Our computer models have continued the downward trend regarding snow accumulation with tonight’s clipper system. With the cold front zipping through early Tuesday morning and temperatures remaining relatively warm, most of the precipitation tonight will fall as rain. There will be a brief period of snow showers and mixed precipitation Tuesday morning along the cold front. This shouldn’t last much more than an hour or two.
TIMING
- It will remain warm tonight and rain is expected to move into the Valley around 7:00/8:00 PM this evening northwest to southeast.
- Rain is expected to change over to snow and mixed precipitation after 3:00 AM Tuesday as temperatures cool.
- The bulk of the snow/mixed precipitation will exit southeast of the Valley by 8:00 AM.
- Isolated snow showers will be possible through the daytime hours. It will turn breezy with west winds 10 to 15 mph.
- Scattered snow showers will return for Tuesday night.
HOW MUCH SNOW?
As a result of today’s lower snow amount trends, I’ve LOWERED snow accumulation totals for the area. The highest amounts will be in the southeast where it will snow the longest. Those in the northwest will have a slightly shorter period of snowfall.
The absolute highest amount of snow in any one spot would be three inches. This seems unlikely but it represents the maximum amount of snow the system is capable of. There is always some degree of uncertainty with a snow forecast.
LOCAL IMPACTS
Snow has never been a big concern with this system. There will still be accumulating snow early in the morning – just not as much. With falling temperatures behind the cold front, bridges and overpasses will be the first to ice up as standing water and slush freeze. Treated roads should be just fine but watch for slick spots and black ice on untreated roads tonight and in the morning.
Freezing rain is not expected. However, gusty winds are expected tonight, Tuesday, Tuesday night and Wednesday. Winds should subside some Wednesday night. With the extreme cold expected through this period, a few power outages are certainly possible.
REMEMBER: Not everyone will get the exact amount of snow we forecast. Snow forecasts don’t follow geographic lines and forecast maps. Maps are a simple guideline. Snow totals will vary in every location.
This morning’s update has a detailed outlook of this week’s cold and a look a the longer range outlook.
