Posts: 1 Comments: 952

714. Nimitz 3:03 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting AwakeInMaryland: You needed to ask the second part of that question? :) Good morning, Bob. Doesn't look too good for my escape plan to drive south. I'll just keep "visualizing" warm beaches and pina coladas. Congrats Saints and fans! I should have bought a Saints shirt here before this win. Now they will be mega-$$$$. Pat probably has the mother of all hangovers, possibly induced by several Sazerac's (which make Hurricanes look like weak beer). WHO DAT? DA SAINTS, DATS WHO!!! Member Since: August 17, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 75

715. Bordonaro 3:04 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Well it looks like the Dallas-Ft Worth, TX may look a "Lil' like Christmas" on Th 2-11, our earlier Area Forecast Discussion below: .PREV DISCUSSION... /ISSUED 307 AM CST MON FEB 8 2010/ 307 AM AT 3 AM WE ARE SEEING AN OCCASIONAL LIGHTNING STRIKE...WITH SOME BRIEF HEAVY RAIN OCCURRING IN THE STRONGEST CELLS. MCKINNEY AIRPORT HAS PICKED UP 0.37 OF RAIN SO FAR. I EXPECT TODAY/S EVENT TO CONTINUE IN THIS FASHION THROUGH THIS EVENING. STORM TOTAL PRECIPITATION STILL LOOKS LIKE ABOUT A HALF INCH IN THE SOUTH AND AN INCH TO AN INCH AND A HALF IN THE NORTHEAST. CREEK AND RIVER FLOODING CONTINUE TO BE THE MAIN THREATS. RAPID DRYING IN THE ATMOSPHERE WILL ACCOMPANY THE COLDER AIR TONIGHT...AND WE HAVE REMOVED ANY MENTION OF WINTER PRECIP OVERNIGHT. I CANNOT COMPLETELY RULE OUT A FEW FLURRIES IN THE NORTHEAST...BUT IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE A HIGH ENOUGH PROBABILITY TO PUT IN THE FORECAST AND WOULD LEAVE NO IMPACTS. WIND CHILLS IN THE TEENS ARE EXPECTED MONDAY NIGHT/TUESDAY MORNING...WITH WINDS GUSTING INTO THE LOW 30S AT TIMES. AS FOR THE THURSDAY SYSTEM...NAM/ECMWF ARE MORE CONSERVATIVE WITH QPF BUT IT DOES LOOK LIKE WE WILL SEE A WINTER MIX. AFTERNOON TEMPERATURES WILL BE ABOVE FREEZING ACROSS ALL OF NORTH TEXAS...SO EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE ALMOST A HALF INCH OF SNOW FALL POSSIBLE IN THE NORTHEAST...IT WILL MELT RATHER THAN ACCUMULATE. ISOLATED TRAVEL PROBLEMS MAY OCCUR THURSDAY MORNING WHEN FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED NORTH OF A LINE FROM LAMPASAS TO CANTON...AND AGAIN AFTER MIDNIGHT THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNRISE FRIDAY. TEMPERATURES WILL REMAIN BELOW NORMAL THROUGH FRIDAY...WITH WIDESPREAD 50S RETURNING SATURDAY THROUGH MONDAY. WITH LITTLE MODEL CONSENSUS...HAVE KEPT LOW POPS FOR MONDAY TROUGH TUESDAY MORNING AS ANOTHER UPPER TROF IS PROGGED INTO THE AREA. 84 Member Since: August 25, 2009 Posts: 20 Comments: 6785

716. RitaEvac 3:04 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Winner Winner...Chicken Dinner. Dat Saints are Winners. Should of had ZZ Top at halftime Member Since: July 14, 2008 Posts: 1 Comments: 8953

717. AwakeInMaryland 3:08 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting Bordonaro: The answer is a resounding yes!! Grace -- sure, after some intense work outs with Mick Jagger and/or Debbie Harry of Blondie fame. ------------------------------------------- Don't know why but just not motivated enough to drive south... I think because these continuing snowstorms are kind of mesmerizing... also, CERT call-outs to standby to help in shelters have started... Member Since: August 19, 2008 Posts: 32 Comments: 1918

718. hydrus 3:10 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting AwakeInMaryland: We rented "MOON" from Netflix. Kevin Spacey puts his usual interesting twist on the voice of this movie's version of space-computer "Hal." I remember someone asking, who,s navigating the ship? And they all answered (Newton! ) Member Since: September 27, 2007 Posts: 1 Comments: 14715

719. Bordonaro 3:12 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting AwakeInMaryland: Grace -- sure, after some intense work outs with Mick Jagger and/or Debbie Harry of Blondie fame. ------------------------------------------- Don't know why but just not motivated enough to drive south... I think because these continuing snowstorms are kind of mesmerizing... also, CERT call-outs to standby to help in shelters have started... Mesmerizing, like the "Twilight Zone"?? Member Since: August 25, 2009 Posts: 20 Comments: 6785

720. PensacolaDoug 3:15 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
"Super Sunday" leads to "Hangover Monday" or in some cases "Hair-of-the-dog Monday"! Member Since: July 25, 2006 Posts: 0 Comments: 4831

721. NewEnglandCT 3:19 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
really cool picture from space showing the snow cover from the last storm (large picture) LINK Member Since: January 24, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 13

722. TampaSpin 3:19 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Congrats to all the Saints FAns....Gotta give Coach Payton his due......the dude is one hell of a Coach and one has to love the risky chances he takes to win.......LOVE IT! Member Since: September 2, 2007 Posts: 176 Comments: 19767

723. twhcracker 3:21 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting RitaEvac: Winner Winner...Chicken Dinner. Dat Saints are Winners. Should of had ZZ Top at halftime shoulda had professor longhair or some bourbon street jass band at half time! Member Since: July 30, 2007 Posts: 6 Comments: 1448

724. beell 3:24 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting PensacolaDoug: "Super Sunday" leads to "Hangover Monday" or in some cases "Hair-of-the-dog Monday"! Some folks MIA around the work place here this morning. The Who Dat Flu. Member Since: September 11, 2007 Posts: 126 Comments: 13069

725. hcubed 3:25 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting Jeff9641: Agree Snoop, Akon, or even some Rick Ross would have been fine. That half time show was pathetic to say the least. My wife said that music is the music they play on there TV show called NCIS. Marketing ploy on there part. Actually, its CSI - all three versions (original, CSI: Miami, and CSI: NY). All three are CBS shows anyway. Coulda just done the CSI medley and called it a halftime show. I mean, Who would have known the difference? Member Since: May 18, 2007 Posts: 288 Comments: 1639

726. TampaSpin 3:30 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Round # heck i forgot what # this is now....but here it goes again for the MidAtlantic and East Coast.... The Low in NE gets blocked and does not move.....Long peroid of Cold Air coming South i looks again.... Member Since: September 2, 2007 Posts: 176 Comments: 19767

727. atmoaggie 3:33 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
new blog Member Since: August 16, 2007 Posts: 6 Comments: 12461

728. TampaSpin 3:34 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Quoting hcubed: Actually, its CSI - all three versions (original, CSI: Miami, and CSI: NY). All three are CBS shows anyway. Coulda just done the CSI medley and called it a halftime show. I mean, Who would have known the difference? I agree that half time show was miserable to listen to......i was hoping for another wardrobe malfunction on stage and had them dragged off. I don't think a single musical key note was hit during the entire pathetic performance......that was horrible. Member Since: September 2, 2007 Posts: 176 Comments: 19767

729. ChicagoCub 11:11 PM GMT on February 08, 2010
Newbie ere... Understanding focus is on East Coast and all the snow they have been getting this year and are expecting this week; any thoughts on how bad it may or may not get in Chicago this week with what's coming? I seem to remember someone once told me that the storms that hit this area that come from the South can contain surprises in the amount of snow; snow totals being higher than predicted. Would enjoy hearing from you all. Gathering supplies!

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