A Winter Storm WATCH has been issued for Lee and Whiteside Counties in effect until 6am Sunday morning.
Latest guidance early this afternoon continues to show increasing potential for heavy snowfall this weekend, preceded by rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow Friday night.
A strong area of low pressure will pass to our south and east bringing with it a mix of rain, freezing rain, and sleet by Friday afternoon and evening. At this time, it appears we will see more sleet as opposed to freezing rain since temperatures at the surface will start out on the warmer side of the spectrum. However, sleet accumulations will make for slick travel by Friday evening.
As colder air filters in behind this storm system, another piece of energy will rotate towards us Saturday afternoon and evening producing possibly heavy bands of snow. At this time, at least five inches of accumulation appears likely, with higher total amounts up to 8-10″ quite possible by Sunday morning. Strong winds will also create dangerous travel conditions for much of Saturday afternoon and evening.
We’ll continue to refine the details regarding snowfall amounts in the next 12 hours as more model agreement takes place. It certainly looks like Friday night through at least Sunday morning will offer difficult travel. Stay here for further updates.
