Justin's Weather: Major Winter Storm

Winter Storm Update

The NWS in Wilmington and Pittsburgh have issued WINTER STORM WARNINGS for much of their forecast areas. Snowfall accumulations of 5-8" are likely near and along the I-70 corridor with lesser amounts to the far north and far south. Very light icing will also occur with the highest ice amounts in Southern Ohio. Sleet and freezing rain will mix in with the snow, at times, especially in Southern Ohio. The longer you stay completely snow, then obviously the more likely you are to see higher snow totals. Mixing with sleet can cut snow accumulations way down (it is my least favorite winter precipitation). Sleet accumulates very slowly and just makes a big mess. Some models suggest that we switch over to plain rain for a period on Saturday, but it will not last long and will taper off quickly. Any wet surfaces could refreeze on Sunday as temperatures fall back into the teens by Sunday evening. This is a very complicated forecast and minor shifts in the storm track should greatly impact the current forecast. Stay tuned for any updates as we get closer to this major winter storm.