Winter Storm Update: 2:15 PM EST Dec. 20, 2012

The first significant winter weather system for the Midwest is currently underway. This event has prompted blizzard and winter storm warnings in states such as Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Along with white-out conditions, areas in the South have seen severe weather including damaging winds and tornadoes.

Current MSL pressure analysis from the SPC Mesoanalysis shows the deepening low pressure of 984 hPa located over north-central Illinois progressing northwestward. The black lines (known as isobars, or lines of equal pressure) along the western side of the storm are seen very close to one another; this indicates winds at the surface are beginning to strengthen. Wind speeds of 53 mph have been reported at the Davenport, IA airport. Of course, cold air associated with these gusty winds has allowed for heavy snowfall to occur, prompting blizzard conditions in Iowa and Wisconsin (MCD 2193).

Heavy snowfall will continue to occur for the Wisconsin area throughout the evening. Rainfall that is currently occurring the Chicago metro will gradually switch over to frozen precipitation in the next few hours, creating an extremely hazardous rush hour commute. Snowfall in Wisconsin and northwest IL could exceed 12" in some areas. As for areas south of the Chicago area, snowfall amounts should be limited to the 2-4" range. Lake-enhanced snowfall is likely to occur in the early morning hours of Friday, 12/21 in northern Indiana and western Michigan.

 Here's a video looking at the blizzard conditions as of 10 AM this morning: http://youtu.be/nAtQc-LQV50


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Living in the Midwest

During our daily look at the models we noticed a rather large event on the way.  A higher pressure system is sitting out over the western plains pushing a front eastward into the Midwest.

                                                 http://www.wunderground.com/maps/

Right now the storms are already stretched out long enough to cover a couple states.  As the storms push eastward into the evening models suggest they will strengthen.  At around 23z(7pm eastern) the storms are stretching from Oklahoma through Indiana.

                                              (high resolution rapid refresh from NOAA)

In the next 4 hours the storms strengthen quickly and pretty much cover the state of Indiana and also cover large portions of Illinois and Kentucky.

                                                                3z(11 pm eastern)

Through out The night it will weaken as it moves in a more north eastern direction.

The main issues associated with this storm are going to be wind and rain.  It will be happening overnight on a well known day of celebration(happy weekend to all)  as well which will complicate the situation.  Just remember to drive safe and smart.

Looking into tomorrow these storms look like they are going to push into the east coast bringing rain stretching from Maine all the way down to Georgia.