Winter Weather Advisory Issued, Impacts Monday Night

A Winter Weather Advisory will take effect in most of West Tennessee starting Monday evening at 6:00 P.M.

Unfortunately, the chances for snow are dropping. This means it’s becoming more and more likely we will be seeing ice-based impacts such as sleet or freezing rain. Accumulations are looking limited in most forecast runs, but still it may be worthwhile to leave early and take some extra time to drive at safer speeds, especially around bridges and overpasses in West Tennessee.

What To Expect:

The system will begin creeping into West Tennessee as early as noon Monday. The cutoff for cold rain and the winter weather will be somewhere between Jackson and Highway 64. The reason the chance for snow is decreasing is because of a warm air pocket developing aloft.  Whether we get sleet or freezing rain largely depends on how high above the surface temperatures dip back below freezing. If the warm nose is small, sleet becomes more likely, while a larger warm nose typically favors freezing rain.

Accumulations:

Accumulations are not expected to be high. Heavier accumulations will remain in Central Arkansas heading into Tuesday morning. Here in West Tennessee, the chances for ice to accumulate more than 1/100th of an inch are slim to none. What ice does accumulate could create hazards on the roadways, especially bridges and overpasses. Even the cold rain may freeze over, which could create hazards even outside the winter weather advisory area.

Final Thoughts:

Impacts will be light. The lack of snow means it’s unlikely we’ll be seeing many cancellations or closings, as temperatures are expected to rise above freezing by Tuesday afternoon. Also, there is no need to rush to the store, as ice accumulations high enough to cause power grid issues are also not expected. Because of this, we have our storm threat scale at a 2/5 for light travel impacts only.