Changing Weather picture prompts changes in Warning/Watch/Advisories
February 3rd, 2014 by Ric Hanson
As forecasters get a better idea of the track of a winter storm heading for the Midwest, the types of weather statements being issued are in flux. Cass and area counties to the east, northeast and south, are now under a Winter Storm Warning. The warning is in effect from Noon on Tuesday and runs through 6-a.m. Wednesday for Cass, Adair, Dallas, Guthrie and Madison Counties. In the southern part of the KJAN listening area (Adams, Ringgold, Taylor and Union Counties), the Warning begins at 9-a.m. Tuesday and runs until 6-a.m. Wednesday. In Montgomery, Fremont and Page Counties, the Warning is in effect from 3-a.m. Tuesday until 6-a.m. Wednesday. The remaining counties are under a Winter Weather Advisory from 3-a.m. Tuesday until 6-a.m. Wednesday.
For those counties in the warned area, some 4-to 6-inches of snow are expected, with anywhere from 5-to 8-inches for those lower two-tiers of counties in the southern section of the state. Forecasters say snow will develop in the far southwest counties late Monday night and spread into the rest of the area during the day, Tuesday. Accumulating, heavy snow is expected Tuesday afternoon and evening before it tapers-off Wednesday morning. In addition to the heavy snow, northeasterly winds starting out at 10-to 15-miles per hour Tuesday morning, will increase to 25-miles per hour by Tuesday night, causing reduced visibilities of as little as one-half mile or less at times. Snow, blowing and drifting snow will cause roads to become treacherous.The Weather Service says you should only travel in the event of an emergency during the day, Tuesday. If you must travel when conditions worsen, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle, in case you become stuck. Bring a cell phone charger with you, and if your vehicle becomes stranded, run the engine for a few minutes at a time as necessary, to stay warm. Make sure your vehicles’ tailpipe is clear of obstructions when you do run the engine in a situation where you are stranded.