A Comparison of Storms
•President’s Day Nor’easter of ‘03
–Top 10 historic snowfalls for BOS, PVD, ORH and Blue Hill
–Large area of 20+” snow fall across eastern and north central MA (28” Rockport)
–Astronomical high tide, but only one cycle (12 hours)
–Minor coastal flooding
–Fast moving “weak” storm, ended within 24 hours
–47 mph peak wind gust
•The Blizzard of ‘78
–Record snows for several locations (BOS, PVD)
–Officially 38” snowfall with large area of 30+”
–Devastating high tides for FOUR tide cycles (2 days) with continual onshore flow
–MAJOR coastal flooding
–Storm stalled off coast and developed into strong storm, 30+ hour snow duration
–Hurricane force wind gusts