Rain Finds Us In The Valley Today

2/15/2021

Freezing rain remains the biggest concern today through Tuesday morning. As a system works in a northeast direction, warm air aloft and cold air at the surface will lead to dangerous roadways, the potential for downed trees, and the loss of power for the Plateau & northwestern East Tennessee. The remainder of the Valley will see rain with a chance for freezing rain, sleet, and snow tonight into Tuesday morning. Slick spots will be possible so use caution if you are planning to be out on roadways tonight into Tuesday. The main concern remains for the Plateau though with icing totals up to 0.3 inches. Snow will also be a concern tonight with 1-3" possible overnight (this could be on top of already iced roads). If you can avoid being on roadways in these locations, it is highly recommended you stay home.

Looking at the play by play, we sit in the preferred spot. Warmer air down to the surface will lead to mostly rain through the Valley today and overnight. A brief transition to wintry precipitation will be possible overnight but little to no snow/ice accumulation is expected. Transitioning into Tuesday, we begin to dry back out but stay chilly. A second system (very similar to this one) brings another blast of cold air, rain, and wintry precipitation. As of now, the path seems very similar, again leaving us mainly in the rain shield. This will arrive overnight Wednesday and throughout Thursday. We'll provide more details on this one tomorrow.

Mid-February continues to look cold as the latest CPC release suggests below average temperatures in the week ahead. Tying this with precipitation, above average is anticipated. This will easily wipe our drought deficiency that much of the state has faced.

Continue to check in for updates as weather conditions for a portion of the region will be messy and dangerous. If you are in the Plateau and must be on the road, use extreme caution and take your time. Valley locations could see some slick spots this morning through tomorrow, so take it easy. I hope everyone enjoy's Washington's Birthday today. Stay safe, warm and dry out there!