k. 1-3 December 1986 (Figure 51). Following the classic pattern 



for the development of a major northeaster, this storm was 



spawned in the Gulf of Mexico early on 28 November. By 



1 December, the storm center had moved into the Atlantic Ocean 



off northern Florida. The blocking effects of a strong 



Canadian high-pressure system served to both slow the storm's 



movement up the East Coast and contribute to the onshore gale 



force winds which buffeted the FRF for a substantial period of 



time. By 2 December, the storm was still located south of the 



FRF. However, later in the day it accelerated and was centered 



over New England on 3 December. Onshore winds exceeded 



18 m/sec (NE) at 1900 EST on 1 December but remained above 



15 m/sec for 22 hr. The maximum H (Gage 625) of 3.1 m 



mo 



(9.8-sec period) was recorded at 0700 EST on 2 December. The 



lowest barometric reading was 1005.9 mb at 0100 EST on 



3 December. Total precipitation was 21 mm. 



1. 24 December 1986 (Figure 52). This storm developed in the Gulf 

 of Mexico. However, its northeasterly track took it well 

 inland (west of the Appalachians) which substantially reduced 

 its effect on the East Coast. Onshore winds approached 

 14 m/sec (SE) but were above 10 m/sec for only 3 hr. The maxi- 

 mum H (Gage 625) of 2.7 m (10.3-sec period) was recorded at 

 mo 



1800 EST on 24 December. The lowest barometric reading was 

 1004.2 mb at 1900 EST on 24 December. Total precipitation was 

 18 mm. 



80 



