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I've had a few people asking about the chance of snow and ice this week, so let me clear up some things. First, it's not looking like a big deal. Yes, we have had the chance of "mix" in our forecast for a few days, but it's mainly going to be a cold rain in Region 8. Here are my bullet points this morning: This will be mainly a cold rain event.  No data is showing enough wintry weather to warrant any watches, warnings, or advisories for Region 8. Therefore, we do not have RED on the 7 Day Forecast beyond today. Yes, we will see some snowflakes and freezing rain in parts of Region 8. I just don't expect huge problems. Timing: Wednesday and Thursday. NW Arkansas may get enough for travel impacts, but I'm not even sold on that. If this changes, we will tell you. Let's look at some maps to back up my thoughts. First, the Weather Prediction Center agrees with me: Here's the probability of at least 0.10" of freezing rain from the WPC: Here's t...

This might be one of the trickiest forecasts. Many models are backing off on the winter storm, while a couple of models are still ALL IN on wintry weather impacts for tomorrow. Here are my thoughts as of this morning: This storm is going to surprise us... I'm just not sure how... yet. Overall, snow forecasts are being adjusted downward. Overall, freezing rain forecast is not being adjusted yet. Swath of 0.25" still expected. Reminder, freezing rain typically is not "too" bad for roads. Sleet and snow is worse. Greatest threat for travel problems is in Independence, Sharp, Jackson, and Cleburne counties in Region 8. This does not mean we will not see slick spots in other locations. MODELS ARE ALL OVER THE PLACE. To give you an idea of the wide range of data this morning. Here's the the snow output from two models: Here's the range of freezing rain output: I'm hoping the data comes more in line this afternoon. Stay tuned. Ryan

The above map is my current thinking on accumulations, as of this afternoon (Thursday). This could easily change by tomorrow, so stay tuned. I'm starting to believe that we may see less snow and more freezing rain (and cold rain). Here are my thoughts right now: Rain starts Friday night into Saturday morning.  Northern and western counties will quickly switch to sleet and freezing rain. By Saturday night, everything west of Highway 49 should switch to snow. If we don't switch to snow and stay as sleet and freezing rain, power issues increase and accumulations decrease.  Counties closer to I40 will see mainly plain rain. If I changed anything in the forecast tonight, it would be to increase the freezing rain numbers and lower the snow numbers.  So, let's dig into some maps. First, the GFS has been rather consistent. Here's what it shows for freezing rain: And then here is what is shows for snow on top of that: Next is the NAM model, which was going a little bonkers, but ...

I'm going to try to do an update on the potential for wintry weather each morning until Saturday, here on the blog. I'll also be updating the Region 8 weather app each day with the latest information and on Twitter. Here are my thoughts as of this morning: Friday looks fine. Outside of a few pockets of showers or sleet, Friday is not concerning. Saturday is the main day. All modes of precipitation are possible: Rain, sleet, snow, and freezing rain. Travel impacts are becoming likely for areas NW of Highway 67. Possible for areas SE of Highway 67.  It's still too early to nail down accumulations with accuracy. When we are 4 days out, it's typically the time to start focusing in on making alternative plans. I do think this storm will impact a large part of Region 8. I do think we will have some travel issues. A lot of the precipitation will be falling during the daytime hours on Saturday, so that may help the roads stay a little more clear. Time will tell. Let's dive ...