More snow than originally expected… Warnings/advisories in effect

Written by Shawn Cable Wednesday, February 22, 2012 | 4:56 pm

The last couple of forecast model runs have exploded with considerably higher snowfall potential over the next 24-36 hours.

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for a two to three county-wide band from Okoboji to Brookings to about Redfield and Mobridge where 5-8 inches of accumulation is now possible. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued on either side of that band (including Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Watertown, Pierre and Marshall.

We’re now expecting 2-3 maybe 4 inches in the Sioux Falls metro area.

Wind will also increase to 25-25 mph tomorrow causing blowing snow and reduced visibility at times – especially in open areas.

Warnings and Advisories

More rain and snow on the way

Written by Shawn Cable Wednesday, February 22, 2012 | 8:41 am

Another system will bring a mix of rain and snow to much of South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa later today, tonight and tomorrow. Unlike the system earlier this week, moisture amounts with this one will be fairly light. Liquid precip amounts of one to two-tenth of an inch are possible with snowfall of an inch or less in Sioux Falls… 1-2 inches is possible across parts of northeast South Dakota and western Minnesota. We might eek out 2-3 across the Sisseton hills and across southeastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. 

2/20/12 Snow Totals

Written by Shawn Cable Monday, February 20, 2012 | 3:13 pm

Here are some preliminary snowfall totals. In many of these places it was still snowing as the measurements were taken, so there will be updates. Check back… I’ll post the latest as they’re available.

Updated at 7:15am on 2/21/12

Totals provided by the National Weather Service

A Snowy, Rainy, Slushy Forecast

Written by Shawn Cable Monday, February 20, 2012 | 7:34 am

A significant winter weather system will bring a mix of rain, sleet and snow to the region Monday. It’s a tough forecast when it comes to forecasting snow amounts, but the one thing we do know is that there will be plenty of moisture with the system. Most places could get one-quarter to one-half inch or more of liquid precip. The difficult part of this forecast is determining how much snow we’re going to get. A temperature change of one or two degrees aloft could change the entire forecast.

As of right now, here’s what I’m thinking:

Sioux Falls: Rain and sleet mixed with snow will develop across the mtro area by mid morning. Rain and snow will mix, becoming all rain at times… Changing to all snow at times. Eventually, later this afternoon, precip. will change to all snow. I’m thinking about 2-3 inches in Sioux Falls with some places getting up to 4 inches. Keep in mind that a lot of the snow that falls will melt on contact. Almost 1/2 inch of liquid precip possible.

Aberdeen: Mostly snow today… Mixing with rain at times. About .30″ of liquid precip with 2-3 inches of snow. Snow and precip amounts will be a bit heavier in the Sisseton/Watertown area. 2-4 inches possible there with 5″ locally in the higher elevations of the Sisseton Hills.

Pierre: Rain and snow likely today. About .25″ or liquid precip with 2-3 inches of snow. Snow and rain will end by late afternoon.

2/13/2012: Snowfall Totals

Written by Shawn Cable Monday, February 13, 2012 | 8:50 am

Here are the latest snow totals. I’ll add to and update the list as they come in.

Updated at 3:38 pm