Winter Storm Slows, Edges Further South
by Cody Matz
February 20, 2013 8:41 PM
The next winter storm has already started in portions of the central and southern Plains as snow is flying from Texas to Nebraska, but some changes to our forecast as this storm has now shifted further south and has also slowed down. This generally means lighter amounts of snow and a later onset to the accumulation.
Before we get knee deep in snowfall amounts, just take a look at how expansive this storm really is. Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories encompass some 16 states, 1500 miles or than 30 million people from the Desert Southwest to the Great Lakes.
The snow has even prompted a state of emergency to be issued for Kansas because of 1 to 2 feet of snow expected statewide.
With this storm moving further south than originally thought, the heavier snow totals will likely move south along with it. This shows up on the computer models that forecast snowfall. Check out 2 such models in the images below.
Granted, these images might be a little low on snow across our area because of a higher expected snow ratio than what is currently in the forecast, but these forecasts look pretty close. If you want more info on what snow ratios are and how they are involved in forecasting, check out the previous blog post.
Our Futurecast model shows a very similar picture with generally 3 to 6 inches across the south with a couple inches in spots across the north.
Here’s our forecast…. With snow amounts down now because the storm is a little further south. Generally 3 to 6 inches along and south of the I-90 corridor with locally 8 inches possible in northwest Iowa and northern Nebraska. Much light amounts in the north with only a couple inches possible in most areas. Stay tuned to KDLT and KDLT.com for the very latest.
