Jan 30th-February 1st 2026 Arctic Blast/ULL Snow OBS Thread.

[bearman]

As I was walking I heard 2 explosions I assume it was transformers but the snow is so fluffy and dry it seems strange that that would cause a transformer to blow. I also walked out to a main road that had been treated, and I could not tell a difference between it and the ones in our neighborhood.

[John1122]

Just now, bearman said:

As I was walking I heard 2 explosions I assume it was transformers but the snow is so fluffy and dry it seems strange that that would cause a transformer to blow. I also walked out to a main road that had been treated, and I could not tell a difference between it and the ones in our neighborhood.

At these temps the pre-treatment is way less effective. Could the sounds have been a wreck? 

[Stovepipe]

2 minutes ago, bearman said:

As I was walking I heard 2 explosions I assume it was transformers but the snow is so fluffy and dry it seems strange that that would cause a transformer to blow. I also walked out to a main road that had been treated, and I could not tell a difference between it and the ones in our neighborhood.

I heard two rounds of gunfire earlier, around midnight.  I figure either rednecks were drunk and celebrating or the toilet paper shortage wars have already broken out.

[John1122]

The HRRR snow expansion down the valley and along the foothills is happening before our eyes in real time. 

[Hurricaneguy]

6.5” in Greeneville!! It’s been snowing non stop since 4pm. And it’s pouring still right now. Officially our biggest snow in 12 years 

[John1122]

I'm down to 14 degrees and it's back to absolutely pouring down again. Vis around 1/4th mile. The radar doesn't even look impressive but even seeing returns at all on the Plateau when the DGZ is almost to the surface, is impressive. 

[Stovepipe]

HRRR still good through 2pm for snow in most areas and some far longer than that in the east.  Showing a 4 to 7 inch gradient over Knox still!  I'm likely between 3 and 4 currently at 19.6 degrees.  We reeled us in a good one!

[zbrown89]

Not gonna lie been a long time lurker and this is my first time posting but it is 26.2 degrees here in north Ringgold…I could be way off but this is odd to me and I am curious to learn about this radar imaging. Thanks for your patience and time.


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[bearman]

13 minutes ago, zbrown89 said:

Not gonna lie been a long time lurker and this is my first time posting but it is 26.2 degrees here in north Ringgold…I could be way off but this is odd to me and I am curious to learn about this radar imaging. Thanks for your patience and time.


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If you are wondering if there is really mixture there, no there is not. I am not sure how the tech is supposed to work and determine what is falling, but it is not real accurate. 

[Stovepipe]

The super heavy dbz stuff looks to have wobbled over to west Knox, Loudon, and NW Blount.  The overall blob is growing towards Madisonville and Tellico Plains.

Oscillating between periods of peas with dimes and dimes with nickles here.  Pretty dang good rates even when the radar shows relatively lower.

[zbrown89]

If you are wondering if there is really mixture there, no there is not. I am not sure how the tech is supposed to work and determine what is falling, but it is not real accurate. 

Ty appreciate it


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[WintryMixmaster]

Some solid very fluffy snow falling here, a mixture of small snowflakes and larger nickel-sized ones blowing in the wind. Feels very Christmas-y! 2 inches on the ground

[Hurricaneguy]

If you believe the avg of the short res models there is a chance 6-8'' of snow will still fall over Greene Co before things wrap. I'm speechless  

[Hurricaneguy]

I also I cannot recall a time I've witnessed 12 straight hours of steady to heavy snowfall.