Winter Storm Update (10:45am)

Snow, heavy at times, continues across the entire tri-state. Most areas have reported 3″ or so, with another inch or so likely before we see a temporary lull this afternoon. Snow will move back in later this evening/tonight as an ULL (upper-level low) slides overhead. Given that temps at all levels of the atmosphere will be much colder by then, snow to liquid ratios will be much higher. In basic terms, that will allow a much smaller amount of liquid than we are seeing now to produce a couple inches of snow. By tomorrow morning, I expect that we will have seen another 2-3″, which when combined with this first round of snow, will lead to totals up to 9″ for the immediate tri-state. The other big story tonight will be the wind. As the deepening low pressure slides to our NE, the gradient will tighten between it and the strong area of high pressure over the Plains, leading to gusty winds (40mph+). Such winds will cause significant blowing/drifting of the fallen snow, leading to near-blizzard conditions. Like today, I expect many closings tomorrow, as roads will still be very hazardous/slick by morning.