Friday, January 21, 2011

Is More Winter Weather on the Way? - Friday AM Update

Computer models appear to be in better agreement this morning that low pressure will track up the Carolina coast during the early to middle part of next week bringing snow and rain to North Carolina. Some areas will see just rain, others will see all snow, and other may see a mix of snow to rain to snow.

Since we are still several days away, it is still much too early to make a call on what locations in the state could see significant snow and what areas would see just a cold rain. Based on the latest model data this morning, the Triangle would fall very close to the rain/snow line with significant snows possible to the west especially in the foothills and mountains. However, that all depends on the exact track of the low pressure. If the track changes more to the east, more significant snow would be possible toward the Triangle and even the Sandhills. At the same time, a more inland or westerly track would mean just rain for those areas. It appears the coast would mainly see just rain.

I caution that all of this is subject to change. Nailing down the exact track of low pressure that hasn't even developed yet is pretty much impossible at this point. We are still several days away and the models don't fully have a handle on how this storm system will evolve. Keep an eye on the forecast especially for Tuesday, Tuesday night, and Wednesday.

On another note, before we get to next week, low pressure will develop off the southeast coast Saturday. It should stay far enough offshore that any precipitation with that low will be out to sea. There is just a slight chance that the southern Outer Banks and Crystal Coast could see a few flurries or light snow showers Saturday evening.

Stay tuned to News 14 Carolina for the latest forecast!

Lee Ringer
News 14 Carolina Meteorologist
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