Winter storm expected to hit Tuesday

Monday is looking mainly sunny and warmer than average with highs well into the 40s. Monday night it all changes with increasing clouds and rain/snow developing after midnight. There are some new items Sunday regarding the impending storm late Monday night into Tuesday evening.

We have a Winter Storm Warning now in effect for areas expected to either start right off with snow or only a brief time with a rainy wintry mix. Here snow totals will be higher and winds are expected to max out at 40 mph by late morning.

Power outages are possible with the combination of heavy, wet snow and high winds. In the graphic for Winter Weather Alerts, it is the area in pink. Another change is an expansion of the Winter Storm Watch from yesterday. Now it includes coastal areas where a period of rain and mixed precipitation will start off the storm and lower snow totals are expected. In the watch area, which is shaded in blue in the Alerts map, we will have much higher winds up to 50 mph and blowing snow will lead to visibility problems on the roads.

Power outages are possible here too. In preparation for this storm, there a many things you can do now to prepare. Fill your medications that may run out in the first half of the week, stock up your pet supplies, fresh batteries for flashlights and candles are always good to have on hand. Charge up your electronics Monday night, make a snow removal plan, if your home heating fuels are low, might want to order more and check on your elderly friends, neighbors and relatives.

Everything peaks late Tuesday morning into the early afternoon then tapers off into the evening. Once the snow ends, we will see temperatures crash into the teens and lower-20s. Valentine’s Day Wednesday will be sunny, blustery and cold with highs in the lower-30s, perfect for snuggling your special someone. Thursday looks also sunny and cold. Friday has a slight chance of a snow shower early in the morning, but should be mainly sunny and breezy.