First of all, my first day as Deputy director of Creative Compassion went so very well! I can’t wait to see what we accomplish in this new year! Wouldn’t you know it, just as I start this new adventure the winds of change begin to howl outside!
A storm system will gather strength tomorrow to our southwest and send moisture from the Gulf back into Tennessee by Thursday. This will occur just as colder air is moving in from the north. For the second time in less than a week, we will see a nearly perfect union of cold air and moisture over our neck of the woods. The result will be accumulating snowfall of several inches.
WHAT: Accumulating snowfall of 3-5 inches, with isolated higher amounts possible.
WHEN: Beginning Thursday by noon. Timing could change! Some guidance shows snow by 9:00 a.m.
HAZARDS: Snow-covered roads and sporadic power outages. If snow accumulates more efficiently on powerlines, power outages could become more widespread.
Confidence is HIGH for a solid 3-4 inches across the plateau. Confidence is a bit lower for 4-6 inch amounts, though confidence does continue to increase for those higher amounts. Stay tuned tomorrow.

Now is the time to prepare for this winter storm.
Also note that the arctic air arriving Thursday night will be the coldest thus far this season, with temps bottoming out around 5-10 degrees.
It is worth noting that this will not be a long-duration event. By Saturday, high temperatures will warm back into the 40s.
Youtube
MM’s Snow Day Forecast
Keep in mind that only school officials can cancel school. Also, remember that Meteorologist Mark is protected by law should this forecast be wrong. In other words, according to the law, I’m protected from teachers if I miss this forecast. Seriously, it’s like page 1 in the Meteorologist handbook for forecasting snow. lol
I’ve increased the chance for a snow day for Thursday, owing to the potential earlier arrival time of the event.

And school on Friday is very unlikely….unless I miss this forecast. Thankfully, I’m protected by the law from teachers if I miss this forecast. Protected….by the law.

Remember the Fur Babies
With BITTER cold temps coming Thursday night, make sure you double check the shelter of your outdoor pets and make sure their home is dry and sheltered. Overnight lows could drop into the single digits.

Snow Cream Recipe
I can’t forecast snow without reminding you of what you need to buy tomorrow to make snow cream on Thursday. Remember, to make chocolate just mix Hershey’s cocoa in a little warm water and add to your snow cream.

NOAA Winter Weather Safety Tips

In case you lose power/heat before the arctic air really settles in Thursday night.


Road Conditions Map
This map shows road conditions across the state.
Power Outage Map
This map is always interesting to see who is losing power in the storm.
I’ll be watching it all and keeping you posted on the latest!
I’ll have a full blog update in the morning.
