Winter Wx Update: Higher Still Snow Totals Forecast
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Mar 6, 2013, 12:47:54 AM3/6/13
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WINTER WEATHER UPDATE
Summary: The changeover from rain to wet snow has begun here in Alexandria, and along with that change comes a further shift in the forecast, further upgrading the amount of snow we are expecting as well as broadening the period over which it will fall.
Timing: A light to moderate wet snow mix is currently falling here in Alexandria, and it will transition over to all snow as the early morning progresses. Moderate snow will fall through the morning hours, with around an inch or two by daybreak and a few more by noon. The heaviest snow should fall in the afternoon, with another 2-4 inches, and then a final batch of less intense snow will rotate through Wednesday night, with a final dusting as the storm pulls out early in the morning Thursday.
Timing: A light to moderate wet snow mix is currently falling here in Alexandria, and it will transition over to all snow as the early morning progresses. Moderate snow will fall through the morning hours, with around an inch or two by daybreak and a few more by noon. The heaviest snow should fall in the afternoon, with another 2-4 inches, and then a final batch of less intense snow will rotate through Wednesday night, with a final dusting as the storm pulls out early in the morning Thursday.
Accumulations: Totals have been raised again, with the National Weather Service now expecting 8-10 in (!) for all around the DC area, and I myself adjusting my estimates a notch upward, to 6-8 inches, based on latest model guidance and NWS grids.
Impacts: Impacts remain generally on schedule with the potentially significant exception of Thursday. Travel will be at a virtual standstill Wednesday, with ground transportation extremely difficult in the morning and virtually impossible for the rest of the day. Gusty winds later Wednesday and early Thursday could cause some scattered power outages, as well as make driving even harder.
Thursday looks to definitely be a problem as well, as snow will still tapering off in the early morning and melting will not occur much until later in the day, when temperatures warm from near freezing to around 40F and decreasing clouds allow the sun to break through. Friday looks much better, but backstreets could still be slippery if plows have not gotten through, depending on how much melting occurs Thursday. We'll just have to wait and see.
Thursday looks to definitely be a problem as well, as snow will still tapering off in the early morning and melting will not occur much until later in the day, when temperatures warm from near freezing to around 40F and decreasing clouds allow the sun to break through. Friday looks much better, but backstreets could still be slippery if plows have not gotten through, depending on how much melting occurs Thursday. We'll just have to wait and see.
Long Term Outlook: This next system next Mon-Tues looks to be bringing too much warm air with it to produce much snow, at least for now, but I'll keep an eye on it.
UPDATE...Tomorrow, with snow totals and latest estimates, if applicable.
UPDATE...Tomorrow, with snow totals and latest estimates, if applicable.
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