Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Tuesday Morning Update

Snow Showers and Wind Gusts up to 30-35mph Expected Today
Light Accumulations Possible Primarily East of I-65


  Good Tuesday morning! I'm trying to be quick because I'm out and about this morning but I want to address today's weather. There are a couple main issues to be aware of today. The first is possible snow showers and freezing rain, the second is strong winds as 30+mph gusts have been measured at observation sites across the State.
  At this time regional radars show  scattered precip with light rain showers transitioning to snow flurries from East to West.
As strong northwest winds continue to pour into the region these temps will remain cold and wind chill values will be in the teens. I think light rain in central KY will transition to snow within the hour or so as temps cool to below freezing. Environmental soundings upstream show enough moisture and instability to support snow production although the best overlap of ingredients and timing will be in eastern KY. Be cautious as slick spots will be possible, mainly on elevated surfaces (road temps are currently near 40ºF). These will clear out of central KY by early afternoon.
  As mentioned, the greatest chances for accumulating snow, up to 1/2-3/4", is east of I-65. There will actually be two separate shots, the first this morning with a passing cold front, and another through the afternoon as an upper-trough passes. A few heavier snow showers are possible given more favorable environmental profiles and terrain assistance in eastern KY. Snow showers and strong winds means visibility may be reduced significantly at times so use caution when out.
  The upper-trough is on track to exit by late afternoon and the cold air will be well established. Temps will be in the low 20's/upper 10's tonight and places in eastern KY could see mid 10's.
  The pattern looking ahead still shows multiple waves passing through the region. Stay tuned for another post today which will address the week ahead in greater detail.
Current Wind Observations Across KY
Via Kentucky Mesonet Sites
Ohio County:26mph
Grayson County:29mph
LaRue County:32mph
Warren County:33mph
Caldwell County:28mph
Mercer County:19mph
Casey County:18mph
Taylor County:23mph
Madison County:23mph
Breathitt County:13mph

DKK