Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Update on Latest Oklahoma Snowstorm


Above is the latest image from the Wichita, KS radar.  As you can see, snow is widespready across central and southern Kansas.  Accumulations of 4-6 inches have already taken place within the darker blue band across the middle of the precipitation field in the image above.


The arctic cold front and strong upper level storm system responsible for the current snow in Kansas will continue to move and develop Southeast into Oklahoma this afternoon into Wednesday.


Moderate to heavy snowfall will be widespread across the Sooner state, much of which is currently under a Winter Storm Warning (pink shaded areas on the image below):



At this time, observational and computer model data suggest that the heaviest total snowfall may take place between I-40 and I-44, generally Southwest of a Tulsa to Ft. Smith, AR line.  At this time it appears that 8-10 inches of snow is likely within the heaviest snowfall band.  Widespread 4-8 inch totals are likely outside of this region across much of central and eastern Oklahoma.

The storm is still in its infancy, so we'll want to keep an eye on things this afternoon and evening before forming any more specific conclusions.

Regardless of what specific location(s) receive the heaviest total snowfall, widespread snow with considerable blowing and drifting on strong North to Northeast winds can be expected tonight and Wednesday in the warning area.  This will make an already hazardous situation even worse.  Wind chill values will be below zero in most areas.

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