Quick-Moving Winter Clipper Targets Central U.S., Mid-Atlantic | WeatherBug
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Quick-Moving Winter Clipper Targets Central U.S., Mid-Atlantic

February 16, 2019
UPDATED By WeatherBug Meteorologist, Rebecca Huff
A quick-moving storm system is moving through the Mid-South and Ohio Valley, bringing a few sloppy inches of snow and sleet, as well as a glaze of ice. 
 
The storm is an area of low pressure racing through the Mid-South. Colder air to the north of the storm is allowing its moisture to fall in the form of snow and ice.
 
The heaviest snow has been falling across far southern Illinois, where 2 to 4 inches of fluffy accumulation is expected through early Saturday. To the south of there, sleet and freezing rain have been painting a ribbon of ice from southern Missouri into Kentucky. Bernie, Mo., has seen as much as 0.20 inches of ice, with the National Weather Service office near Paducah, Ky., picking up 0.18 inches of ice. Both locales have seen numerous power outages due to the heavy ice.
 
The storm will continue to march eastward overnight and into Saturday, crossing the Ohio Valley, central Appalachians and ultimately moving through the southern Mid-Atlantic. Getting removed from the cold air mass in place will be detrimental to the storm, leading to a larger swath of rain as it approaches the Eastern Seaboard.
 
However, 1 to 3 inches of snow is expected across eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia, with an inch or so of snow along the Interstate 64 corridor into Virginia. This could make travel difficult across the Appalachians, so use caution if you are headed out for the long weekend in this area.
 
Winter Weather Advisories remain in place from western Missouri to central Kentucky, as well as southern West Virginia. This includes Kansas City and St. Louis, Mo., Carbondale, Ill., Paducah, Louisville and Lexington, Ky., Jonesboro, Ark., and Beckley, W.Va.
 
Be sure to keep a winter safety kit in your car if you must travel. During heavy snow, limited visibility can cause traffic on the roadways and a kit may be needed. This should include fresh water, snacks, a blanket, gloves for every passenger, a phone charger and jumper cables.
 
This storm is just the precursor to another winter storm being watched for next week. Residents across the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic could see more snow and ice.