Winter Storm: Feb. 7/8 Update #3

Our winter storm continues across the Plains states, however, with decreasing forecasted snow totals for many regions. Nearly all locals have seen a decrease in their forecasted snow totals as the two systems are struggling to produce better than a light to moderate snowfall. While over time the light to moderate snow will still lead to heavy accumulations in some areas, mainly central and eastern Iowa, this will not lead to significant accumulations across most other areas due to the longevity of the storm.  A cold front sweeping down through areas of the central Plains this afternoon/evening will put an end to the snowfall in some areas, which will hinder the storm totals that could otherwise continue to increase through the overnight.

The two storm systems will begin to conjoin during the day today, with continued snow across parts of southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma spreading eastward. Ongoing light to moderate snow is expected over areas of Iowa as the northern stream upper level low continues to dig and spin without much movement. This is still expected to leave two bands of heavier snow, one over Iowa and another over southern Kansas into portions of Missouri. The latest Kansas City NWS graphic has a good interpretation of these two bands, although don't expect to see accumulations too much higher than 5" in the band across Missouri.

 

An additional update is expected tonight as the arctic air begins to enter the Plains and aid in stopping the snowfall, I'll try and update on accumulations thus far as well.