Winter Weather Advisory - here we go!

This morning's weather was pretty disappointing. My car had a nice thin layer of snow. I saw lots of snow covered cars coming from the north on the way into town, but the ground was pretty wet. I did see some nice dusting on leaves/grass in North Raleigh, but nothing very exciting.

It looks like tonight/tomorrow has a little more possibility for something. Although 'they' are saying it will be patchy accumulation, so I'm withholding my enthusiasm.

NWS Winter Weather Advisory (as of 12:30pm)
"Winter Weather Advisory in effect from 6 PM this evening to
12 PM EST Wednesday

The National Weather Service in Raleigh has issued a Winter
Weather Advisory for snow... which is in effect from 6 PM this
evening to 12 PM EST Wednesday.

A strong upper level disturbance and surface low moving into the
area from the northwest... combined with cold air in place... will
lead to the development of areas of snow over north central North
Carolina tonight into Wednesday morning.

Snow is expected to begin this evening around The Triad area and
spread eastward through the Triangle area... Smithfield... and the
Rocky Mount-Wilson area through tonight. There may be a lull in
the snow for several hours overnight... then additional snow bands
on the west side of the surface low are expected to cross this
area early Wednesday morning. The snow should taper off by noon
Wednesday. Storm total snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches is
anticipated... and locally higher totals are possible.

In addition to the snow... brisk northwest winds may drop the wind
chill into the teens at times on Wednesday.

A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow will cause
travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited
visibilities... and use caution while driving. People across north
central North Carolina should keep up with the very latest
conditions and forecasts from the National Weather Service."

Snow. You know it.

I couldn't resist a quick post about another possible winter weather event. Not only did Sir Walter Wally, our resident winter weather predictor, predict another 6 weeks of winter, he brings tidings of COLD and SNOW this week.

From WRAL: "The Triangle and areas to the north can expect anywhere from a dusting of snow to 2 inches, WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze said. Northern counties have the best shot at snow, but there likely won't be enough moisture behind the cold front to keep snow falling steadily Tuesday morning.... For the morning commute, it's unlikely that there'll be many problems on the roads, Maze said, given the warm temperatures of the past few days that has heated up highways.

WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel said that Wednesday's commute could be more troubled, since temperatures will be lower, in the 20s.

More places will have a chance to see snow than on Tuesday. Flakes might be seen as far as Fayetteville during the morning commute."

I love the idea of snow, but not when it could affect my commute. I can't afford to add on any more 'adverse weather' time at work - I'm saving all my leave for more important things!

Snow? Oh yeah, we have it.

We were not disappointed this morning, snow covers the ground. We're both home from work and just finished a nice big breakfast (eggs, bacon, grits & blueberries). I think a mid-morning nap is in order before we take a little walk outside. I have to guess we've got about 4 inches and it's still falling like mad. I doubt we'll get anywhere near the record 2000 snowfall (21 inches), but it's the most I've seen in a LONG time. Here's a few pictures.


Taken from inside the house as it's still falling/blowing like crazy!


Looking down the street as the Town snowplows our road.


I had no idea they would plow our street! See truck, far right.


The birds need more seed!

Afternoon snow update

Well, the sun was shining this afternoon and it was vaguely warm. However, I can see some snowy looking clouds on the horizon. WRAL has the latest on the possible winter weather -



"The Triangle could take the brunt of a snowstorm pressing toward the Carolinas, the National Weather Service forecast indicates.

The heaviest band of snow is forecast along the U.S. Highway 1 corridor, from Southern Pines to Raleigh and east to Rocky Mount and Nashville. Accumulation to the south and east of the Triangle could reach 6 inches.

...

Whatever wintry precipitation falls is likely to stick around for a while – particularly on roads – because North Carolina won't see a significant warm-up until the latter part of the week.

The winter storm predicted for Jan. 19-20 comes during an auspicious – or infamous – time for snow in the Triangle.

Four years ago to the day, between 0.5 and 2 inches fell on central North Carolina, catching everyone by surprise. Roads clogged up with workers and students going home early, clogging roads at the same time they turned icy and making some commutes last more than eight hours. About 3,000 Wake County students were stranded at schools overnight.

Five years earlier, on Jan. 25, 2000, the region got its heaviest snowfall ever, 4 inches shy of 2 feet."

Ah, I remember both storms well. The 2005 storm caught me at work and I had to crawl out to the RDU airport to pick up Paul late that afternoon. It took us several hours to get home that night taking a jammed I-540 to Six Forks Road (Falls of Neuse & Capital Blvd north were completely shut down because of the hills near the Neuse River bridges). I know that we wouldn't have made it without the all-wheel-drive Subaru. She was only a few weeks old and she proved her worth that night! W hile many other cars were ditched on slick hilly roads, we made it home! The 2000 storm happened while I was away for college. Asheville saw about 4 inches (fun) but my parents were completely homebound in Raleigh. During that time they got some crazy cabin fever and thought it would be grand to call and tell me crazy things. I shall leave such crazy things unsaid.

Here's hoping for some fluffy white stuff! The pantry, fridge & freezer are stocked!