Winter Storm Watch Issued; Up to 10-Inches of Snow Forecast

Brick Beach III during the March 5, 2015 snow storm. (Photo: Daniel Nee) Click to expand.

A winter storm watch has been issued for the Shore area, with the National Weather Service warning of up to 10-inches of heavy, wet snow in store for the region.

The watch extends from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, according to the NWS’s office in Mount Holly.

“A dangerous storm threatens heavy accumulations of wind driven sleet and snow which may cause widespread power outages and make travel very difficult at times,” the watch statement said.

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According to the forecast, a pair of back-to-back NorEasters Tuesday and Wednesday mornings will merge into a single intense storm off the mid-Atlantic coast by Wednesday afternoon before sprinting up the coast to New England on Thursday. Travel plans will be “substantially altered by Wednesday,” the statement said.

“Consideration should be given to no unnecessary travel Wednesday afternoon and evening when the heaviest snow with 1 to 3 inch per hour accumulation rates should occur,” the watch said.

Specific to the Shore area, forecasters are predicting “heavy mixed precipitation possible” with total snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches, with localized amounts up to 10 inches, plus possible ice accumulations of a light glaze.

“Plan on difficult travel conditions, including during the evening commute on Wednesday,” the watch statement said. “Significant reductions in visibility are possible. Northeast to north winds will gust 25 to 35 mph while snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour develop midday Wednesday. Widespread power outages may develop Wednesday afternoon and evening.”

The NWS has also issued a coastal flood watch from Tuesday night through Wednesday. Minor flooding is possible Tuesday with minor to moderate flooding possible Wednesday. A storm surge of 1.5 to 2.5 feet will occur between Tuesday and Wednesday, and ocean waves may build to 8-12 feet.