Knowing what qualifies as “significant” ice and snow accumulations might help you better prepare for potentially dangerous situations as the winter storm season draws near. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for a large portion of southern Indiana, parts of southern Illinois, western Kentucky, southeast Missouri, and other areas. With potentially hazardous ice and snow accumulations, this system is predicted to produce a wintry mix that includes freezing rain, sleet, snow, and rain.
Winter Storm Watch: What to Expect
From late Saturday evening until late Sunday evening, a Winter Storm Watch will be in force. Here are the salient details:
-
What
:- Heavy mixed precipitation is possible.
-
Total snow and sleet accumulations of
4 inches or more
. -
Ice accumulations of
one-quarter inch or more
.
-
Where
:- Portions of Southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and western Kentucky.
-
When
:-
From
late Saturday night through late Sunday night
.
-
From
-
Impacts
:-
Power outages
and
tree damage
are possible due to the weight of ice. -
Travel could be
nearly impossible
on untreated roads. -
The hazardous conditions could impact the
Monday morning commute
.
-
- Heavy mixed precipitation is possible.
-
Total snow and sleet accumulations of
4 inches or more
. -
Ice accumulations of
one-quarter inch or more
.
- Portions of Southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and western Kentucky.
-
From
late Saturday night through late Sunday night
.
-
Power outages
and
tree damage
are possible due to the weight of ice. -
Travel could be
nearly impossible
on untreated roads. -
The hazardous conditions could impact the
Monday morning commute
.
See Also: The Importance of Putting a Quarter in the Freezer Now for Hoosiers
Understanding “Significant” Ice Accumulations
The term “significant” is used by the National Weather Service to characterize snow and ice accumulations that have the potential to cause hazards and interrupt daily life. Using the most recent NWS graphics:
-
Freezing Rain Risk
:-
There s a
high probability
of freezing rain leading to at least
one-tenth of an inch of ice
. -
Accumulations of
one-quarter inch or more
are also possible, especially in the Watch Area.
-
There s a
-
Snow and Sleet
:- While freezing rain poses the greatest concern, snow and sleet accumulations of 4 inches or more could exacerbate road conditions and increase the risk of power outages.
-
There s a
high probability
of freezing rain leading to at least
one-tenth of an inch of ice
. -
Accumulations of
one-quarter inch or more
are also possible, especially in the Watch Area.
- While freezing rain poses the greatest concern, snow and sleet accumulations of 4 inches or more could exacerbate road conditions and increase the risk of power outages.
Explaining the Graphics
The odds of freezing rain and ice buildup are broken out in the National Weather Service graphics that are attached:
- This graphic shows the likelihood of areas receiving at least one-tenth of an inch of ice. This level of accumulation is enough to cause slick roads and power line stress.
- This highlights areas where at least one-quarter inch of ice is likely. Such accumulations can lead to significant power outages, downed trees, and treacherous travel conditions.
Although there is still some uncertainty in the models, these graphics show a strong indication of freezing rain over a large portion of the region. They do, however, emphasize how crucial it is to get ready for the Watch Area.
What This Means for You
Significant ice and snow accumulations from the impending winter storm could make travel and day-to-day living hazardous. Southern Indiana residents and those in the nearby areas ought to:
- Stay informed by monitoring weather updates.
-
Prepare for potential
power outages
by having supplies ready. - Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Stay Ahead of the Storm
Impacts are anticipated from late Saturday through Sunday night, making this winter storm a potentially dangerous occurrence.Snow, ice accumulations, freezing rain, and sleet are all possible. Make sure you’re prepared because the dangerous conditions can last into the workweek.
To be safe throughout this winter weather event, keep checking the National Weather Service’s most recent forecasts and updates.
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