Monday, February 7, 2011

Update on Winter Storm for Wednesday

Battle-weary residents of Oklahoma, get ready for round.....okay, I've lost count....just get ready for the next storm taking aim on the region for Tuesday night/Wednesday...


The next storm system destined to impact the region is currently swirling about over the Pacific Northwest coast.  This system will dive South and then swing East into the Plains over the next 48 hours.  


Widespread heavy snow is likely once again across portions of Oklahoma, with 5-10 inch totals possible.  Strong and gusty North winds will create widespread blowing and drifting, and bring bitterly cold, arctic air down into the region once again.


It's a bit too early to pinpoint the exact locations that are likely to receive the heaviest snowfall, however it's safe to say that many of the same areas that were hammered last Tuesday will again experience heavy snow on Tuesday night into Wednesday.  Below are the latest probability graphics from the HPC, showing the chance of greater than 4 inches of snow:



and greater than 8 inches of snow on Tuesday night & Wednesday:


Winter Storm Warnings are currently in effect for most of Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas (pink shaded region on the map below):




Further South, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect for much of Northcentral and Northeast Texas, as well as the Oklahoma & Texas Panhandle region (blue/grey shaded regions on the map above).  


A mixture of freezing rain, sleet and snow is likely across northcentral and northeast Texas, while freezing rain and/or sleet are likely further South.  Below is the HPC probability of accumulating ice forecast for late Tuesday night into Wednesday:



It is likely that additional Winter Weather Watches, Warnings and/or Advisories will be issued further South along the I-35 Corridor later tonight or tomorrow, valid for Tuesday night and Wednesday.

Residents of the Central and Southern Plains should remain alert and listen for later statements and warnings on this impending winter storm.

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