Continued Cold, Snow on the Way!

*A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Avery, Madison, Mitchell, and Yancey counties in NC.
*A Snow Advisory has been issued for all of Kentucky.

Today once again barely cracked freezing in the lower elevations and didn't touch it higher up. The cold will continue through Sunday. The next week-two weeks will provide change though. We could be talking 50's by Wednesday! But with the warmup comes rain and perhaps a thunderstorm.

The big story right now is the snow tomorrow. Here is how it looks right now: Temperatures may warm above freezing by a degree or two >2000 FT. As soon as the snow hits, the temps will plummet. Look for the snow to begin some time between 1 PM (SW VA and NE TN) and 4 PM (W NC). The snow may be heavy at times, especially late afternoon. Winds will be a factor, so whiteout conditions and drifting of snow is possible. Since temperatures have been near or below freezing the past two days, the snow will stick to everything, including roadways. Thus, slick conditions are likely, so please be careful. Snow will continue through Saturday night. We should be done with the brunt of it by Sunday morning, but lingering snow showers will be an issue, especially in the main upslope areas. (West-facing slopes primarily) Some snow showers may contain heavy bursts. Accumulation looks about the same, with 1-3" >2500 FT, 3-5" 2500+ FT with 6"+ possible locally, especially in the usual upslope locales. -This is STILL subject to change.-
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Tonight
-Partly cloudy. A stray flurry cannot be ruled out. Low 15F >2500 FT; 8F-12F 2500+ FT.
Saturday
-Becoming mostly cloudy by mid-morning. Snow beginning in afternoon, becoming heavy at times. Becoming windy. High 34F >2500 FT; 26F-32F 2500+ FT, dropping as soon as snow starts. Chance of snow 90%. Snow accumulating trace-1" >2000 FT; 1"-1.5" 2000 FT-2500 FT; 1"-2" 2500+ FT.
Saturday Night
-Snow, becoming light by midnight. Windy. Low 20F >2500 FT; 14F-19F 2500+ FT. Chance of snow 90%. Additional snow accumulating 1"-2" >2500 FT; 2"-4" 2500+ FT.
Sunday
-Periodic snow showers. Heavy bursts possible in some snow showers. Windy. High 31F >2500 FT; 23F-30F 2500+ FT. Chance of snow 60%. Additional snow accumulating trace-1" >2000 FT; .5"-1.5" 2000 FT-2500 FT; 1"-2" 2500+ FT. Total snow accumulation 1"-5", with locally higher amounts.
Early Next Week
-Mild streak begins on Monday. Most, if not all snow, will melt. Temps will drop below freezing Monday night, so black ice might be a problem. Rain showers are possible Tuesday, with a high in the mid-upper 40's.
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It looks to be a wintry weekend. Please, be cautious while out and about Saturday and Sunday.

2/16/07-1:39 AM