January 7, 2011: Snow chances in the coming days...

January 7, 2011:

Adjusted high temperatures up - already in the 40s over all of western Kentucky. 
January 7, 2011

11 AM Update

Here are the latest NAM and GFS for snow and ice over the coming days - a major winter storm is likely to our south on Sunday into Monday - along with a signficant ice storm (to our south).



















The above image is the NAM Model Snowfall Forecast - you can see the heavy snow to our south and west.  Most of this will fall Saturday night (late) into Monday.  Anyone with travel plans to our south should check road conditions.


















Click images for a larger view - an ice storm is forecast for portions of the southern United States - mostly on Sunday.  This is the freezing rain accumulation map. 


















The above image is the GFS Model Snowfall Forecast.  You can see some snow skirting our region by Monday and Monday night.  This is from the western storm system.  The track of that system is still in question.  I am thinking 1-3" but that is an early call.   Stay tuned.

No changes.  Snow is falling over areas we thought it would this morning - mostly the northeast and eastern portions of the region.  A winter weather advisory is in effect for a few counties (closer to southeast Illinois - Evansville area).  Keep in mind that temperatures are in the 30s across the region and most of Kentucky - they are not in the 20s.  BIG difference when it comes to road conditions.  If temperatures remain in the 30s then travel probelsm will be kept to a minimum. 

Flurries and light snow will be possible into tonight.  Minor accumulations mostly to our north and east.

No changes for Sunday - system is still just too far south to impact most of us.  Southern portions of the area could see some snow - mostly in Tennessee and Arkansas.  If any moisture is thrown back into Kentucky it would likely be mostly to our east.  I haven't changed my thoughts on this through the past week - it has been a question mark on the exact track.  But - I have tried to be consistent in my thoughts.  It is still several days away - so - as always check back for updates.

The southern storm is NOT our big event - it is a southern event.  Now - that leaves the second system which we have been talking about for the last week.

The next system is on track for Monday into Tuesday.  Questions remain on exact track and intensity.  I am thinking (first call that I made last night) 1-3" will be possible during that time frame for our region.  I will need to pin down exact track before any certainty can be added to the forecast.  Low confidence for now. 

When I say "our region" I am talking about southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, and western Kentucky. 

Will update later today and tonight!

-  Beau



January 7, 2011

1 AM Update:

I will update the forecast several times a day into the weekend - those with travel plans across the southern United States into the Tennessee Valley should stay abreast of latest watches and warnings.

I will update the blog with graphics and maps later today - waiting for a bit more data.  Also an email will be sent out.

New video has been posted for January 7th - http://weatherobservatory.com/weather-video.htm

You can find more updates on my Facebook (under Beau Dodson) - Twitter, as well.


Bottom line it for me Beau...


For southern Illinois and far western Kentucky...


The forecast for severe or extreme weather risk for today, tonight, and tomorrow: 0%

The forecast for freezing rain, sleet, or snow today, tonight, and tomorrow:  Light flurries possible today into Saturday - mixed with rain at times.  Total snowfall accumulation of a dusting to one inch is possible over the northeast and eastern part of our area.


Forecast:

Friday...A mix of sun and clouds.  Light rain and flurries/snow showers possible - windy. Highs around 40-45 degrees.  Accumulations of snow will be light - a dusting to perhaps one inch by Saturday over the northeast and eastern portion of our region.

Friday Night...Partly cloudy - a few flurries and snow showers scattered around   Lows around 21.

Saturday - Partly Cloudy - a few flurries or snow showers scattered around.  High temperature around 28 degrees.

Saturday Night - Partly Cloudy.  Cold.  Lows around 18-20 degrees.

Sunday - Increasing clouds.  A chance for snow late in the day across the far southern portions of our region (mainly Tennessee and Arkansas).  Chilly.  High temperatures near 32 degrees.

Your up to the minute National Weather Service seven day forecast for southern Illinois and western Kentucky can be viewed by clicking here.


Your regional and local radars - including precipitation type radar - click here.

Barometer readings can be viewed here  - Barometer Readings.

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You can view current conditions - weather radar and more information by clicking here

Scattered light rain and snow today - some accumulating snow is likely across central and eastern Kentucky - no big changes in the forecast thoughts from the last few days.  NWS Offices have a great handle on the situation.

Bigger concerns arrive late on Sunday into Tuesday as several weather systems approach our region.  Exact track and strength of these systems will be key to snowfall accumulation forecasts.

My first thoughts for southern Illinois and western Kentucky are that 1-3" of snow will be possible - espeically on Monday into Tuesday.  Bitterly cold air, as well for next week.

Watching another system for next weekend. 

I will update the blog several times a day through the weekend.

Stay tuned for updates...

If you would like to be added to the severe weather email list then please email me and request to be added - I usually send out an email during significant weather events. Email me at beaudodson@usawx.com


- Meteorologist Beau Dodson
McCracken County Office of Emergency Management

Please visit Chris Bailey's weather blog if you live in central and eastern Kentucky http://www.kyweathercenter.com/

For the latest watches and warnings please visit your local National Weather Service Office http://www.weather.gov/organization.php

To view all watches and warnings in Kentucky - Click here
To view all watches and warnings in Illinois - Click here
Other States - Click Here

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