| Winter weather forecasting has always been a challenge in Southern New England, owing to the fact that precipitation type is often an issue. Specifically, ice storms can produce significant damage and influence commerce and transportation, resulting in millions of dollars in damage and lost productivity. This research reviews and examines past significant icing events in southern New England, through surface and upper air analysis, to develop a composite evolution. These composite ice storms were then compared with frozen and liquid precipitation events during two typical New England winters to establish important differences between the patterns. The relevant synoptic features, especially when compared to events that did not produce an ice storm, can be used in a forecasting capacity for better understanding and advanced warning of these high impact events. |
