Monday, April 8, 2013

Upcoming Spring Storm

Here's an expert from our local news station:

Storm Center Update-Monday AM

April 8, 2013, 7:29 AM by Brian Karstens
SIOUX FALLS, SD - A major early spring storm will be heading for the plains the next few days, packing the potential for a foot of snow in some areas, ice, and heavy rain.  First, the ingredients for a major snow event are in place.  Deep snowcover to our north is keeping the air very cool just north of KELOLAND.  This system will have no trouble drawing down this colder air for northern, central, and western KELOLAND.  Even the southeast will see this trend too starting tonight.  It appears a classic April storm will head our way.  Here a few details according to the various regions of KELOLAND.

Southeast:  After a mild day today, snow and freezing rain will arrive tonight west of the James Valley into Tuesday morning.  Temperatures will be falling quickly behind the cold front, so expect a big drop in temperatures the next 24 hours.  The colder air will be in place late tonight, with a rain/freezing rain/snow mix near Sioux Falls and points northwest.  A winter storm watch has been posted for Sioux Falls and areas northwest.  We need to watch the icing potential northwest of Sioux Falls late tonight and tomorrow.  We are concerned that warm air aloft combined with cold winds at the surface will provide the ingredients for at least a couple of tenths of inch of ice.

A second surge of precipitation will develop in southeastern KELOLAND in the wrap-around snow behind the main low Tuesday night into Wednesday.  This may be the most important feature to watch for snow potential in the southeast.  When we combine these 2 pieces of the storm, snow totals of 6” or more seem reasonable, including in Sioux Falls.   Blowing and drifting snow could also be an issue, so stay tuned for updates.

A few more thoughts.  First, this moisture will help the drought.  Secondly, ranchers and farmers will want to take note that this powerful storm will be hard on young livestock with cold north winds and wet heavy snow.   Third, travel will be poor at times and could be nearly impossible in some of the hardest hit areas of KELOLAND.  Stay tuned to the latest information through the day . 
My thoughts....oh goodie. But at least this gives me a little bit of time to prepare for this storm. My only wish is that I didn't have a meeting scheduled for tonight. I may be doing final prep work in the dark after the meeting. Anyone want to stop out and help tonight?

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