Late Morning Update
Just finished a weather program at C.J Donald Elementary in Fairfield… catching up during a break before I head to Crestline Elementary in Mountain Brook for another program. Busy, busy day today…
RIGHT NOW: I am losing interest in model output, and mainly am staring at our system to the west. The images below were taken this morning in Fayetteville, Arkansas… relayed by Amanda Taylor. She writes:
“Here are the pics from my friend in Fayetteville… he has measured since the 14 inches and says there is now 20 inches in Springdale Ark.”
This is all confirmed by the NWS Little Rock… they are reporting 17.5 inches at Deer, AR, in Newton County. It is interesting to note that only 4-6 inches, generally speaking, were being predicted for that part of Arkansas. This is a system with excellent dynamic forcing and tremendous UVV values now.
Below is a look at the system…
Snow is falling across the entire state of Arkansas now, down to near I-20 across extreme North Louisiana.
Below is a larger view of the system, with 500 mb vorticity contours…
The big upper support is moving through Oklahoma enhancing the snow over Arkansas, but we note the second vort max over Texas, which could help bring some decent snow to Central Alabama tonight as well. But, that main vort max sure could bring heavier snow than currently forecast to North Mississippi, West Tennessee, and perhaps parts of North Alabama. As you recall, we initially had a 3-5 inch snow forecast for Northwest Alabama, but lowered it due to models showing hardly any moisture. We might have to revisit that initial forecast again soon if the radar trends continue over Arkansas and North Mississippi.
Overall, no change in the ongoing forecast at this moment. Snow enters Northwest Alabama around 3:00, with snow flakes possible as early as 6:00 for Tuscaloosa and Birmingham. Main travel issues will come from 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m…. but up in Northwest Alabama around Muscle Shoals slick spots could develop as early as 6:00 p.m. Scroll down for the long morning discussion, and see the Weather Xtreme video for all the details and answers to your questions…
Category: Alabama's Weather