“Plowable” Snowfall in the Works

It’s Monday afternoon and under a grey overcast temperatures are struggling for a second straight day to reach the 40s. Since my Friday forecast for Monday was for highs in the 50s, I am the first to admit that this low cloud deck and chilly pattern has been one of foolery.

But let me stress, the predicted winter weather pattern is evolving as expected and a snowfall is likely in our region by Tuesday nightfall. Only the details are to be worked out.

Let’s skip the wet and drippy story on tap for TuesDAY. Snow lovers don’t care about that. You only want to know about Tuesday NIGHT and Wednesday’s snow.

In a nutshell, rain will change to sleet and snow by nightfall Tuesday (from west to east). Then aided by a turning NW wind (the twist will be in the counter-clockwise motion which snow lovers crave), it will snow all night Tuesday thru likely midday Wednesday.

During the period a general 2 to 4 inch accumulation shouldl cover the region with localized 5 and 6 inch amounts a good bet on the high ground of the Coalfields (for example Whitesville) and Eastern end of the Kanawha Valley.

An argument can be made for more 2” inch accumulations points west toward Portsmouth and Vanceburg and more 4” totals east toward I-77 in the Parkersburg to Charleston zone. That would leave the River Cities in a general 2" or 3” zone. Hence the 2”-4” moniker. But the actual snowfall accumulation in any one location is best pinpointed on Tuesday. I give these early thoughts for my loyal readers. If you are a snow lover, hope for the upper end of the 2" to 4" range, if a snow hater, pray for the lower end!

In the low mountains, towns from Lewisburg and Beckley to Buckhannon, Richwood, Summersville, and Craigsville, at least half a foot will stack up with the chance for 10”. Blowing and drifting snow will be common here.

Skiers, you will be happy to know your favorite resort will measure 10” with 12”+ possible from Snowshoe north to Canaan and Wisp and Seven Springs.

Of course we are still 24 hours (as of 4PM Monday) from the first flake falling, so let’s give the storm a chance to tip it’s hand a bit more before we coronate this as the top snow of the season. Clearly that designation is more likely to be on target the farther east you live. But for now I say to OH,KY AND WV DOT personnel, grease those snowplows!