Potential: Arctic Blast Brings Extreme Cold and Possible 2-Foot Snow Totals
🥶 The Wait is Over: Arctic Blast and Major Snowfall Arrive
Arctic Blast Brings Extreme Cold and Possible 2-Foot Snow Totals: The anticipation has ended, and as State Climatologist Gary McManus puts it, “It’s all over but the screams of agony now.”
A powerful arctic air mass is currently blasting southward, colliding with a major storm system that has moved inland from Southern California. This combination has set the stage for what is being described as a potential “Storm of the Century” type event.
❄️ Snowfall Potential: Up to 2 Feet?
Residents should brace for a significant impact. A Winter Storm Warning covers the majority of the area. While snowfall estimates vary, McManus warns of a “sneaky suspicion” that isolated areas could see accumulations nearing the 2-foot mark.
“I have this sneaky suspicion somebody’s gonna get close to 2 feet of snow, and we all know what that looks like!”
⚠️ The Real Danger: Extreme Cold
While the snow will be the visual headline of this storm, the temperature poses the most immediate threat to life and safety. An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect alongside the winter storm warning.
McManus urges residents not to underestimate the temperature drop: “One more caution…it’s not the snow that’ll get ya, it’s the cold. Don’t mess around with it this weekend.”
🍞 Time to Hunker Down
By now, preparations should be complete. In true local fashion, McManus advises that your “Braum’s bread and milk” should already be in the pantry, alongside your Cherry Pop-Tarts. (He also jokingly advises skipping the Taco Bell unless you are well-stocked on toilet paper).
The time for travel and preparation has passed. The official advice is to “hunker, or whatever version of hunker it is you do,” and stay off the roads to let the system pass.
📡 Stay Informed
Conditions will deteriorate rapidly. Residents are urged to rely on trusted media sources and local National Weather Service (NWS) offices to stay abreast of the changing conditions.
Summary of Warnings:
Winter Storm Warning: In effect for most of the area.
Extreme Cold Warning: In effect; limit outdoor exposure.
Status: “Storm of the Century” potential; time to shelter in place.
📉 Local Storm Timeline: The “Weekend Wallop”
The system is currently ejecting from the Southwest. Based on the “Southern Cali” position mentioned in the update, here is how the timing breaks down for the local area:
🗺️ Visualizing the Impact
📝 Key Forecast Notes
Friday Night: The transition from “cold” to “storm” happens. If you are not home by sunset, you are risking getting stuck.
Saturday: This is the window where the “2 feet” potential mentioned by McManus comes into play. The combination of heavy snow and wind will create drifts significantly deeper than the actual snowfall.
Sunday: Do not be fooled if the sun comes out. This is when the Extreme Cold Warning becomes the primary threat. Frostbite times will be in minutes, not hours.
To read more from Gary McManus on his Mesonet ticker, click here:
