March 11–15, 2018 nor'easter explained

Formed:March 10, 2018
Dissipated:March 15, 2018
Rsi:4.335
Maximum-Snow:50inches in Woodford, Vermont
Year:2018
Fatalities:1
Injuries:3
Damage:>$729,000[1] [2] [3] [4]
Areas:Midwestern, Southern and Northeastern United States
Outages:>258,000
Season:2017–18 North American winter

A winter storm, unofficially named Winter Storm Skylar by The Weather Channel, brought widespread blizzard conditions across the Northeastern United States, particularly New England in mid-March 2018. First impacting the Midwestern and Southern United States on March 11–12, causing travel impacts and producing high snowfall totals, the winter storm then moved into the Northeastern United States and became a nor'easter, producing blizzard conditions and heavy snowfall across portions of the interior Northeast on March 13–15. Heavy snow fell in Massachusetts, where most of the state received at least one foot of snow; the storm brought the heaviest March snow on record in Boston and Worcester. Over two feet of snow were reported in portions of Massachusetts, peaking at 31inches in Wilmington. Heavy snow also fell in Rhode Island, where the snowfall peaked at 25.1inches in Foster.[5]

A storm surge of 3feet was reported on Nantucket while a 2.8feet storm surge was recorded in Boston.[5] Over a foot of snow was reported in portions of New Hampshire,[5] with Deerfield receiving almost 29inches and Middleton reporting 28inches. The winter storm moved into Canada, causing additional power outages and producing snowfall totals of over 10inches in some locations.[6] Of the four nor'easters that impacted the Northeast in March, this nor'easter was the strongest in terms of minimum pressure, at least 968mb. The heaviest snow fell in southern Vermont, with Woodford receiving 50inches of snow.

Meteorological history

On March 10, a disturbance was located across portions of the Great Plains, bringing snowfall. The next day, a low-pressure area in the Mid-Mississippi River valley brought additional snowfall across portions of the region, and then moved into the Appalachian Mountains. A separate, more dominant area of low-pressure also developed offshore of the Mid-Atlantic coastline, which then moved northeast on March 13.[7] Rapid deepening then commenced overnight, with its central pressure dropping to at least 968mb, and a separate upper-level low trekked into areas near the New York/Pennsylvania border, causing heavy snowfall to occur across portions of the Northeastern United States, mostly focused along the New England portion of the coast.

As it strengthened, this also caused blizzard conditions across portions of the region, including areas in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and causing high snow accumulations. A low-level convergence zone, combined with strong upper-level lift, continued snowfall across the same region in the evening hours of March 13, some heavy at times. The next day, snowfall was limited to areas downstream of lakes and in higher elevations as the upper-level low moved into New England, and by March 15, the moisture became limited as upper-level low pressure area moved into Canada. The system dissipated soon thereafter.

Preparations and impact

Midwestern United States

In Perry County, Indiana, trees and power lines were down as 5inches of snow fell. Snow fell as far north as Huntingburg, Indiana, where 1.7inches of snow was recorded, and the heaviest snow in Indiana fell near Leopold, with 6inches. Several states across the Midwest also received snowfall, with the heaviest snowfall across the states being 6inches in Herald, Illinois, 5inches near Wright City, Missouri, 4.5inches near Centerville, Iowa, and 3.5inches in Hiram, Ohio. Damage totaled $60,000 across the Midwest, including $30,000 each in Illinois and Indiana.

Southern United States

Damages in the southern United States totaled $125,000 (2018 USD).

Kentucky

Southeast of Lexington, 10.5inches of snow fell as numerous school districts were closed.[8] Four injuries occurred after separate car accidents, and there was an additional 70 non-injury car crashes.[9] Portions of Interstate 75 were closed as several multi-car crashes occurred, including an injury crash on the Clays Ferry Bridge. In Powell County, a 40-car pileup occurred on the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway, which led to an hour-long closure of the roadway.[10] Louisville International Airport received 2.4inches of snow, and numerous trees and power lines were down across the state.[11] Kentucky Public Service Commission reported nearly 27,200 power outages, and Kentucky Utilities reported 967 outages.

North Carolina

Winter weather advisories were in effect for central portions of the state. Sleet and freezing rain mixed with snow, causing hazardous road conditions and sleet accumulations.[12] Across the state, 40 school districts had early dismissals, delayed openings, or were closed.[13] [14] The highest snowfall total in the state occurred at Mount Mitchell State Park, where 9inches of snow fell. A 69mph wind gust was recorded at Jennettes Pier, while a 65mph wind gust occurred at Oregon Inlet Coast Guard Station.[15] The mixed precipitation also impacted roads, which resulted in one death.[16]

Elsewhere

Across the Nashville metropolitan area in Tennessee, mixed precipitation fell, with rain changing to snow, which led to snow accumulations around NaNinches across northern portions of the metropolitan area. The highest snow accumulation in Tennessee was in Roan Mountain, which recorded 7inches.

Northeastern United States

Damages in the northeastern United States totaled $544,000 (2018 USD).

Massachusetts

Schools were cancelled across several school districts, including Boston Public Schools.[17] State offices across the state were closed, along with the Boston Public Library and its branches.[18] Amtrak service from Boston to New York City was suspended.[19] MBTA boat service was suspended, and MBTA buses were on snow routes. Service was reduced on the MBTA subway, and the Mattapan Trolley was replaced with bus shuttles.[20] The high-occupancy vehicle lane of Interstate 93 between Boston and Quincy was closed. Boston mayor Marty Walsh declared a snow emergency in advance of the approaching winter storm, and issued a parking ban.[21] Snow emergencies and parking bans were also in place in Cambridge, Danvers, Lowell, and New Bedford. National Weather Service Taunton, Massachusetts meteorologist Kim Buttrick stated "This one's main impact is going to be snow."

Blizzard conditions occurred across portions of the state, including areas in Boston, Hyannis, Falmouth, Plymouth, Marshfield, and Martha's Vineyard,[22] bringing wind gusts around NaNmph and high snowfall totals, with Wilmington receiving 31inches of snow and Methuen recording 28.3inches of snowfall.[23] [24] Along the Atlantic coast, coastal flooding occurred on roadways in Marshfield and Scituate. Wind gusts up to 81mph occurred as well along the coastline in East Falmouth.[25] Worcester Regional Airport received 21.8inches, and was closed, along with Worcester Public Schools.[26] A portion of the Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90) was closed near Charlton due to a jackknifed tractor-trailer as speed restrictions were in place on the interstate.[27] Across the state, as widespread trees and wires were downed, more than 230,000 power outages occurred,[28] and 840 flights were cancelled at Logan International Airport, where 14.8inches of snow fell.[29] The American Red Cross opened three shelters in Hyannis, Fall River, and Plympton.

New Hampshire

Numerous schools and state offices were closed in New Hampshire, and Rockingham Park, along with The Mall of New Hampshire and Pheasant Lane Mall, were closed or closed early.[30] American Airlines suspended flights and operations in Manchester, and several car crashes also occurred across the state. After the winter storm, on June 8, United States president Donald Trump approved a disaster declaration for Carroll, Rockingham, and Strafford counties in New Hampshire.[31] [32]

Connecticut

Numerous school districts closed schools,[33] including in Hartford, and state offices were also closed.[34] American Airlines suspended flights and operations in New Haven. Parking bans were also issued, and a winter storm warning was issued for the entire state.[35] At Bradley International Airport, 75 percent of all flights on March 13 were cancelled. There were nearly 1,800 power outages, and 77 car accidents occurred across the state, including two injuries, and Massachusetts State Police responded to 810 service calls.[36] The heaviest snowfall fell in Scotland, which recorded 26inches of snow,[37] while Oakdale received 23inches of snow.[38]

Elsewhere

Several schools across Rhode Island closed, including Chariho Regional School District and schools in Providence.[39] [40] Most of the state received at least 12inches of snow as blizzard conditions occurred. Scituate recorded the highest snowfall total in Rhode Island, with 22inches.[41] A 64mph wind gust occurred in Newport.

In New York, more than 6,000 power outages occurred in Long Island, and 180 flights were cancelled at LaGuardia Airport.[42] [43] A travel advisory was issued by the New York City Emergency Management on March 13. American Airlines also suspended operations and flights in Burlington, Vermont. A location in the higher elevations of Woodford, Vermont received a snowfall total of 50inches in a three-day period.[44]

Blizzard conditions occurred across portions of Maine, including in Portland, where schools were closed. Over a foot of snow was reported in portions of the state, and American Airlines suspended all flights out of Portland.

Canada

As the low-pressure area associated with the winter storm moved into eastern portions of the country,[45] more than 5,500 power outages occurred in New Brunswick, and 45cm (18inches) of snow fell in Miramichi, New Brunswick.[46] Several locations across New Brunswick received more than 10inches.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. January 2, 2024.
  2. Web site: Storm Events Database. National Centers for Environmental Information. January 2, 2024. November 25, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231125153141/https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=%28Z%29%20Winter%20Weather&beginDate_mm=03&beginDate_dd=12&beginDate_yyyy=2018&endDate_mm=03&endDate_dd=14&endDate_yyyy=2018&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=-999%2CALL. live.
  3. Web site: Storm Events Database . December 6, 2023 . . December 7, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180412/https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=ALL&beginDate_mm=03&beginDate_dd=09&beginDate_yyyy=2018&endDate_mm=03&endDate_dd=14&endDate_yyyy=2018&county=ALL&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=17,ILLINOIS . live .
  4. Web site: Storm Events Database . December 6, 2023 . . December 7, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231207181957/https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=ALL&beginDate_mm=03&beginDate_dd=09&beginDate_yyyy=2018&endDate_mm=03&endDate_dd=15&endDate_yyyy=2018&county=ALL&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=18,INDIANA . live .
  5. Web site: March 13, 2018 . Winter Storm Skylar, Third Nor'easter to Strike the Northeast, Brought Blizzard Conditions and Feet of Snow to New England . March 13, 2018 . The Weather Channel.
  6. Web site: Who saw the most snow after this week's nor'easter? . November 13, 2023 . cbc.ca.
  7. Web site: March 13-15, 2018 Snowfall . October 6, 2023 . . EN-US . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118154013/https://www.weather.gov/aly/March13-15Snow . live .
  8. Web site: Brookbank . Sarah . March 12, 2018 . Winter storm Skylar slams southern, central Kentucky, misses NKY . October 6, 2023 . . en-US . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118154000/https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/local/northern-ky/2018/03/12/winter-storm-skylar-lexington-kentucky-snow/415714002/ . live .
  9. Web site: Stunson . Mike . Musgrave . Beth . March 12, 2018 . Here's what happens when up to 8 inches of snow falls overnight . October 6, 2023 . . May 28, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180528152149/http://www.kentucky.com/news/local/counties/fayette-county/article204655469.html . live .
  10. Web site: Heavy Wet Snow Hits East Central Kentucky from March 11th to 12th . October 6, 2023 . . EN-US . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118153847/https://www.weather.gov/jkl/03122018snow . live .
  11. Web site: Winter Storm Report from March 11-12, 2018 . October 6, 2023 . . EN-US . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118152222/https://www.weather.gov/lmk/WinterStormMarch11_12_2018 . live .
  12. Web site: Bennett . Abbie . Molina . Camila . March 12, 2018 . More than 3 inches of snow in parts of central NC so far, and it's still falling . October 7, 2023 . . July 10, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210710172916/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article204646819.html . live .
  13. Web site: Bennett . Abbie . Molina . Camila . Warren-Hicks . Colin . March 12, 2018 . Johnston County schools closed Tuesday; many other Triangle systems on delay . October 7, 2023 . The News & Observer.
  14. Web site: Bennett . Abbie . March 12, 2018 . Gov. Roy Cooper warns of winter storm dangers: 'Stay off the roads if you can' . October 7, 2023 . . May 20, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180520225535/http://www.newsobserver.com/news/weather/article204705739.html . live .
  15. Web site: Minor Winter Weather Event, March 12-13, 2018 . October 7, 2023 . . EN-US . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118165426/https://www.weather.gov/mhx/MinorWinterEvent31218 . live .
  16. Web site: March 13, 2018 . Three-peat: Another major winter storm begins battering Northeast . October 7, 2023 . . en-US . April 28, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220428125538/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/three-peat-another-major-winter-storm-begins-battering-northeast/ . live .
  17. Web site: Williams . Michelle . March 12, 2018 . School closings for Massachusetts for Tuesday, March 13 . October 5, 2023 . . en . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118154128/https://www.masslive.com/weather/2018/03/school_closings_for_massachuse_6.html . live .
  18. Web site: March 12, 2018 . Gov. Baker Urges Public to Stay Home Tuesday, Announces State Office Closures . October 8, 2023 . . en-US . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118153052/https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/3rd-march-nor-easter-new-england-preparations/126014/ . live .
  19. Web site: Swasey . Benjamin . March 13, 2018 . Mass. Gets Whacked By 3rd Nor'easter In Less Than 2 Weeks . October 5, 2023 . . en . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118154013/https://www.wbur.org/news/2018/03/13/noreaster-part-three . live .
  20. Web site: Sweet . Laurel J. . Herald . Owen Boss . March 13, 2018 . 190,000 without power in Mass. as nor"easter blizzard whips state . October 5, 2023 . . en-US . January 27, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210127075410/https://www.bostonherald.com/2018/03/13/190000-without-power-in-mass-as-noreaster-blizzard-whips-state/ . live .
  21. Web site: March 13, 2018 . Boston declares snow emergency for Wednesday; schools closed, parking ban in effect . October 6, 2023 . . en-US . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118163725/https://whdh.com/news/boston-declares-snow-emergency-for-wednesday-schools-closed-parking-ban-in-effect/ . live .
  22. News: Fritz . Angela . March 14, 2023 . March 13 blizzard dumped as much as 2 feet of snow in eastern Massachusetts . October 6, 2023 . . July 10, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210710234551/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2018/03/14/tuesdays-blizzard-dumped-as-much-as-2-feet-of-snow-in-eastern-massachusetts/ . live .
  23. Web site: March 13, 2018 . Snow Totals – Who Has The Most From March 13 Blizzard . October 5, 2023 . . en-US . October 4, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231004192514/https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/snow-totals-boston-massachusetts-march-13-2018-storm-noreaster-blizzard-warnings/ . live .
  24. Web site: March 13, 2018 . New England Snowfall Totals for 3rd March Nor'easter . October 5, 2023 . . en-US . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118153433/https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/new-england-snowfall-totals-for-march-13-noreaster/125766/ . live .
  25. Web site: Rubin-Oster . Brendon . March 13, 2018 . Storm Summary Message . October 6, 2023 . . March 28, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210328120025/https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/storm_summaries/2018/storm13/stormsum_9.html . live .
  26. Web site: March 12, 2018 . Record-Breaking Blizzard: Worcester picks up nearly 2 feet of snow . October 6, 2023 . . en . November 20, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231120124103/https://www.boston25news.com/news/record-breaking-blizzard-worcester-picks-up-nearly-2-feet-of-snow/714621769/ . live .
  27. Web site: March 13, 2018 . #MAtraffic Crash, Tandem TT unit jackknifed, I-90 EB at the 87 mm in #Charlton. ALL lanes closed. #MAsnow ❄️ pic.twitter.com/6x7DbvUE3L . October 6, 2023 . X (formerly Twitter) . en . March 8, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210308131513/https://twitter.com/MassStatePolice/status/973529254720917506 . live .
  28. Web site: Golembo . Max . Shapiro . Emily . Griffin . Melissa . March 13, 2018 . Nor'easter pummels Boston as Seattle experiences record heat . October 6, 2023 . . en . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118153052/https://abcnews.go.com/US/noreaster-pummels-boston-seattle-experiences-record-heat/story?id=53702200 . live .
  29. Web site: March 13, 2018 . Nor'Easter Cancels More Than 800 Flights At Logan Airport . October 6, 2023 . . en-US . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118163902/https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/noreaster-logan-airport-flights-boston-amtrak-snow/ . live .
  30. Web site: March 13, 2018 . Winter Storm Blog: Nor'easter Belts N.H., Outages Limited So Far . October 8, 2023 . . en . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118152017/https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2018-03-13/winter-storm-blog-noreaster-belts-n-h-outages-limited-so-far . live .
  31. Web site: June 8, 2018 . President Donald J. Trump Approves New Hampshire Disaster Declaration – The White House . October 8, 2023 . Trump White House Archives . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118153850/https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-approves-new-hampshire-disaster-declaration-5/ . live .
  32. Web site: June 10, 2018 . N.H. Counties Hit by March Nor'easter Eligible for Federal Aid . October 8, 2023 . . en . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118153959/https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2018-06-10/n-h-counties-hit-by-march-noreaster-eligible-for-federal-aid . live .
  33. Web site: O'Neill . Tara . March 14, 2023 . Connecticut hit with dusting in some area, more than half a foot in others . October 9, 2023 . . en-US . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118155517/https://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Connecticut-hit-with-dusting-in-some-area-more-12750983.php . live .
  34. Web site: March 13, 2018 . Gov Malloy Announces State Offices Will Be Closed on Tuesday March 13 Due to Snowstorm . October 9, 2023 . CT.gov . en.
  35. Web site: March 13, 2018 . Snowstorm hits Long Island, Connecticut . October 9, 2023 . . en-US . March 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230324191119/https://www.fox5ny.com/news/snowstorm-hits-long-island-connecticut . live .
  36. Web site: March 14, 2018 . NWS: Freezing temperatures could make evening commute hazardous . October 9, 2023 . . en-US . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118155517/https://www.ctpost.com/weather/article/Connecticut-ready-for-latest-nor-easter-12748687.php . live .
  37. Web site: Hanrahan . Ryan . March 15, 2018 . March 13, 2018 Snow Storm . October 9, 2023 . . en-US.
  38. Web site: March 13-14th Heavy Snow Event . October 9, 2023 . . EN-US . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118160402/https://www.weather.gov/okx/storm03132018 . live .
  39. Web site: Crandall . Brian . March 12, 2018 . Several schools announce closures with storm looming . October 8, 2023 . . en . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118163706/https://turnto10.com/news/local/several-schools-announce-closures-with-storm-looming . live .
  40. Web site: Park . Madison . Hanna . Jason . March 13, 2018 . Blizzard slams New England in third major storm of past 2 weeks . October 6, 2023 . . en . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118164329/https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/13/weather/northeast-winter-storm/index.html . live .
  41. Web site: Ide . Stephen . Perry . Jack . March 13, 2018 . Snow totals climb; Providence officially had blizzard . October 8, 2023 . . en-US . November 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231118153437/https://www.providencejournal.com/story/weather/2018/03/13/snow-totals-climb-providence-officially-had-blizzard/12935453007/ . live .
  42. Web site: March 13, 2018 . Storm Blasts Winter-Weary Northeastern US . October 7, 2023 . . en.
  43. Web site: Durkin Richer . Alanna . March 14, 2018 . Storm blasts winter-weary Northeast; thousands lose power . October 8, 2023 . . en.
  44. Web site: LaPointe . Steve . March 13, 2021 . The "Snow Bomb" That Was March 2018 - The 3rd and Final Storm Began 3 Years Ago Today . December 30, 2023 . . en . December 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231230221727/https://cbs6albany.com/weather/weather-extra/the-snow-bomb-that-was-march-2018-the-3rd-and-final-storm-began-3-years-ago-today . live .
  45. Web site: March 15, 2018 . Winter Storm Slowly Moving Through Quebec and the Maritimes . November 13, 2023 . . en-CA . November 13, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231113031614/https://weather.com/en-CA/canada/news/news/2018-03-15-winter-storm-quebec-maritimes . live .
  46. Web site: Wright . Pam . March 16, 2018 . New Brunswick, Canada, Hammered by Back-to-Back-to-Back Nor'easters (PHOTOS) . November 13, 2023 . . en-US . November 13, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231113023107/https://weather.com/photos/news/2018-03-16-canada-bathurst-new-brunswick-noreasters-photos-images-0 . live .

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