An analysis of a frontogenetically forced early-spring snowstorm

An overview is given of the evolution and forecast challenges associated with a snow band that developed across Pennsylvania and New York on 30 March 2003. This event illustrates many of the difficulties associated with forecasting banded snowfall. It is shown that even in cases where many of the smaller-scale aspects of the storm are handled well, model quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) placement may not be reliable.