Cold, Soaking Rain; A Few Snow Flakes As It Ends

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COLD SOAKER: As expected, we have had many reports of sleet across North Alabama this afternoon as the precipitation begins ahead of a major storm system. It becomes all rain tonight and tomorrow, and it will be a soaker with amounts for most communities in the two to three inch range. It will be a cold rain; we hold in the 40s all day tomorrow. Of course, cold air is stable so no severe weather or thunder. Just an old fashioned soaking rain. Don’t expect any flooding issues since we have been dry recently.

TO THE NORTH: Snow has been falling around Nashville this afternoon; the image below is from Lebanon, TN via @upinthisbrain

The temperature there is 39 degrees, and there are no travel problems. The best chance of accumulating snow in Tennessee from this storm will be over the eastern quarter of the state, especially around the Great Smoky Mountains.

ALABAMA SNOW FLAKES? The rain will taper off tomorrow night, and the rain will most likely change to light snow for a brief period late tomorrow night and during the pre-dawn hours Wednesday. The main window for light snow will come from about 11:00 p.m. tomorrow through 4:00 a.m. Wednesday, meaning most of you will sleep through it.

There could be enough snow for a dusting on grassy areas, mainly over the northeast counties of the state, and the light snow is not expected to create driving problems. But…

ICY PATCHES: Remember, we are expecting 2 to 3 inches of rain, so there most likely will be some standing water around, and we should go below freezing early Wednesday morning. So, there could be a little “black ice” around on bridges and overpasses, so be careful if you are driving early Wednesday morning.

The sky will clear Wednesday, but the day will be windy and cold. We won’t get out of the 30s Wednesday afternoon, and a strong north wind of 12-22 mph will keep the wind chill index around the freezing mark all day despite the return of sunshine.

EAST COAST MESS: Wednesday will be a big mess for the biggest travel day of the year, featuring lots of wind, rain and snow. The major airports in Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston will most likely have long delays due to wind and rain. And, heavy snow develops over places like West Pennsylvania, West and North New York, and interior parts of New England. Travelers beware.

Take some time to watch the Weather Xtreme video for a detailed briefing with all of the maps, graphics, and details.

THANKSGIVING DAY: We will be very cold early Thursday morning; the GFS is printing a low of 21 degrees for Birmingham, and the colder places will easily reach the teens. But, the day will be bright and sunny with a high in the mid 40s.

BLACK FRIDAY: We start the day in the 20s; the high will be in the low 50s with a sunny sky.

IRON BOWL FORECAST: For Saturday’s big game at Jordan-Hare Stadium (2:30p CT kickoff), the sky should be mostly sunny with temperatures falling from the mid 50s at kickoff to near 50 by the final whistle. There is no chance of rain.

OUR WEEKEND: We stay dry Saturday and Sunday; partly to mostly sunny both days with a high in the mid to upper 50s.

Rain returns to the state early next week with rain likely on Monday (December 2).

WEATHER BRAINS: Don’t forget you can listen to our weekly 90 minute netcast anytime on the web, or on iTunes. This is the show all about weather featuring many familiar voices, including our meteorologists here at ABC 33/40. We will record this week’s show tonight at 8:30 CT… you can watch it live on “James Spann 24/7” on cable systems around the state, or on the web here.

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I had a great time today speaking to the 6th graders at Cullman East Elementary… be looking for them on the Pepsi KIDCAM today at 5:00 on ABC 33/40 News! The next Weather Xtreme video will be posted here by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow…

Tags: soaker

Category: Alabama's Weather