The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a Winter Storm WARNING in effect from 6 pm this evening to Noon CST Wednesday.
Accumulations…an average of 3 to 5 inches is expected across the entire area. Sleet will be mixed with the snow at times…especially in southeast Missouri and in southwest Kentucky closer to the Tennessee border.
Heaviest snow chance…there is the potential for heavier snow to produce a 6 to 8 inch swath…most likely somewhere between the Ohio River and the Tennessee border across western Kentucky and extending into and across adjacent parts of far southern Illinois and southeast Missouri.
Lesser amounts possible…there is also the potential slightly less will occur…like a 2 to 3 inch swath…most likely along the Interstate 64 corridor from Mount Vernon Illinois into southwest Indiana.
Timing… snow will move into the Ozarks of southeast Missouri and bordering Mississippi River locales of southwest Illinois shortly after nightfall. The snow will then spread across southern Illinois and the remainder of southeast Missouri…threatening southwest Indiana and southwest Kentucky…by midnight.
After midnight…everyone will see accumulating snowfall. The snow will be heavy at times…and could mix with sleet…especially farther south.
The snow will still be going pretty good around daybreak into the early morning hours in the southern Pennyrile area of western Kentucky…but will be generally tapering off from northwest to southeast during the Wednesday morning hours…ending by midday Wednesday.
Main Impact… the snow will readily stick to paved surfaces…causing a rapid deterioration of travel conditions. The Wednesday morning commute will be very hazardous. Travel will be difficult and is discouraged.
Other Impacts… visibility will be reduced to a mile or less at times during the heavy precipitation…mainly late tonight and early Wednesday morning. if there is any freezing rain…it will be short lived and confined mainly to locales closer to the Tennessee border…not generally affecting overall overall snow and sleet accumulative totals.
Precautionary/Preparedness Actions…
A Winter Storm WARNING means significant amounts of snow…sleet…and or ice are expected or occurring. Only travel in an emergency. If you must travel…keep an extra flashlight…food…and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
