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Helping Business Weather the Storm

National Weather Summary for Wednesday, December 5, 2018

by David Moran, on Dec 5, 2018 10:25:05 AM

Lake effect snow is forecast across western New York Thursday as a clipper system moves through the region. A winter storm will bring the potential for significant ice and snow accumulations to portions of the Southern Plains and Lower Missouri Valley Friday into Saturday.

  • Lake Effect Snow across Western New York Thursday
  • Significant Wintry Precipitation Friday and Saturday from the Southern Plains to the Lower Missouri Valley
  • Thunderstorms for South Texas on Friday
  • Excessive Rainfall Friday and Saturday from Southeast Texas to the Southern Mississippi Valley

US Hazards Wednesday, December 5, 2018
US Hazards

Lake Effect Snow across Western New York Thursday
Lake effect snowfall is expected to develop across portions of Lake Erie and spread across the Buffalo area early Thursday morning ahead of an approaching clipper system. Light to moderate snow is forecast to begin around midnight on Thursday and increase in coverage and intensity Thursday afternoon. Snowfall accumulations of 4-6 inches with locally heavier amounts in excess of 8 inches are forecast depending on where the heaviest snowbands set up. Snowfall will end across the area Thursday evening as the clipper system moves toward New England. In addition to the snow, winds will range 15-20 mph with gusts in excess of 35 mph. This will result in blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility and creating hazardous driving conditions across the region.

Major Cities in Region: Buffalo, NY

Snow Accumulation for Thursday, December 6, 2018
Snow Accumulation for Thursday

Significant Wintry Precipitation Friday and Saturday from the Southern Plains to the Lower Missouri Valley
With cold air in place and ample moisture moving northward from the Gulf of Mexico, a winter storm is forecast to impact much of the Southern Plains this weekend. Light wintry precipitation is forecast to overspread the Texas Panhandle Friday morning and then expand in coverage and intensity through Friday night. Several inches of snow, as well as significant freezing rain and sleet are expected, producing hazardous travel conditions beginning Friday night and continuing through Saturday evening. Forecast confidence remains low with regard to specific impacts as the exact placement of the cold air is yet to be determined. Wintry precipitation will end from west to east Saturday night into Sunday morning.

Major Cities in Region: Lubbock, TX, Amarillo, TX, Wichita Falls, TX, Lawton, OK, Oklahoma City, OK, Tulsa, OK, Fort Smith, AR, Little Rock, AR, Jonesboro, AR

Freezing Rain and Snow Accumulation for December 7-8, 2018
Freezing Rain and Snow Accumulation for Friday and Saturday

Thunderstorms for South Texas on Friday
An upper level trough is forecast to track across South Texas Friday into Saturday. At the surface, an area of low pressure will develop and strengthen Friday night while slowly tracking eastward. At the same time, ample forcing will allow for widespread shower and thunderstorm development Friday afternoon. This activity will slowly spread eastward overnight. By the evening, wind shear will allow thunderstorm activity to increase in coverage and intensity; some of which may become severe. Given favorable wind profiles and wind shear, damaging winds and an isolated tornado or two will be the primary hazards with the strongest storms. 

Major Cities in Region: San Antonio, TX, Corpus Christi, TX

SPC Convective Outlook for Friday, December 7, 2018
SPC Convective Outlook for Friday

Excessive Rainfall Friday and Saturday from Southeast Texas to the Southern Mississippi Valley
In addition to the severe thunderstorm potential described above, there will be a potential for excessive rainfall from southeast Texas to the Southern Mississippi Valley. Rainfall amounts will range 3-5 inches with locally higher amounts in excess of 7 inches. This will result in widespread flooding and runoff. 

Major Cities in Region: San Antonio, TX, Houston, TX, Shreveport, LA, Baton Rouge, LA, Jackson, MS

Rainfall Accumulation for December 7-8, 2018
Rainfall Accumulation for Friday and Saturday

A Look Ahead
Thunderstorms will move into the Southeast on Saturday as an area of low pressure moves eastward. Freezing rain and snow are forecast to move into the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys, Virginias, and Carolinas Sunday and Monday. Light snow may develop Tuesday across the Rockies.

Topics:Nowcast/Forecast

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