Good Monday everyone. Many areas of Kentucky are seeing quite a bit of the white stuff to begin the day. This white stuff is long overdue for many of the snow lovers who have been starving this winter. It’s also bad news for those trying to pick up the pieces from the deadly tornadoes that started our weekend.
The snow this morning will be wet and heavy and may cause a few power problems. Some areas will see better than 4″ or 5″ of snow to start the day. Roads will be slick and snow-covered in some cases. A ton of school kids and teachers will get the rare snow day.
You can track all the flakes with the radars and cams at the top of the page. The flakes will end quickly from northwest to southeast this morning. High temps will run in the 30s with our snow starting to melt away in the afternoon. Get out and enjoy it.
Milder weather is on the way for the next few days as southwesterly winds pick up. Check out the numbers from the NAM… Highs will soar toward the low 50s by Tuesday and into the 60s on Wednesday.
Highs will soar toward the low 50s by Tuesday and into the 60s on Wednesday. Skies should be mainly sunny and this will give us some very nice weather and that’s something we desperately need.
That nice weather shouldn’t last very long. A very slow-moving cutoff low across the plains states will drift our way as a trough digs into the Great Lakes. These two will help to give us a moist southwesterly flow starting Thursday and carrying us through the weekend and into early next week. That means we have the potential for rounds of showers and thunderstorms that can drop a whole lot of water.
The GFS is really picking up on the heavy rain potential… Given how extreme this pattern is… would flooding rains be a surprise?
Given how extreme this pattern is… would flooding rains be a surprise? Let’s hope the models are off a bit with how that pattern works out.
While we are dealing with snow today… let’s not forget about the thousands of folks who are trying to piece their lives back together after Friday’s tornado outbreak. My first day on the job as Chief Meteorologist at WKYT-TV is today and the plan is to have me do live weather from my hometown of Salyersville. Much of the city was leveled by an EF-3 tornado.
West Liberty was also nearly wiped out by another EF-3 tornado. Take a look at this amazing video of the West Liberty twister…
That is an incredible and scary sight to see.
Have a great Monday and take care.
Heavy wet snow here in Versailles!!
In southern Woodford County I just measured the snow on my picnic table….2 1/2 inches. Coming down at a pretty good clip. Great snowman and snowball making snow!
Welcome home Chris. Looks like this weather will keep you busy for awhile. I hope there are no more weather days like Saturday for a long time.
U or L Fan…Glad to here you escaped with little damage. I am sure you will be busy helping out your neighbors. My best friends Mom and Dad live on Brownstown Road and I am guessing it missed them by a couple miles. They are just west of I65.
Mitch, NE Louisville now at 2.5″
Make that 3.25″ & coming down in buckets!
Great to have u back! Now I can get Satellite if I want lol. Don’t forget the good people of Menifee that were hit and some killed there as well.
Nothing here in London, and doesn’t look like much on the way. It would have melted by tomorrow afternoon anyway.
That video!!! What can you say absolitely terrifying..
It was hard to tell in that video exactly what was happening until it was basically right down the street from them… I’d imagine having all of those trees and hills really makes dealing with tornadoes in EKY a much different story than, say, Kansas.
2 inches of snow here in Frankfort, WOW, Still coming down
As of 2:05 AM have about 2.5 inches in my part of Louisville. Still coming down pretty good.
Side note: First time in my life I have ever seen lightning with the snow. Never heard the thunder though. Absolutely incredible site!!
Their were reports of transformers blowing…ppl have lost power in areas because of the heavy wet snow. Thats why there was no thunder.
been snowing very hard here at home almost 2″ now roads are very wet, not sticking to roads yet my weather center says 31.5 outside here, glad you are coming back chris i haven’t watch wkyt since you left, i can now though, welcome back my friend…
4″ of snow in the NE end of Louisville! More than doubled our winter total of 3.5″
At 3:30 AM..nothing down here close to TN border and temps still at 37*.
Measured 2.3″ on my snowboard in Valley Station near Louisville. What a burst of snow…Slushy roads now as temps are sitting right at 32, but pavement temps are higher. Looks like I’ll be waking my little girl a lbit early this morning for those snow castles.
Looks like Chris nailed this forecast.
I think it is appropriate that your return be marked with the biggest snow of the year. About 3.5 inches in Cynthiana right now.
We have 2 inches on the ground in Ironton, Ohio at 4:20 am and it’s still pouring. You really should have paid attention to the RUC. But then again, nobody was calling for it up here. This is the best snow of the year for Ironton.
I think you ahve missed this one man. Hazard is still rain and it doesnt appear much snow is behind this. Dont see us getting 2-4″
6 ” of Heavy snow in Winchester Wow. Ony about 3″ stuck to the streets. Drive safe everyone.
About 5 in. here in SE Fayette on my deck and still coming down. Biggest snow of the season and it’s in March. To top it off, coming just a couple of days after one of the worst tornado outbreaks in Ky.Talk about weather history.
Absolutly nothing fell here last night or this morning
Wow! Just got up @ 5am! Looked outside and here in northwest Lex I can’t tell but it looks like a decent amount of snow, possibly 4 or 5 inches maybe? It’s beautiful! Roads covered.
That was great tornado footage!
Talk about going from a completely boring winter to extreme!
Absolutely nothing in Somerset…but rain.
Four inches of snow in Lawrenceburg. This will make for a great snowman snow for my four-year old later. This was our only “warning” criteria snowfall of the winter and it came from a clipper in March. How odd!
I think Bubba G is onto something–the clippers tend to produce much better snows for us than the Southern stream systems.
We lost power at 2 a.m. And I can’t get a signal on the battery powered TV. What’s going on with power outages? Is it a huge problem or just us? We’re near North Middletown in Bourbon County. Thanks!
Welcome back, Chris!! 🙂
had a gusty snow squall move thru about 5:45 am..kinda like a thunderstorm ..short lived snow hardly enough to even whiten the top of the cars…no snow on the ground…
BUBBA…finally got more than a ancle biter snow in his back yard…lol..enjoy it gang..
Absolutly nothing fell here last nigh or this morning however the powe did go out for about 1 hr
Yep,
Almost 4″ and looks like Lexington got a little more than that, but will not be around long, so kids that can need to be having fun ASAP.
Even more bittersweet, since a lot of folks are dealing with the aftermath of Friday.
As far as some roads go in Lexington, Richmond Rd is slushy, New Circle clear, and Versailles Rd to Versailles is slushy in spots. Warm pavement helped out a lot with road conditions.
Right in the middle of the 1-3″ =happy kiddos headed off to bed.
The big GOOSE EGG=kiddos that I might be tempted to let call Chris for an explanation!! (Very disappointed)
Wow!!! Better than a tornado knocking at your front door. In which CB informed the entire state of Kentucky that there would be violent long tracked tornadoes on Friday. Many people’s lives were saved due to the fact we have Mets that know what they are talking about and can inform the public what may or MAY NOT happen. In your case you got very lucky that you were missed twice in a few days.
GOD BLESS everyone that had to witness the destruction that was seen in the above video. Who really cares about snow right now???
We’ve got to have six inches in Bourbon County. Power is still out.
As of 8:00am report, only 28 customers (KU/ODP) in Bourbon county out of power
We are on Clark Energy. Still no power but at least there is daylight now. It gets dark out here!
Sorry, I forgot there are other utility companies out that way.
If you don’t have access to Clark Energy’s page yet, here is a rundown on their customer outages as of 5:40am
Bourbon county – 362
Clark – 839
Menifee – 478
Montgomery – 569
Thank you!! I am still one of that 362. 🙁
I will go check their page. Thanks again!
Still no power? Ours came back on at about 8:30 am.
Still no power!
Okay, I found the page but don’t see any current info. Can you tell me where you are looking, please? Thanks!
http://psc.ky.gov/ors/PublicInfo_OutageIncidents.aspx
Again, the page may not be completely current. Last update I saw was about 5:40am for your energy co-op
That tornado footage is fascinating!! Thanks to those that shot it and edited it. And thank God you were alive to do so!
6″ on a cartop, and at least 7″ in a yard here in frankfort
God bless the storm victims. As for the snow we have here in
Argillite ky. 5 inches of wet snow. Seems kind of odd this is 3 inches more than we have gotten all winter!!! Have a good day and be safe!!!
a solid 4″ in Lexington near Clays ferry. I75 is clear as is Old Richmond Rd.
Looks like the NAM model was the champ again! It loves the northwest flow systems. 4″ here in Lawrenceburg.
As far as the tornadoes.. we now have confirmations of EF-3 and EF-4 tornadoes in our area on Friday. Folks, that’s what’s frustrating as a meteorologist is that you can tell people until you’re blue in the face, and people can buy weather radios and take shelter and do everything “right”…but when you’re dealing with tornadoes on the violent end of the scale like that it just doesn’t matter. Everything is going to be gone. It’s very sad and we just have to pray for the families and try to help out.
On a positive note, the view outside this morning is gorgeous. Just beautiful.
I have found a company that sells storm shelters in Kentucky but I am still waiting to hear back from their local dealer. Whatever it takes, we will do it. It seems Tornado Alley has moved to Kentucky. 🙁
As a general rule and the only reason my Bubbacasts from the past looked like I knew what I was talking about (which I don’t):
Northern fed systems weigh HEAVY with NAM
Southern fed systems weigh HEAVY with GFS
There, you all know “my” secret 😉
Solid 5 1/2 inches here in Georgetown. This is the largest snowfall since we moved here in the winter of 2003-2004.
We have just under 1,000 outages here in Jefferson county. Most of them (a little over 650) is the 40214 zip code area near St Andrews Church rd between Arnoldtown and Palatka
Scott county has 910 outages
Franklin county has 357 outages
Quick update on power outage in Scott and Franklin. Looks like most outages are in one area primarily along US 460 (Georgetown rd) near White Sulpher
Some of us in north Madison were without power from 3am until 8:30am. Nothing at all compared to the tornado impated and the heavy snpw folks for the other week, of which a lot of those folks have lost power (or worse) again.
We’ve got at least 5 inches of snow here in Shelbyville. This is the biggest snow we’ve had in a couple of years and it’s beautiful outside!
sad power company u all got, when we got the 8 inches month ago we never lost power here. JACKSON ENERGY ROCKS!!!
I have to disagee little wind and our power was out
A good 7-8″ of snow on the ground here in southwest Rowan County, snow still falling at a pretty good clip. It is definately causing a lot of stress on the trees, and that is something we could do without after Friday night storms.
we woke up to abt 3 inches of snow this morning! I know this is slowing down the cleanup efforts but I believe that this is God saying “Peace be still” as Jesus said in the boat during the storm! He is telling his people to stop take a breath and that he will be there with them thru this difficult time! Praying for all of those who have suffered during this time!!!!!!
I got 5.5 inches in Lexington. Beautiful snow!
Still snowing just north of Hazard. We don’t have much at all on the ground, and I’m glad! That last snow storm was enough for me.
I was surprised to see HUGE snowflakes coming down last night. And when I woke up, a lot of snow everywhere! Mom told me that Lexington got 5 to 6 inches of snow, is that right?
And I think that’s enough for me, this is what I’ve been waiting for all winter! 😀
Now that daylight has broke, the weight of the snow on limbs and lines is becoming increasingly heavier, adding to the power outages.
Woodford county is now up to 921 outages (KU/ODP), up from 179 an hour ago
Did Chris Bailey bust the Lexington snow dome upon his return?
Wow, when we dont want or need the snow we get it… Those poor folks trying to recover from the tornado damage now have to deal with the snow, cold, and soon to be mud..
Well, chris you should have brought your lines farther north into ohio…..we received 1-2″ i
Got a little dusting on the back deck here in Corbin
Solid 6 inches on elevated surfaces here in SE Lexington, a little less on the ground.
Not much here at my place. Maybe an inch. Bummer.
Chris, can’t wait to see you on the news tonight!
Biggest snow since march of ’08 for me. I love it!!!!
Just cold and windy here. Nashville remains at 0.4 of an inch of snow this season.
Our thoughts and prayers are with storm survivors. CB posted in his KW blog how unfamiliar twisters are in eastern KY:
http://weather.bloginky.com/2012/03/03/how-rare-are-eastern-kentucky-tornadoes/
Indiana, Ohio and most of Kentucky have had a long history of twisters, but nothing in eastern KY in the last century plus is even close to March 2 2012.
The storms moved more from west to east instead of the somewhat more typical southwest to northeast. Guessing this was at least one factor that allowed the West Liberty and Salyersville storms to avoid the higher elevations around Black Mountain and thus retain more dewpoints, low level shear, etc to remain tornadic. Whatever the case, the pro mets will be studying this rare eastern KY outbreak for sometime.
I think Chris may be missing something. He should remember the EF-3 tornado that tore through eastern KY back in 1988. This is not eastern KY’s first rodeo. I wonder what criteria he searched on?
True about the 88 downtown Middlesboro twister. Also a 1995 tornado (F2 or F3?) in Perry County – narrowly missing Hazard airport – and continuing into Knott County. Only a few widely rural structures destroyed, mostly tree damage.
Dug up a 1930s F4 that missed Jellico TN but devastated Pruden TN (almost on the KY line) with many fatalities then crossed into KY but dissipating short of Middlesboro. Says Pruden so badly hit, Middlesboro and other towns had to send rescue teams through the curvy mountain roads.
Otherwise, seemingly just a handful of F0s/F1s deeper within eastern KY, here’s from last year:
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/news/display_cmsstory.php?wfo=jkl&storyid=66274&source=2
Around 5 inches in Versailles. Those flakes were huge last night.
ended up with 5.5″ Mitch…Clippers that over-achieve= my friend! Although. don’t tell that to the NAM once again champ of the NW flow
Hey guys! I didn’t get any snow in my community. Live too far south. But I’m thinkin’ about comin’ up around 3 pm once I get off work. Not sure where to go…haven’t made up my mind. I know the snow will melt some, but I’m sure there will be enough this evening to still enjoy and see. Would any of you mind helpin’ me out?
Jacobson Park off of Richmond Rd. south of Lexington, between Man O’ War Blvd and Exit 104 on I-75, would be a great spot.
I stayed up way too late last night watching it snow outside, it was just so pretty as it fell. Anyway, measured several locations in my yard in north Jessamine and have 5″ to 6″. It’s melting fast in the sunshine though, so got the kiddos outside playing while they can enjoy it.
This past weekend was horrible and now the snow. I am very thankful there is none here in Laurel County. These people was lost their roof, if not covered now, everything under the open roof is going to be wet and probably more damaged than before the snow. The snow is beautiful, it was here in February when we got just over 6″, but with the cleanup and all…we could have done without it. Sorry snow-lovers. I am a snow lover myself but this would have been better if it hit Northern Ohio and Michigan instead of down in Ky. Hearing people ask “Where was God?” If you are in a tornado destroyed area…are you still alive? Remember, when you feel alone, that is when he is carrying you. Property and keepsakes can be replaced, LIVES CAN NOT! Thank GOD that you are alive. All of us. Prayers to all for strength and a fast recovery and normal life, as normal as it can ever get after this.
Quick update on power outage issues…I know it’s getting repetitive. But outages continue to rise, especially in Franklin and Scott counties…
Over 4,000 outages there; looks like near Franklin/Scott lines at Rocky Branch rd, Georgetown rd, Woodlake rd.
Some of my Bourbon County friends on Clark Energy were with power earlier but lost it in the past couple hours. They are “upstream” from us so it’s looking like a long day for us.
Amazing how even less than six inches of heavy snow is a power breaker. North Madison had some areas lose power early in the morning, but back on for a few hours now. Seems we got around four inches and as usual, folks across the river north got more. In this case for heavy snow, I do not mind having less, since power is more important than a 24 hour wonder. This event is melting away fast.
Once again: NAM favors north fed systems and the GFS favors the southern fed systems. Kind of surprised a lot of folks have not noticed this before. The models may flip and flop some, but the average results tend to fit reality, more than not.
Some folks perception may be distorted, since they tend to cater to whatever model looks the best for snow, regardless of historic results.
Best of care to the folks impacted by the storms on Friday.
well at leats you got snow Bubba G
Yep, we almost hit 7″ for winter. Some do not even have that, but Friday places things in perspective regardless.
9″ for the year in NE Louisville now Bubba…
Yeah, but probably no double digits 😉
I only hope that the return of Chris to Lexington and 4 inches of snow is not a coincidence but a sign of things to come. Even if this snow only lasts a day at least we got to see it.
My little girl and I play in the snow…could be the only time we’ll be able to do this for the rest of the season. Check out the family on my blog.
My eye is on the weekend. The models are hinting at something brewing in Texas that could potentially spread more storms into the Ohio Valley. There is a lot of inconsistency in the modeling right now from run to run though, so for now we just watch it closely.
How severe are we talking? The way I see tornadic storms now is completely different than ever before. I have always enjoyed a good storm and still do but for these cells to turn tornadic terrifies me to no end. Praying we never see an outbreak like this ever again. Thanks for the info though 🙂
Thanks for the ups WXman and just remeber ignore these people that call you trash. I know we don’t see eye to eye always but if that was happening that was uncalled for just be the bigger man. Have a nice day
I agree with Andy. We appreciate the heads up. We know you appreciate the wonder and not the destruction.
In all seriousness, events like what we saw Wednesday and Friday set me back a few steps. It really brings a solemn feel to weather forecasting. It’s just heartbreaking when entire towns get ripped to shreds. I guess after we recover emotionally, this should make us all the more determined to forecast severe weather even better.
Amazing how Anderson County (where I live) picked up over 5 inches of the white stuff and just south of here in Washington county got almost nothing closer to Springfield.
Talked with my little brother who went back to college in Adair County after being home this weekend and he said it went from a winter wonderland here in Lawrenceburg to almost nothing within 20 miles heading south. CRAZY!
If you want to see something really cool, check out the latest temperatures on the Kentucky Mesonet site! Wow! Easy to see where there is snow, and where there isn’t.
Cloud cover?
went to bed around 3am with rain, got back up around 10:30 or so , no snow on the ground, so must not of snowed here in clay county. may of snowed while i was sleeping, but no snow that i know of .
its weird how it snowed all day, off and on , yesterday, and last night, when the clipper came through, it turned to rain.
fridays outbreak of tornadic storms will be one that will be talked about for some time to come. this was the most severe event that i can remember, maybe even more so then the memorial day weekend storm in 2004 i think it was. it was in the early to mid 2000’s i remember anyways.
My heart goes out to those involved in these horrible tornadoes over the weekend. On a brighter note….I got 6 inches of snow this morning and Chris Bailey back on my local news!!! That’s a good day!!
We were told to not expect any power until tomorrow at the earliest. I am not complaining. Soon my life will be back to normal. All those who lost their homes would love to be in my shoes.
Chris is broadcasting from Salyersville. All the video from there and West Liberty is just unbelievable.
The videos really only begin to tell the story! I would never have dreamd that an EF3 tornado would strike our little town….but it did and Salyersville will never look at the darkening sky the same again!
5 in. or more in Frankfort this morning, did I miss a last call map from Chris? If not, First call was for a inch or less, sorry BUSTED!! 🙂 Welcome home Chris!
nice map of snowfall and how the 0Z NAM nailed it!
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/news/display_cmsstory.php?wfo=lmk&storyid=80145&source=0
We were taken out of the WWA sometime during last night or this morning,(bad call) some buses were getting stranded on the way to school, the snow was falling so fast.
What a strange set of weathers we have had….what’s next? Raining cats and dogs? Frogs? Frozen whatevers!!
Sounds like possible flooding is next??