Residents should brace themselves for a significant winter storm expected to bring a mix of wind, rain, and snow over Thursday and Friday. A powerful low-pressure system is forecast to rapidly develop on Wednesday, leading to widespread impacts across the region.
Timing and Initial Impacts
The system is projected to intensify rapidly on Wednesday, delivering rain and gusty winds by the evening and overnight hours. Expect winds to gust between 30-40 mph in valley areas, while higher elevations could experience even stronger gusts of 50-60 mph or more. This combination of cold temperatures and strong winds will drive wind chills down into the teens in higher elevations, posing potentially hazardous conditions, especially for those without proper shelter.
Transition to Snow and Falling Temperatures
As the storm moves through, a transition from rain to snow is anticipated in the higher elevations. Across the entire region, temperatures will plummet throughout the day on Thursday, increasing the likelihood of snow in some valley locations as well. While snowfall accumulation is expected, areas that typically experience the “horseshoe effect” may see reduced totals due to unique local weather patterns.
Thursday Night Intensification
Conditions will escalate Thursday night as a robust northwest flow takes hold, resulting in bursts of snow showers throughout the area. This could lead to disruptions in metro areas and more severe impacts in the mountains, affecting both travel and daily activities.
Uncertainty Remains
It is important to note that uncertainty around this system’s intensity and impact remains high. The storm could either exceed or fall short of current projections, and forecasts will be updated accordingly. Updates will be provided daily at 8 AM and 8 PM, with additional advisories issued as needed throughout the day.
