December 14, 2003
Nor'easter

General Storm Evolution | Radar Animations | Snowfall Total Maps | Satellite Imagery

Sunday December 14 | Monday December 15

I knew that winters in the Northeast United States were more exciting than where I grew up (Southern Illinois), but I had no idea just how exciting they could be.  On Sunday, December 14th, 2003, I would experience my first Nor'easter. A beautiful wind driven snow would quickly change to wind driven rain, in the city of Boston, Massachusetts.  At the time of this storm I lived in Toronto, Ontario.  I was actually in Boston to see if I might be interested in moving there.  I was happy to experience a bit of the "hometown" weather while visiting the city.

I was also able to experience just how difficult forecasting can be in the Northeast.  Apparently the snow/rain line can make or break you in a state like Massachusetts. A few miles to the north and west of Boston the precipitation remained all snow during the event.  This, while Boston was receiving flooding rainfall.  I spent a lot of time in Boston Common, which was blanketed in heavy snow.  Boston Common is a famous park that runs through the middle of the City of Boston.  If you have never visited it then I would highly recommend, if given a chance, that you do so!  Most of the photographs that you see on my gallery page were taken from that location.

Although this was by no means a severe Nor'easter it was enough to wet my appetite to experience more of these type of storms.  Perhaps in the years to come I will be able to do just that.
 

By Sunday morning snow was already starting to move into portions of Pennsylvania.  Meanwhile, back in Boston, clouds were thickening throughout the morning and afternoon hours.  Those who love weather will know exactly what I mean when I say the clouds were lowering.  The sky grew darker and darker throughout the day.  Precipitation would hold off, however, until almost evening.  Once the snow did begin, though, it would fall heavily for a number of hours.  Snowfall rates of 1-3 inches per hour were reported across portions of Massachusetts, as the leading edge of the precipitation moved in from the south and west.  The snow would be wet, since the temperatures were marginal to begin with.  This made Boston Common come to life.  I was amazed at how many people actually came out to enjoy the snow.  Many people were throwing snowballs, playing games, and just walking around with umbrellas overhead.  I suppose New Englanders do know how to enjoy their snow!  The city was painted white!

Unfortunately, and those who live in Boston will understand this, the snow did not last long.  Warmer temperatures were ushered in by easterly winds.  This changed the beautiful snow to a sloppy rain.  Heavy rain fell later in the evening.  The rain, coupled with the melting snow, caused water to accumulate on many streets.  Small stream advisories were issued for a number of locations.  

The radar, satellite, and weather map images above and below will show you the intense area of low pressure as it tracked up the Eastern Seaboard.  The low would eventually deepen to below 990 millibars as it reached the Long Island Area.

Satellite Images -- NOAA

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