Forecaster David Shepherd Discusses Weekend Weather Threat For Dubois County

 By: David Shepherd, News Director / Forecaster 

UPDATE--:Winter Storm Warning issued for DUBOIS, ORANGE, CRAWFORD, PERRY locally. 

Areas Affected: Hancock; Jefferson; Oldham; Breckinridge; Orange; Ohio; Henry; Trimble; Jefferson; Meade; Scott; Perry; Crawford; Harrison; Washington; Clark; Floyd; Dubois 

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches expected. Localized higher snowfall amounts are possible. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph leading to reduced visibilities and blowing and drifting of snow.

 * WHERE...All of southern Indiana and portions of north central Kentucky. 

* WHEN...From 4 PM EST /3 PM CST/ this afternoon to 7 AM EST /6 AM CST/ Sunday..

 * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Travel this evening and overnight will become extremely hazardous. Due to the heavy snowfall expected over a rather short period of time, some roads may become impassable for a time. 

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

 Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or your local media for the latest updates on this situation.

-----

AREA WIDE -- The NWS has issued a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY for Dubois and surrounding counties regarding this weekend’s weather.

A potent cold front and an upper level jet stream will combine to bring rain and snow to the area Saturday into Sunday morning.

Right now, our precipitation will begin as rain Saturday morning with highs in the low 40’s.  The snow will eventually transition to all snow as bitter cold air filters in and drops temperatures well below freezing.

Heavy rain will be possible, in addition to a minor snow accumulation.  

The rain may be heavy enough to force creeks and streams to rise, along with local rivers.  

Meteorologists are concerned that the sudden cold temperatures will lead to flash freezing, which could turn those wet roadways very slick. 

Another issue… the wind.  20-30 mile per hour winds possible as the front blows through.  That will produce wind chills into the single digits.

Our area is right on the rain / snow line so we have to watch this very carefully as it comes in tomorrow.

Of course, I’ll be monitoring the latest changes to the forecast and keeping you updated on-line and on-air!

READ THE FULL SPECIAL WX STATEMENT BELOW

Update: Winter Weather Advisory issued January 18 at 2:51PM EST expiring January 20 at 10:00AM EST by NWS Louisville KY 

Areas Affected: Casey; Clark; Orange; Harrison; Marion; Hart; Shelby; Crawford; Warren; Bullitt; Russell; Washington; Adair; Taylor; Jessamine; Larue; Jefferson; Edmonson; Henry; Hardin; Meade; Perry; Harrison; Bourbon; Logan; Cumberland; Nelson; Madison; Barren; Woodford; Metcalfe; Breckinridge; Butler; Grayson; Trimble; Scott; Spencer; Washington; Green; Nicholas; Garrard; Allen; Clinton; Floyd; Hancock; Fayette; Boyle; Oldham; Ohio; Monroe; Jefferson; Scott; Mercer; Simpson; Clark; Franklin; Anderson; Dubois; Lincoln 

CORRECTED FOR INTERSTATE NUMBER IN WHERE SECTION ...

 WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM EST /3 PM CST/ SATURDAY TO 10 AM EST /9 AM CST/ SUNDAY... 

* WHAT...Rain will transition to snow by Saturday evening. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches Saturday night. Winds gusts of 35 to 45 mph. 

* WHERE...Southern Indiana and Central Kentucky. The heaviest forecast amounts are along and north of I-64, but bands of heavier snow can form Saturday evening anywhere across the region, bringing higher amounts. 

* WHEN...Snow will begin across southern Indiana in the 4 to 7 PM EST time frame Saturday. The transition line will make it to the I-65 corridor in Kentucky anywhere from 8 to 11 PM EST and then to the I-75 corridor anywhere from 11 PM to 2 AM EST early Sunday morning

. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Gusty winds with the snowfall Saturday evening and early overnight will make for reduced visibilities and hazardous driving conditions. In addition, wind chill factors will drop into the single digits for most locations by daybreak Sunday.

 A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Expect snow covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving. 

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or your local media for the latest updates on this situation ************************* 

Winter Weather Advisory issued January 18 at 2:04PM CST expiring January 20 at 12:00AM CST by NWS Paducah KY 

Areas Affected: Perry; Christian; Warrick; Jefferson; Stoddard; McCracken; Gibson; Wayne; Pulaski; Hickman; Todd; Union; Calloway; Gallatin; Saline; Scott; Butler; Massac; Vanderburgh; Hopkins; Posey; Ballard; Marshall; Pope; Fulton; Caldwell; Cape Girardeau; White; New Madrid; Wabash; Muhlenberg; Mississippi; Daviess; Johnson; Williamson; Webster; Carter; Trigg; Pike; Livingston; Edwards; McLean; Bollinger; Spencer; Hamilton; Hardin; Graves; Alexander; Henderson; Union; Lyon; Ripley; Jackson; Franklin; Wayne; Carlisle; Crittenden; Perry 

* WHAT...Rain will change to snow Saturday afternoon into Saturday night. Accumulations of 1 to 2 inches, with locally higher amounts possible, are expected across the north, with generally less than 1 inch amounts across the south.

 * WHERE...1 to 2 inch accumulations are expected mainly north of the Ohio river. Locally higher amounts upwards to 3 inches may occur along and north of a Perryville, Missouri, to Mount Vernon, Illinois line. Generally less than 1 inch amounts are expected south of the Ohio river.

 * WHEN...Rain will change to Snow Saturday afternoon for most places north of the Ohio river. South of the Ohio river, rain will change to snow toward the end of the day Saturday, into Saturday evening. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...This potent weather system will bring an Arctic blast of air with a myriad of impacts. Strong and gusty winds will impact travel and also bring in cold air with single digit to lower teens wind chills. 

Plunging sub freezing temperatures will create flash freeze and black ice potential for any residual ground or roadway moisture. In addition, winds may produce reduced visibility where blowing snow is moderate to heavy.

 A winter weather advisory means that periods of snow...sleet...or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities...and use caution while driving. A winter weather advisory for blowing snow means that visibilities will be limited due to strong winds blowing snow around. 

Use caution when traveling...especially in open areas.