THE STORM OF THE CENTURY?
Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 -- 11:40 AM
It remains to be seen how much snow central Wisconsin will pick up, but meteorologists say the dynamics of the predicted storm are unique.The entire state is under a Winter Storm Warning through Wednesday evening. Forecasters say some areas could see over a foot of snow.
A low pressure system, which was still churning in the Rocky Mountains Tuesday morning, is whipping Gulf moisture into the Midwest, where it's colliding with cold air from Canada. It's called a Panhandle Hook.
"They're indicating this will be a potent winter storm," says Clark County Emergency Management Director Michelle Hartness, who had a couple briefings about the incoming system Monday.
"We're anticipating only about an inch of snow Tuesday afternoon, but their real concern is the heavy accumulation period Tuesday night, where we should get between 6"-10", she says.
We're Wisconsinites, so we can handle it, but Hartness says it's good to have a couple reminders.
"Have radios and flashlights that are operated by batteries, make sure your car is full of gas, make sure you have a blanket or two in your car, check your batteries, some extra winter clothes," Hartness urges.
The National Weather Service says, once the storm kicks in this evening, travel will not be a good idea, because of limited visibilities. To check on the latest winter road conditions and traffic incidents on major highways, call 511 or visit [url=http://www.511wi.com]www.511wi.com[/url].
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.