Winter Wx Outlook: Light Freezing Rain Mon. AM, Severe Storms (!) Wend.
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Jan 27, 2013, 11:31:47 PM1/27/13
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WINTER WEATHER OUTLOOK
Summary: I may have been rather doubtful of the possibility in my outlook last Wednesday, but it looks quite likely that we will see at least a coating of freezing rain tomorrow morning, mixed with a bit of sleet. It certainly won't turn the DC area into a giant ice rink, but we could see some slippery secondary streets at likely the worst time possible for the morning commute--7-9AM.
Timing: We could see minor accumulation of sleet and freezing rain starting as early as 3-4AM in the morning. However, by around 6-7pm, any sleet or mixed precipitation changes over to light but steady freezing rain, which looks to be heaviest (relatively speaking) between 7-9am, and change over completely to rain and melt any remaining ice by 10am.
Accumulations: At this point, we are likely to see at least a hundredth of an inch of ice, and probably receive up to 0.05" in some spots--the rough equivalent of an inch of snow in slipperiness.
Timing: We could see minor accumulation of sleet and freezing rain starting as early as 3-4AM in the morning. However, by around 6-7pm, any sleet or mixed precipitation changes over to light but steady freezing rain, which looks to be heaviest (relatively speaking) between 7-9am, and change over completely to rain and melt any remaining ice by 10am.
Accumulations: At this point, we are likely to see at least a hundredth of an inch of ice, and probably receive up to 0.05" in some spots--the rough equivalent of an inch of snow in slipperiness.
Impacts: The good news is that primary roads, due to increased traffic and salt pre-treatment, will likely remain ice-free throughout the morning. However, like in previous events, back streets could be slick and slippery during the 7-9AM period. The changeover to rain should melt any remaining ice before 10.
Action Plan: I recommend that, if possible, folks delay their commute until after 9AM to avoid delays and potentially slick streets. If you do have to be on the roads before then, be sure to take it slow and plan for plenty of extra time to get where you need to go.
Action Plan: I recommend that, if possible, folks delay their commute until after 9AM to avoid delays and potentially slick streets. If you do have to be on the roads before then, be sure to take it slow and plan for plenty of extra time to get where you need to go.
Long Term Outlook: It looks like we have a chance for some strong thunderstorms with gusty winds Wednesday afternoon (!)--who would have thought, in the coldest month of the year, we could see thunderstorms at all, much less potentially severe ones? It must be the fact that I'm presenting my research project on severe thunderstorm winds Wednesday at TC. Also, there's a chance for some snow showers around the end of the week, but I'm not holding my breath.
Stay safe on the roads tomorrow.
C. A. M. Gerlach
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