Forecasting the 12-14 March 1993 superstorm

Abstract

This paper describes the decision-making process used by the forecasters in the National Meteorological Center's Meteorological Operations Division and in Weather Forecast Offices of the National Weather Service to provide the successful forecasts of the superstorm of 12-14 March 1993. The successful aspects of the forecasts include the following. 1) Cyclogenesis was predicted up to five days prior to its onset. 2) The unusual intensity of the storm was predicted three days in advance. 3) The excessive amounts and areal distribution of snowfall were predicted two days in advance of its onset. 4) An extensive number of blizzard watches and warnings were issued throughout the eastern United States. -from Authors