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Tracking the change from rain to snow

Posted at 6:26 PM, Nov 26, 2013
and last updated 2013-11-26 19:05:37-05

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – The area of low pressure responsible for the persistent rainfall Tuesday, will move up the east coast Wednesday, developing into an elongated nor’easter.

The slight westward track and early season aspect of this system precludes a more significant event, but some areas will still see accumulating snow, strong winds, and difficult travel.

Here’s a look at how the rain-to-mix-to-snow line will progress across the Commonwealth on Wednesday.  The first frame shows the precipitation type at 6 AM.  If you are traveling early in the morning, you’ll only have to worry about rain up and down 95 and for any travel across the lower elevations of Virginia.

Zach Travel1

By noon, colder air will be rapidly pulled into the system over Virginia, switching the rain to a mix of rain, sleet, and snow.  Surface temperatures in all areas will remain above freezing.

Zach Travel2

The 6-hour window between noon and 6 p.m. will be when the Richmond metro area will see its best chance for a few snow showers or snow flurries.

We will be getting punch of very dry air in the mid-levels of the atmosphere called a “dry slot” that will inhibit precipitation development, so I’m not expecting for us to see much at all.  Everything should end my early evening as the system moves quickly up the East Coast.

Zach Travel3

Very light accumulations of snow will be possible north and west of Richmond, but even the totals from this computer model (NAM) are probably overdone, outside of the higher elevations of Virginia.

state snow nam new

Be safe on the roads and have a very Happy Thanksgiving.  I’m thankful for loyal CBS 6ers like you!  Stay With CBS 6, We’ll Keep You Ahead of the Storm.

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