[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs8MqylNj3w&w=480&h=360]
LITTLE RAIN/SNOW TODAY: A storm will move through the state today with some light precipitation. Most of it will fall in the form of rain in the eastern counties of the state where the chances are greater for the precipitation with some wintry mix possible in the far northern counties. As the cold air which will be rushing in behind the system comes in, some of the precipitation will change over to some light snow before it ends late tonight into early Tuesday morning in the far eastern counties of the state. A dusting to half inch of snow will be possible for areas east of a Prairie Du Chien WI to Cedar Rapids to Fairfield line by tomorrow morning as the storm moves off to the east.
THE STORM THIS WEEK: Again everyone is paying attention to the storm that is still on track to effect the state and region late Wednesday night through early Friday. There is still some uncertainty with regards to the storm track with this system. Some projected snow accumulations have been wide ranging in the last 24 hours from a few inches to over a foot. The current (00z GFS Run) shows a track from near Wichita to near Moline by mid morning on Friday. This would be the western and northern counties of the state with the best chances of seeing heavier snowfalls. Also it should be noted that the storm will be in a weakening phase as it is moving northeastward. This has been seen on many of the model runs over the last 24-36 hours. This would only indicate that the snow falls will be lighter the farther east you are in the state. Most of the heaviest snow as of early this morning looks to fall between 6am Thursday Morning and Midnight early Friday in the western counties and between Noon Thursday and Noon Friday in the eastern counties. There are still several aspects of the storm that could change accumulations such as severe weather across the mid-south keeping much of the moisture well to the south of the state and a possibility of dry air getting entrained into the storm cutting off the snow for a time late Thursday night or Friday morning. The storm will make landfall later today on the west coast. At that time the models will have a better outlook on what this storm is going to do and what is going to fall at what rate and when at that time. In any case, travel is likely going to be hazardous Thursday and Friday across the state. Expect blowing and drifting snow and a good chance of tow bans on many highways across the state Thursday night and Friday.
BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE: If you thought one storm was all you can handle, well the GFS Model Run tonight is giving you two for the price of one. Another storm may impact the state late Sunday into next Monday across the state. This one looks to have more warm air with it which may bring some rain to the southeastern counties of the state with snow across the central, northern and western counties of the state. This storm would need to be watched as well, given the short break in between the storm Thursday and Friday and again Sunday into next Monday, roads are likely not going to recover from the first storm before the possible second one arrives two days later. Be very aware that the weather pattern is getting more active as we head into the latter half of the month. It looks to stay fairly cold as well with a decent snow cover. Skiers and snowmobilers will be having a fun couple of days if these two storms pan out.