Why Snowstorm Is One of the Hardest Predictions for a Meteorologist

“Snowmageddon” was predicted – three feet of snow, blizzards whipped up by high winds, a freeze of the whole transport system. What New York got was “snowperbole”.
Why Snowstorm Is One of the Hardest Predictions for a Meteorologist
A pedestrian walks on a snow covered road after an overnight snowstorm, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015, in Hoboken, N.J. AP Photo/Julio Cortez
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“Snowmageddon” was predicted – three feet of snow, blizzards whipped up by high winds, a freeze of the whole transport system. What New York got was “snowperbole”. Yes, it snowed, but not as badly as predicted, and many people have been left wondering why the city was effectively shut down for what was, in New York terms, a light dusting. So what happened?

The blame game began immediately. Some meteorologists have already put their hands up. “My deepest apologies to many key decision makers and so many members of the general public” said the National Weather Service’s Gary Szatkowski, on Twitter. The politicians have defended their actions, with New York mayor Bill de Blasio saying the city shutdown was the sensible choice, given the potential for damage and loss of life. He said “we made the decision, better safe than sorry.”

Peter Clark
Peter Clark
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