Significant Snow Tonight and Tomorrow

As I'm sure many of you have already taken note of, a significant winter storm is in store for the Commonwealth tonight and into the day Monday. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning that will be in effect from midnight tonight until midnight tomorrow. According to the most recent update from National Weather Service office in Louisville:

A WINTER STORM WILL SPREAD ACCUMULATING SNOW INTO THE OHIO
VALLEY BEGINNING AROUND MIDNIGHT. SNOW WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES...
ESPECIALLY ON MONDAY MORNING. BY MONDAY EVENING TOTAL
ACCUMULATIONS WILL EXCEED 6 INCHES ACROSS MOST OF THE REGION...
WITH MANY AREAS POTENTIALLY SEEING DOUBLE DIGIT TOTALS.

A low pressure system will be moving across the Deep South tomorrow, allowing for plenty of moisture for those of us here in Kentucky. With the freezing line staying well below our area, the precipitation that falls will fall as snow, with the slight possibility of sleet mixing in later tomorrow. 

WPC Surface Map, Valid Noon Monday, via NOAA

Snow will begin during the overnight hours tonight, spreading across south central Kentucky before dawn. The heaviest snowfall looks should occur Monday morning into the early afternoon; up to two inches of accumulation per hour is possible during this time. By the afternoon, warm air advection in the lower atmosphere could cause sleet to mix in with the snow for a short time. Snow will exit the state from west to east tomorrow night. 

The SREF Model below is estimating a 75% chance that we will receive at least 8 inches of snow tomorrow... I can dig it. 

Probability of Snowfall Greater than 8 inches, Valid 6 PM Monday, via COD

With lift, moisture, and cold temperatures present, conditions are favorable for a heavy snow-banding event across Kentucky tonight and into tomorrow. South central Kentucky looks to receive the greatest amount of snow, as the National Weather Service has banded a 10-15" line from Morgantown to Stanford. Warren County is somewhat split up between this band and another that includes 8-12" possible. Obviously, this banding is just an estimate as to how the snow will fall, but either way, a significant snow storm is in our midst. 

Via NWS

Snow will accumulate quickly on roads due to the cold temperatures, so traveling is ill-advised. Be sure to take necessary precautions and check back in with the WKU Storm Team as this event unfolds. 

Forecast

Tonight: Cloudy with a low of 18°. Heavy snow beginning before dawn, around 4 AM. Winds from the east up to 10 mph. 

Monday: Heavy snow with sleet possible in the afternoon. High of 25°, with wind chill values as low as 10°. Snowfall accumulations of 10+ inches possible. 

Monday Night: Snow ending, with a low of 11°. 

Thanks for the read, and enjoy the snow!

Mallory Schnell