Smithfield Gets Wind Advisory Added To Storm Warning

The snow predicted for tonight's commute didn't materialize, but high winds did begin racing through Smithfield this afternoon, prompting the National Weather Service to add a wind advisory for the area to its Winter Storm Warning.

Throughout the town, strong winds flapped flags and tousled trees as a snowstorm expected to last into Friday began to move into the area. The NWS wind advisory warns of northeast winds of 20-30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph from today through Friday morning. The Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through 1 p.m. Friday.

Snow is still expected tonight, but at accumulations of less than half an inch. Snow will start to fall steadily by morning and continue to throughout the day.  The most intense part of the storm is expected sometime during the afternoon and evening.  We will also see the worst of the high winds, some gusting 40 - 50 mph during this time frame as well, said Todd Manni at the Smithfield Emergency Management Agency. Sustained winds of 20 - 30 mph will persist throughout the day Thursday.

Snow will continue throughout the evening on Thursday and into Friday before tapering off.  Should temperatures remain cold, Smithfield could see a range of snow between 6 – 12 inches.  If the area has slightly warmer temperatures, a mix of snow and rain will occur, keeping storm totals more towards the 4 – 6 inch range. "Snow totals are the most challenging part of this forecast and cornering a more specific range of snowfall will occur hopefully tonight as data comes more into line," Manni said.

At this point, a long duration storm (36 hours) is pointed toward Smithfield with the primary threats being slippery conditions on roadways as well as downed wires and scattered power outages, Manni reports.  National Grid has activated the Municipal Storm Room starting at 6 a.m. Thursday, and the EMA will coordinate with National Grid as needed.

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