Winter Storm: Dec. 7/8 Update #1

Snow has begun to fall across much of the plains states, with several inches of accumulation already being reported in some areas where the snow has been falling much of the morning.  Schools and businesses have already begun closing or are already closed for many of these areas, with all nightly activities being canceled and even a few events for Wednesday being postponed as well. 

Snowfall reports have only been light to moderate thus far, but should pick up later this afternoon.  Even with only light to moderate snowfall, several hours of accumulation will be able to make hazardous travel conditions given an increase in wind speeds later this evening with the strengthening low pressure system.  This mornings update will just include a quick look at model guidance once again, this mornings' 40km NAM indicates a slight northward turn to the track of the low pressure system and an actual increase in proposed snowfall accumulations!  Widespread accumulations of at least a foot of snow is forecasted across a significant portion of the plains, with isolated higher amounts.  The forecast image is below, and we'll have to watch how the snowfall and low pressure system evolves as to whether this latest forecast will be accurate.

12z (morning) 40km NAM Snowfall Accumulations