Good afternoon, everyone. Phase two of our winter storm is about to get underway with heavy rain and a band of heavy snow. The heavy rain part of the storm may cause high water issues across the south and east. The heavy snow band remains a little more of a mystery, but it’s starting to show itself.

Heavy rain overspreads central and eastern Kentucky from the southwest this afternoon. As our storm system strengthens, cold air is wrapped into the backside of it, allowing for a band of heavy snow to form. The short range model known as the RAP is strongly supporting recent runs of the European and NAM. Here’s the RAP tonight…

RAP

You can clearly see how the snow wraps up on the backside of the storm.

Here’s where the latest run of the NAM has the heavy snow band…

NAMThat’s a smackdown for much of central and eastern Kentucky. The Hi Res NAM is a little farther west…

NAM 2

That the placement on that actually matches up well with the short range models coming in. Trying to pinpoint where this band sets up is tough, but here’s my first shot at it…

Special 2

I will have a true first call on this coming up today at 4pm on WKYT-TV. I will also be showing you the fresh short range models. Those update every hour, so we will check them out together.

Even though you’re more interested in the snow potential, don’t sleep on the possibility of flooding. Look at some of the precipitation totals over the next 24 hours…

NAM 3

Watch the creeks and streams very closely.

I will have additional updates as needed. Your current trackers will keep you company…

Enjoy the afternoon and take care.