Winter Weather Update

NWS graphic showing snowfall accumulations through
Sunday.

A strong low pressure system will track its way up through the northeast Thursday and begin to move out Friday.  It will be mainly rain for Thursday as the air above us will be too warm for snow but as Thursday night rolls around and the low beings to scoot its way out of our area, cold air will move in bringing the threat for snow.  This system has alot of moisture with it and snow totals right now are looking to be around the 3"-8" (5"-10") mark for Crawford County between Thursday night & Friday night.  Right now, it is looking like Friday night is when the winds will shift to the WNW.  This along with chilly 850 mb temps and a 38 degree lake will present a chance for lake effect snow.  So far it isn't looking like the lake effect event we had right after new years but expect another few inches Saturday-Sunday (I'll have numbers later).  Winds will be breezy at times so this along with the snow may cause some whiteouts and drifting snow.  Colder temperatures will move into the area for the weekend as well.  I'll have more updates as the days get closer.

Update (7:00PM Thursday January 12, 2011)

I've been looking at the latest computer models for this storm trying to determine snowfall totals.  The first batch of snowfall will begin just after midnight tonight.  This will not be lake effect.  It is just precipitation associated with a low that is tracking northeasterly through the area. Snowfall overnight tonight is looking to be in the 2"-4" range for most of the county.  Some areas could see higher amounts. Friday is when the lake effect kicks in...most likely more towards the late afternoon/evening.  Snow will be falling most of the day though...accumulations look to be around the 3"-6" (2"-5") mark for most of the county.  Some areas in the north like Cambridge/Canadohta lake/Conneautville could see a little more.  Winds will be breezy and quite gusty at times.  Blowing & drifting snow will be a problem and will make driving tough.  Make sure to drive safe.  Lake effect snow will batter the region Friday night with about 4"-8" (3"-7") of new snowfall.  Saturday, more snow showers will be around.  Looks like another couple inches are possible.  I'll have updated totals as things change throughout the next 24 hours.  Make sure to check back.
Lake effect will continue into Saturday with another 2"-5" expected...higher amounts out near Conneautville/Cambridge/Canadohta Lake.