Most models and ensemble solutions have come into agreement more
closely on the precise low track through coastal GA/SC and directly
up the East Coast, positioning us on the far northern edge. This
track places the transition zone along and south of I-70 and along
and east of the Ohio river. Areas north and west of this have a
better shot to remain all snow and therefore have a higher chance of
seeing 2-4" snowfall totals. South and east of this, precip types
may be an issue for snowfall accumulation with a wintry mix more
likely in this region. Probabilities for Advisory level snow have
climbed across much of the region (save for the Mon Valley) compared
to 24 hours ago. Probabilities for Warning level snow remain largely
between 10-20% at their highest.
Snowfall rates of 1"/hour seem possible in the heaviest snowfall,
likely during the predawn hours of Tuesday morning. These rates peak
in several stripes running SW to NE across the region, highlighting
embedded heavier bands in the stratiform snow. Neighborhood
probabilities for 1"/hour rates peak as high as 60-80% in SE Ohio
near the I-70 corridor, but are at least 20-30% across much of the
region.
Stout 850mb WAA racing up the spine of the Appalachians points
towards the possibility of freezing rain in the Mon Valley and
eastern ridges early Tuesday morning. These chances remain
highest in our WV ridges, where the best WAA will be. Further
west towards the Ohio river, there could still could be freezing
rain if the WAA over performs but current model soundings point
towards a period of melting snow or sleet. Ice accumulations of
a glaze up to a few hundredths could be possible by Tuesday
morning, highest in the WV ridges.
At this time a Winter Weather Advisory looks likely for much of the
area for accumulating snowfall and then perhaps another in the
ridges for possible ice. We could end up in a situation where the
only areas that do not need a Winter Weather Advisory would be
portions of the Mon Valley, where snowfall totals will be kept in
check by low SLRs/rainfall and freezing rain chances are lower than
just east in the ridges. No matter the headline decision, the
Tuesday morning commute could be a messy and potentially dangerous
one across the region. Please allow for extra time to reach your
destinations and we urge extra caution on area roadways.