Winter Weather Summary January 14,

[CaptinCrunch]

Winter Weather Summary
POSTED: January 14, 2004 7:03 a.m.


Alberta Clipper Heads Eastward

A storm moving in from the Plains, referred to as an Albert Clipper, will lead to moderate snow over the Great Lakes from Michigan eastward to northeastern Ohio into Pennsylvania, West Virginia, northern Maryland and New Jersey. This snowfall will generally accumulate 3-6 inches with roads snow covered and slippery. Snow will fall in a 6-10 hour period. The exact band of heavy snow will depend on the storm track which is currently forecast to move from Lake Michigan this morning to south of the Mason Dixon Line. As is typical with these types of storms, the snow will develop along and north of the storm with little or no precipitation of any kind to the south of the system. This storm will move offshore tonight, and any lingering snowfall along the coast will soon come to an end. Lingering lake-effect snow is possible over the Great Lakes following this storm later tonight into tomorrow, but organized bands are not expected at this time.

[Lisa]

Good Morning Captin-
Your forecast differs from what our local mets and others have forecasted. I hope that you are right......the locals are calling for 1-3, at best, here in southwestern WV....you indicate the heaviest snow band south of the Mason Dixon line.....do you consider Charleston/Huntington in that area? Appreciate your comments....

[JCT777]

Lisa: For you area, does the map I created yesterday look reasonable? Click on the link below.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/628 ... 6719GVDreJ

I am trying to get better at forecasting snow amounts for winter storms, and your feedback would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[Lisa]

Captin-
You have my area in the 1-3 inch range----seems reasonable for Charleston/Huntington area. Although, it appears, from your map- that you also have the Appalachians in the 1-3 range....now, they usually have much more snow than we do---we are west of the Appalachians.......

[JCT777]

Lisa: Thanks for the feedback. I guess I need to look at the topography of West Virginia and of western VA so I know where the mountainous regions are. I tried to match the 3 to 6 inch areas in WV with where the mountains are located, since I figured more snow would get squeezed out in the mountains of WV and western VA. I will keep this in mind for future forecast. Thanks again.