Sandy Threat not Over for New England

The worst impacts may have spared the majority of New England but all one has to do is turn on the news to see the devastation that occurred in the Tri-State region.  New England dodged a direct hit, but the indirect hit from Sandy was still enough to cause 300,000 + customers to lose power in MA alone.  Reports of almost 1 million New England customers are without power.   Here is a list of wind damage reports from yesterday.  Also the south New England shore was rocked by storm surge.  I haven't heard any updates from CT since last night when a Category 4 evacuation (the highest threat) was issued for coastal residents.  Atlantic City was completely flooded; the boardwalk was washing down the street.

ABC 6 News/AP photo of Atlantic City surge

And some from New York City last night

Photo Julian Ehrhardt, Brooklyn

Water in Subways

Water pouring into Subway, captured by security camera

Fires breaking out, reported 50 homes destroyed in Queens

Getty Images

I find these images staggering.  However there will be more time to reflect on Hurricane Sandy's when she is over.  She is not for New England.  Large bands continue to work in off the ocean while Sandy slowly winds down.  Here is Sandy this morning

5 AM surface analysis

Rainfall is streaming into Southern New England off the Atlantic.  Thunderstorms are ongoing in Northern New England.

Rain approaching Blackstone Valley as of 7 AM, more to come

And a close up of SNE

NWS Taunton, MA radar

Some of these rain bands could briefly take on Severe Thunderstorm Characteristics.  The Storm Prediction Center has issued a discussion warning there is a 40% chance New England goes under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch.  Bottom line some of these rain bands will be intense.

Mesoscale Discussion issued 6 am, will update if goes to Severe Watch

These won't be extremely damaging storms, but some branches could come down in the heaviest rain bands as winds above the surface are running about 55-60 mph.  An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out especially near the coast.  Rotating storm bands meet the shoreline where there is friction and that causes tornadoes.

For some good news Friday through next week look to be seasonably mild, something we certainly will take in November.  By the way, 2-4 feet of snow are falling in West Virginia.  May not see an event like this in our lifetimes.  There will be worse storms for New England.  I can't say the same for New Jersey and New York.