Friday, February 19, 2010

More Snow in the Forecast

Two storms will bring us snow; one to start the weekend and the other to end the weekend. The one slated to move through tonight shouldn't be too much of a big deal. Anywhere between 1"- 2" will be likely. The second one, however, could bring a little more accumulating snow. Let’s start with the first. An area of low pressure currently east of the Rockies will swing through Central Illinois tonight and Saturday. As it does, an inverted trough (sea level pressure bulging north instead of south) will move through Northern Illinois. As this low moves off east, a second one will move in behind it. This one has the potential to bring a little more accumulating snow. With it being still off shore, we are having a hard time trying to pin down the track of the system. There are two scenarios playing out. Scenario number one has a surface low developing in Northern Texas moving into Arkansas and then into the Ohio River Valley. With this track, it would put the heaviest snow band through Central Illinois with snow likely for us. The second track brings the low further north and wraps in a little warmer air with it. In this scenario the heaviest snow band would be further north, but also gives us a rain/snow mix. We'll continue to watch this with each computer run. Morning models will be coming out shortly and as we continue to get closer to Sunday, we'll be able to pin down a more exact track.

2 comments:

  1. Just wondering what the average snowfall is for the month of Feb? Also, are we at, near, or below average for snowfall this winter season?

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  2. Average snowfall for the month of February is right around 8" and so far for the month we received 10.7". For the winter season Rockford has picked up a little over 43" putting it 16" above the seasonal average! With the next two systems slated to move through, one tonight and the other Monday, we will likely be pushing seasonal totals above 50"!

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