Winter Storm Watch: Significant snow possible early this week

For those complaining about how we never get a "good snow" and were mildly disappointed in the 1/2" that fell overnight, your wish may yet come true!

While details are still to be ironed out and those that we are looking at now will change between now on early in the week, it appears that parts of the Mid-South will see a good chance of a "significant" winter storm Monday into Tuesday.  The NWS has enough confidence to issue a Winter Storm Watch from Monday at 6am through Tuesday at noon for the counties in blue below.

 

Timing and Amount

We won't get into a lot of those details just yet, due to models still disagreeing on timing and totals, but the NWS has indicated light sleet could start early Monday and change over to all snow by late morning, continuing off and on through mid-day Tuesday.  We believe that the heaviest snow will fall during the evening and overnight Monday night.  How early it starts will affect totals, as well as when it ends.  Early indications are that total snowfall could reach 3-5" by Tuesday morning across the watch area with lighter amounts, but still accumulatio, north of the watch, including Tipton County and points north.  Temperatures will be in the mid 20s to near 30 Monday, drop into the teens Monday night, then remain below freezing Tuesday with teens once again Tuesday night.  Snow could stick around for multiple days given the forecast temps and potential accumulation.

Potential Impacts

Now is the time to start considering your plans for Monday and Tuesday.  If the forecast holds, travel will become difficult to very hazardous, especially Monday night and Tuesday morning, even on interstates.  If 1/2" of snow this morning cancelled ACT tests and other activities, it's likely that schools would be closed Tuesday, and perhaps Monday, given the current forecast.  That obviously won't be decided until much later and we don't forecast school closings! If you're below 1/2 tank on your gas gauge tomorrow, go ahead and fill it up, if nothing more than for a little extra weight and traction. Have an ice scraper or snow brush in your car.

We'll continue to bring you updated information as it becomes available and confidence in the forecast increases.  Follow our social media feeds for that information, as well as our custom forecast and the latest radar and current conditions on the MWN mobile apps (links below).

Last word

Finally, PLEASE do not be swayed by people that throw an extreme computer model solution up on social media just for hype or to be "first" with the information. They are out there, trust me (the models and people that do that).  Help us put those rumors to bed when you see them. You'll always find a responsible, well-thought-out forecast, void of "extreme hype," right here at MWN. Now is a great time to share this source of information with your friends and family in the area if you like what we provide!

----
Follow MWN on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+
Visit MemphisWeather.net on the web or m.memphisweather.net on your mobile phone.
Download our iPhone or Android apps, featuring StormWatch+ severe weather alerts!