On April 4th, a major spring storm was expected to drop more than a foot of snow in parts of New England on Wednesday night. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for several states in New England where 7 to 18 inches (18 to 46 centimeters) of snow were expected with some local amounts topping 24 inches (61 centimeters) at higher elevations.
Parts of New Hampshire and Maine were expected to see the highest amounts. The storm was a mix of rain and snow, which caused heavy rains soaked the East Coast and cleanup work continued in several states wracked by tornadoes and other severe weather blamed for at least three deaths.
On April 4th, a major spring storm was expected to drop more than a foot of snow in parts of New England on Wednesday night. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for several states in New England where 7 to 18 inches (18 to 46 centimeters) of snow were expected with some local amounts topping 24 inches (61 centimeters) at higher elevations. Parts of New Hampshire and Maine were expected to see the highest amounts.
The storm was a mix of rain and snow, which caused heavy rains soaked the East Coast and cleanup work continued in several states wracked by tornadoes and other severe weather blamed for at least three deaths.
In addition to New England, Wisconsin was also bracing for spring snowstorms as upper Midwest faced blizzard conditions. Power outages were expected due to heavy rain, sleet and snow that would be mixed in with the precipitation at times.
A winter storm warning has been issued for northern Worcester County and extreme northwestern Middlesex County.
Sleet pellets and snowflakes will mix in with the precipitation at times, particularly north and west of 495 where there may be some sticking to surfaces.
Accuracy
The article is about a multi-faceted storm that will bring heavy rain and wet snow to parts of Massachusetts.
A winter storm warning has been issued for northern Worcester County and extreme northwestern Middlesex County. A winter weather advisory has also been issued in certain areas.
Temperatures will remain above freezing so there is no concern for icy roadways. However, some minor snow and sleet accumulation can still occur in certain towns.
After midnight, colder air will arrive which will change the sleet over to snow north and west of 495 and eventually as far south as the Mass Pike and Worcester/Boston area.
Many folks across northern MA and southern New Hampshire may wake up to a fresh coating or several inches of wet snow. If you need to travel or commute Thursday morning from the north, plan on needing some extra time.
During the day on Thursday, there will be a dry slot developing across southeastern MA where most of the precipitation will be located north of the Mass Pike and in the form of snow. Some additional accumulation may occur during this time but it is not expected to be significant.
The snow will taper in most areas during the afternoon on Thursday, leaving just some lighter flurries over northern Essex County and southern New Hampshire by evening.
There will be stark differences in snow accumulation over very short distances. Even within one town that has variable elevation (hills and valleys) there could be several inches of variability in accumulation. No accumulation is expected in the Boston area or inside the 128 belt, but wet snow may occur from time to time.
The winds will be strongest overnight into Thursday morning with frequent easterly gusts between 30-50mph across the entire region. Along the immediate coastline, there is a high wind warning for potential gusts as high as 60mph.
As the storm's center crosses over southern MA during the day Thursday, winds will decrease significantly over southeastern MA but ramp up one final time over northeast MA and New Hampshire/Maine coastlines. There is a coastal flood warning in place for these areas with potential minor to moderate flooding along with beach erosion.
The major impacts from the storm will wind down Thursday evening, but the storm itself will be very slow to pull away from the region. Lots of clouds and pop-up rain and snow showers may occur on Friday, Saturday, and early Sunday.
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that there will be some minor snow and sleet accumulation in towns around the edges of 495. However, this statement contradicts other information provided later in the article where it states that north and west of 495 will have much more sleet involved. Secondly, when discussing precipitation types across southern New England, the author mentions heavy rain with some localized flooding but does not mention any snow or sleet. This is misleading as there are areas in Massachusetts where it will be snowing heavily and causing slippery travel conditions.
The article mentions heavy rain with some localized flooding but does not mention any snow or sleet. This is misleading as there are areas in Massachusetts where it will be snowing heavily and causing slippery travel conditions.
The statement 'We do expect some minor snow and sleet accumulation in these towns' contradicts the later information that north and west of 495 will have much more sleet involved. This is an example of deceptive reporting as it presents a false impression to readers.
Fallacies
(75%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the National Weather Service's winter storm warning and weather advisory. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the potential for slippery travel in towns around 495 due to sleet and snow accumulation. There are also several instances of dichotomous depiction where different areas of Massachusetts experience varying precipitation types and impacts.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for northern Worcester County and extreme northwestern Middlesex County.
Bias
(80%)
The article contains a mix of language and examples that suggest bias towards the weather conditions in Massachusetts. The author uses phrases such as 'an April mess' and 'a variety of precipitation types', which may be seen as sensationalist or exaggerated. Additionally, the use of words like 'tough' to describe certain areas suggests an emotional attachment to those places.
The article contains a mix of language and examples that suggest bias towards the weather conditions in Massachusetts.
The article is about a multi-faceted storm that will bring heavy rain and wet snow to parts of Massachusetts.
A winter storm warning has been issued for northern Worcester County and extreme northwestern Middlesex County. A winter weather advisory has also been issued in certain areas.
Sleet pellets and snowflakes will mix in with the precipitation at times, particularly north and west of 495 where there may be some sticking to surfaces.
The timing of such a powerful storm is unusual but becoming more frequent with the uncertainty around our climate.
During the day on Thursday, there will be a dry slot developing across southeastern MA where most of the precipitation will be located north of the Mass Pike and in the form of snow. Some additional accumulation may occur during this time but it is not expected to be significant.
The major impacts from the storm will wind down Thursday evening, but the storm itself will be very slow to pull away from the region. Lots of clouds and pop-up rain and snow showers may occur on Friday, Saturday, and early Sunday.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title mentions 'easter' which implies that it will be a holiday and people can enjoy their time off work or school. However, this storm could lead to power outages for days making it difficult for people to celebrate Easter as they would have planned.
The article states that Boston is experiencing rain and sleet, but the image accompanying the article shows snow on the ground in Boston.
Fallacies
(80%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the National Weather Service meteorologists as sources for information about the storm's impact and potential damage. This is a form of informal fallacy because it implies that their opinions are automatically correct without providing any evidence or reasoning behind them.
The more significant impact is expected in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine, where wide swaths of the region could end up with 12 to 24 inches, according to National Weather Service meteorologist John Palmer.
Also, the ground is highly saturated from recent weather as well, which also poses a threat to the trees and makes them more likely to come down.
Bias
(80%)
The article is biased towards the negative impact of the storm on New England. The author uses language that depicts Mother Nature as being unforgiving and dangerous, such as 'Mother Nature is not fooling around this time' and 'People should be prepared to be without power for several days'. Additionally, the focus on damage caused by falling trees due to weakened branches from previous storms suggests a bias towards portraying the impact of climate change. The article also uses language that dehumanizes those affected by the storm, such as referring to them as 'hundreds of extra crews' instead of people working hard to restore power.
Mother Nature is not fooling around this time
People should be prepared to be without power for several days
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (0%)
The author Tovia Smith has a conflict of interest on the topic of 'April nor'easter', as she is reporting for NPR which is funded by government grants. Additionally, the article quotes National Weather Service meteorologists John Palmer and Michael Clair who are likely to have financial ties with their employer.
The author Tovia Smith reports on 'April nor'easter', a topic that NPR is funded by government grants. This creates a conflict of interest as the funding source may influence her reporting.
A major spring storm was expected to drop more than a foot of snow in parts of New England on Wednesday night
Heavy rains soaked the East Coast and cleanup work continued in several states wracked by tornadoes and other severe weather blamed for at least three deaths
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for several states in New England, where 7 to 18 inches (18 to 46 centimeters) of snow were expected with some local amounts topping 24 inches (61 centimeters) at higher elevations
Parts of New Hampshire and Maine were expected to see the highest amounts
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that a major spring storm was expected to drop more than a foot of snow in parts of New England on Wednesday night. However, this information is not supported by any scientific evidence or peer-reviewed studies. Secondly, the author uses sensationalist language such as 'heavy rains soaked the East Coast' and 'storms roared through several states'. This creates a false sense of urgency and danger for readers without providing any concrete facts. Thirdly, the article quotes sources that have not been peer-reviewed or are pre-print without disclosing that they are not peer reviewed or pre-print. Finally, the author uses emotional manipulation by stating 'Folks need to be prepared at home for the possibility of an extended power outage with emergency supplies, alternate power sources'. This statement is not supported by any scientific evidence and creates a false sense of urgency.
The article claims that a major spring storm was expected to drop more than a foot of snow in parts of New England on Wednesday night. However, this information is not supported by any scientific evidence or peer-reviewed studies.
Fallacies
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Bias
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author of the article has a conflict of interest with several topics provided. The author is Bruce Shipkowski and he works for WHIO-TV which is owned by Sinclair Broadcasting Group (SBG). SBG owns multiple television stations across the country including WKYT in Lexington, Kentucky where Andy Beshear serves as Governor. This creates a conflict of interest with the topic 'Andy Beshear'. Additionally, The Associated Press (AP) is mentioned in the article but it's not clear if AP has any financial ties or affiliations with SBG.
SGB owns multiple television stations across the country including WKYT in Lexington, Kentucky where Andy Beshear serves as Governor.
The author Bruce Shipkowski works for WHIO-TV which is owned by Sinclair Broadcasting Group (SBG).
The article is about a multi-faceted storm that will bring heavy rain and wet snow to parts of Massachusetts.
A winter storm warning has been issued for northern Worcester County and extreme northwestern Middlesex County. A winter weather advisory has also been issued in certain areas.
Sleet pellets and snowflakes will mix in with the precipitation at times, particularly north and west of 495 where there may be some sticking to surfaces.
Temperatures will remain above freezing so there is no concern for icy roadways. However, some minor snow and sleet accumulation can still occur in certain towns.
After midnight, colder air will arrive which will change the sleet over to snow north and west of 495 and eventually as far south as the Mass Pike and Worcester/Boston area.
Many folks across northern MA and southern New Hampshire may wake up to a fresh coating or several inches of wet snow. If you need to travel or commute Thursday morning from the north, plan on needing some extra time.
During the day on Thursday, there will be a dry slot developing across southeastern MA where most of the precipitation will be located north of the Mass Pike and in the form of snow. Some additional accumulation may occur during this time but it is not expected to be significant.
The snow will taper in most areas during the afternoon on Thursday, leaving just some lighter flurries over northern Essex County and southern New Hampshire by evening.
There will be stark differences in snow accumulation over very short distances. Even within one town that has variable elevation (hills and valleys) there could be several inches of variability in accumulation. No accumulation is expected in the Boston area or inside the 128 belt, but wet snow may occur from time to time.
The winds will be strongest overnight into Thursday morning with frequent easterly gusts between 30-50mph across the entire region. Along the immediate coastline, there is a high wind warning for potential gusts as high as 60mph.
As the storms center crosses over southern MA during the day Thursday, winds will decrease significantly over southeastern MA but ramp up one final time over northeast MA and New Hampshire/Maine coastlines. There is a coastal flood warning in place for these areas with potential minor to moderate flooding along with beach erosion.
The major impacts from the storm will wind down Thursday evening, but the storm itself will be very slow to pull away from the region. Lots of clouds and pop-up rain and snow showers may occur on Friday, Saturday, and early Sunday.
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title mentions 'list of school closings and delays due to nor’easter' which implies that it will be a comprehensive list but only provides information on schools in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Secondly, the sentence 'Other cancellations and delays are expected.' is vague as there is no indication of what other cancellations or delays might occur. Thirdly, the article uses sensationalism by stating that nor’easter will bring the possibility for power outages and flooding which may not necessarily be true. Lastly, the sentence 'For updates on the forecast, click here to visit the Boston 25 Weather page.' is a call-to-action but does not provide any useful information in relation to school closings or delays.
The article mentions that several schools have called off class for Thursday but it only provides information on schools in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. This is an example of selective reporting as the author chooses to focus on a specific region rather than providing a comprehensive list of school closings across the country.
The sentence 'Other cancellations and delays are expected.' is vague as there is no indication of what other cancellations or delays might occur. This is an example of deceptive language as it implies that more information will be provided but does not deliver on this promise.
Fallacies
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Bias
(75%)
The article is biased towards the weather event and its impact on schools. The author uses language that depicts the nor'easter as a severe and potentially dangerous storm, which may create an impression of fear or urgency in readers. Additionally, there are multiple instances where the author mentions Boston 25 News resources such as their website page, app, Facebook account and Twitter account to encourage viewers to check for updates on the forecast.
Wisconsin is buried under more than 1 foot of snow.
The calendar says it's spring, but winter storm warnings are in effect in the Midwest and the Northeast as snowstorms slam both regions. Some of the higher elevations in New England could see more than 2 feet of snow.
In Maine, low visibility is expected and travel is discouraged.
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title mentions spring snowstorms but does not mention blizzard conditions or power outages which are mentioned later in the body of the article. This creates a false impression that this is just another typical spring snowfall when it's actually much more severe with blizzard conditions and power outages. Secondly, the sentence 'The calendar says it’s spring, but winter storm warnings are in effect' is misleading as it implies that winter has ended when in fact there are still active winter storm warnings. Lastly, the article mentions specific locations such as Maine and Vermont without providing any context or information about how these areas were affected by the snowstorm which could lead readers to believe that they have a better understanding of the situation than they actually do.
The sentence 'The calendar says it’s spring, but winter storm warnings are in effect' is misleading as it implies that winter has ended when in fact there are still active winter storm warnings
The title mentions spring snowstorms but does not mention blizzard conditions or power outages
Fallacies
(70%)
The article contains several fallacies. Firstly, the author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Governor Janet Mills of Maine said low visibility is expected and travel is discouraged. However, this statement does not provide any evidence or context for why the governor made such a claim. Secondly, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing heavy snowfall in New England as 'a possibility' which could see more than 2 feet of snow on some higher elevations. This is an exaggeration and creates fear in readers without providing any evidence or context for this claim. Lastly, the article contains a dichotomous depiction by stating that it's spring but winter storm warnings are still in effect. These two statements contradict each other and create confusion for readers.
Governor Janet Mills of Maine said low visibility is expected and travel is discouraged.
Bias
(75%)
The article is biased towards the weather conditions in both regions. The author uses language that depicts winter as extreme and unnatural for spring such as 'buried under more than 1 foot of snow' and 'some of the higher elevations in New England could see more than 2 feet of snow'. This creates a sense of urgency to prepare for an extended power outage, which is not mentioned anywhere else in the article. The author also uses language that depicts travel as dangerous such as 'low visibility is expected and travel is discouraged' without providing any evidence or context about why this would be the case.
low visibility is expected and travel is discouraged
Some of the higher elevations in New England could see more than 2 feet of snow
Wisconsin is buried under more than 1 foot of snow
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