Sleety Storm System Coming; North Adams Delays Tree Lighting
 You know winter's here when the line forms at Mr. Tire in North Adams. |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The mix of snow and freezing rain headed for the region has forced the postponement of the annual Christmas tree lighting set for Thanksgiving eve.
Predictions of icy rain and wind led to concerns about the safety of the Drury High band members and participants, who would be gathered around Monument Square for the tree lighting. The event will be held Wednesday, Dec. 4, with no other changes.
The storm has been moving east across the country and has already caused flight delays for the heaviest travel days of the year. Snowfall overnight into Tuesday led to one-hour delays for a number of school systems, including the North Adams Public Schools.
The National Weather Service says the "significant winter storm" will move up the Hudson River valley in New York through Tuesday and Wednesday bringing primarily rain and sleet.
Temperatures, which have been in the 20s and 30s, will rise during Tuesday and into Wednesday with snow flurries turning to rain after midnight tonight. More showers are expected Wednesday evening along with dropping temperatures and wind gusts up to 40 mph.
The storm should move out by Thursday, but Accuweather is predicting the big holiday parades will be battling cold, blustery winds throughout much of the Northeast.
"These winds will make it feel even colder than the afternoon high in the lower 30s. Parade-time temperatures will be around 30 F, but AccuWeather RealFeels will likely be near 10 F," says Accuweather, which predicts the wind will cause problems for the balloon carriers at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.
Black Friday is expected to clear and very cold, so bundle up if you're hunting for bargains.
Tags: cancellations, severe weather,
