As previous blog posts have alluded, a major winter storm event is shaping up for the southern Plains east to the Ozarks and middle Mississippi and Tennessee Valley region, where significant ice and snow accumulations could occur Thursday on into the weekend. The models are struggling just a bit on what form the precip will fall as, but the general consensus is still that freezing rain and/or sleet will be the first big problem, followed by significant snowfall. Since the 18z runs yesterday, which is what Reed used when he made his last post, forecast precipitation amounts have actually INCREASED for most of Oklahoma; 850mb temps have also warmed just slightly, suggesting a larger icing event for Oklahoma and even more snow on top of it -- the12z NAM is suggesting as much as 2 FEET of snow along the I-44 corridor! It is hard to imagine a major ice event with a major snowfall on top of it, but right now the models make that look like a real possibility.

We will continue to update as new runs come out. For now, people in the watch area are urged to begin making preparations for power outages and/or impassable roads. This includes stocking up on bottled water, pantry items and candles, having generators in working order with plenty of fuel, etc. Those of you who have been through an extended power outage after a winter storm know that being prepared for an event is extremely important, since outages can often last for weeks with an event of this magnitude, and supplies, including gasoline, can become scarce.