Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Little Rock AR
419 PM CST
Sat Jan 15 2022
.SHORT TERM...Today Through Sunday
To sum up this forecast in one simple word: OUCH.
That bears repeating: **OUCH**
The theme so far has centered on giant snowflakes, high snowfall
rates, heavy wet snow, and model guidance that remains
significantly warmer than what has been observed thusfar. Model-
derived snow accumulation progs? Laughable!
Still, the forecast for western AR including the Ouachitas/Ozarks
remains largely on track with the most significant and impactful
accumulations in higher terrain (as of 22Z, Chimes is the
*known* snowfall winner so far with a measured 8 inches; other
locations in the mountains have seen similar and largely elevation-
based snow totals). Banded snowfall will continue for the northern
counties for at least another few to several hours with rates on the
order of 1 to 2 inches per hour in the heaviest bands. This is well
reflected in the ongoing Winter Storm
Warning with no major changes
to northern
Elsewhere, mosaic
radar imagery shows rain continuing across
eastern sections with snow elsewhere. A thin band of SN/
RA/
PL resides
between the two and continues marching east/southeast with time
and patchy freezing drizzle is also occurring. This trend will
continue with a transition to all snow by 09Z at the latest.
Earlier concerns about marginal temperatures across eastern zones
have all but vanished given the likelihood of further increasing
CAA as the parent
cyclone to our east deepens in earnest
overnight.
Add to that the high likelihood of additional snow banding across
portions of north-central, northeast, central, and east-central
(and perhaps even south-central/southeast AR) and a notable
increase in forecast snow accumulation is warranted for the
overnight hours. Anticipated average values remain in the 2 to 4
inch range across the warned area (3 to locally 6 inches above
1500 feet); however, a number of models continue showing several
transient snow bands with rates in excess of 1 inch per hour
through the evening. This will drive up snow totals for those
fortunate/unfortunate enough to end up under one (or more...).
There is also increasing confidence in a primary SW to NE
oriented band developing over portions of central and eastern AR
overnight, well situated within the TROWAL and supplied with
ample
moisture and forcing. As such, elected to expand the Winter
Storm
Warning to include central/east-central counties from
Faulkner/Pulaski/Jefferson and points east. While confidence in
seeing banded snowfall here is high, where/when this band will
really start cranking remains an elusive piece of the puzzle.
Further adjustments to ongoing headlines and accumulations may be
needed this evening.
Also expanding the
Winter Weather Advisory to include the
remainder of counties in southern AR. While expected totals here
are smaller, 1 to perhaps 2 inches cannot be ruled out over
southern sections. Should banded snowfall materialize farther
south than currently anticipated, another set of adjustments may
be needed.
Concerning wind... as the system further strengthens through
tonight, do expect breezy conditions will overspread the remainder
of the area. The combination of heavy wet snow and wind speeds
approaching 20 to 25 mph (gusts to 30 mph) has already caused tree
and powerline damage and this will continue through tonight.
Precip should finally move out no later than Sunday around
lunchtime if not earlier, although guidance has tried to slow this
exit some, so that bears monitoring as well. Temperatures will
rebound into the 30s and 40s by Sunday afternoon.
Despite what may or may not have been forgotten by this point,
fingers are going numb and brain is beginning to short-circuit.
Thanks for reading!