Saturday, February 28, 2009

Pressing Questions Heading Into Tomorrow

These are some questions that usually go through my head as a winter storm is headed this way:

1) What is the track of the storm?
This has the greatest impact on snow potential. Tomorrow's storm is moving in from the south, which historically is where our biggest snow storms have developed. The question that still remains is whether it will continue on its current track, or will it shift east/west? I will be watching the data later this evening and have another update.

2) How strong is the storm?
This storm is small, but packs a pretty good punch - it dumped around 2 to 5" in parts of the Midwest earlier today.

3) How much moisture is involved?
There is plenty of moisture available for this storm as evidenced by today's rainfall.

4) How fast is the storm moving?
This will be a limiting factor for snow accumulations with this storm. It will be accelerating as it passes our area.

5) How much of the precip will fall as sleet (ice pellets), or wet snow?
This will also be a limiting factor. I usually call sleet and wet snow "accumulation eaters". If too much of the precip falls as sleet or wet snow, then the accumulations will dramatically drop.

Taking all this into account, I still think that metro Richmond and areas to the north and west will pick up 2 to 4" of snow. 1 to 2" will be possible in other areas to the east and southeast.

A lot can still change in the next 24 hours, so you will want to keep a close eye to the forecast. Stay with CBS 6, we'll keep you ahead of the storm!

Winter Storm Watch Now Includes Metro Richmond

Quick Update

Rain showers are now developing near the North Carolina state line. These showers will overspread the area later this afternoon and evening.

The track of the next phase of this storm still looks favorable for some snow across the Mid-Atlantic.



A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for communities to the west and north in anticipation of wintry weather.



I wouldn't be surprised if that watch is extended into parts of central Virginia later today. We'll keep you posted!