"Snowpocalypse". Historic Storm Upon Us?

    This could be a record breaking or near record breaking storm for much of the country.  Latest model runs put a band of extremely heavy snow over Central Oklahoma into SE Kansas. Some areas from Oklahoma City to Chicago are expected to receive at least a foot of snow, and locally some areas may receive up to 2 feet! Strong winds will also complicate things, and areas that receive the highest amounts of snow could see snow drifts up to 8 feet or more. Blizzard Warnings are in effect in 7 states, and reach from Oklahoma City to Chicago and Milwaukee.

    The southern edge of the storm will bring significant icing to areas along the I-44 corridor in Oklahoma and especially Missouri. The ice threat also stretches across Illinois to New England. Some of the hardest hit areas will be St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh.

Ice Accumulations Through Wednesday

    This is a very dangerous storm, and many areas can expect major power outages along with incredibly heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet, and bitter cold wind chills. Several states including Oklahoma, Missouri, and Illinois have been declared to be in a State of Emergency. Stay tuned to your local news and NOAA Weather Radios for up to date details on the storm, and DO NOT travel unless ABSOLUTELY neccesary. If travel is unavoidable, dress in layers and bring food, water, and blankets in case you become stranded. This is a life threatening situation.

What the NWS has to say in it's Forecast Discussions:
   
      Norman, OK: Obvious analog would be Christmas Eve '09. For some this may be as bad or worse.  (That was Okla. City's record snowy day...13.5")
   
      Kansas City, MO: "This could end up being one of the more significant weather events in the last 20 years in Missouri."
   
      St. Louis, MO: "Potentially historic winter storm headed for region."
   
      Milwaukee, WI: Potentially "paralyzing blizzard" possible in southeast Wisconsin. Jan. 1999 blizzard produced 4-8 foot drifts!
   
      Grand Rapids, MI: "Travel...and commerce in general...could be paralyzed with near record-breaking snowfall."
   
      Indianapolis, IN: "(Ice and blizzard conditions) could result in devastating conditions for central Indiana. Long duration power outages appear possible."

Donovan Gruner