Storm Prediction Center Mesoscale Discussion 117

   Mesoscale Discussion 0117
   NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
   0413 AM CST Mon Feb 23 2026

   Areas affected...parts of the Northeast and southern New England

   Concerning...Blizzard 

   Valid 231013Z - 231515Z

   SUMMARY...Very heavy snowfall rates of 2-3 inches per hour and
   widespread blizzard conditions should persist across Long Island and
   southern New England through 10 AM EST.

   DISCUSSION...Classic bomb cyclone/nor'easter off the Northeast coast
   will slow its deepening over the next few hours as it tracks
   northeastward off the southern New England coast through midday. As
   this occurs, multiple bands of very heavy snow from NJ to southeast
   MA should consolidate into one primary band across Long Island to
   eastern MA through mid-morning. Extremely enlarged low-level
   hodographs are indicative of the impressive warm conveyor north of
   the cyclone. In addition, very high KDP values detected within and
   somewhat below the dendritic growth zone amid base reflectivity
   values around 35 dBZ all point to highly prolific snowfall rates of
   2-3 in/hr. From eastern Long Island through eastern MA, this appears
   likely to persist for several hours. Measured severe wind gusts
   should persist in this same region, supporting widespread blizzard
   conditions. 

   The aforementioned slowing of cyclogenesis and northeastward track
   will eventually yield a more progressive tapering of very heavy
   snowfall rates from the southwest towards late morning.

   ..Grams.. 02/23/2026

   ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product...

   ATTN...WFO...GYX...BOX...OKX...ALY...PHI...

   LAT...LON   43367044 43067126 42267238 41157375 40447422 40087404
               40507316 41007141 41196988 42316988 43367044