Mid-South Meteorology: UPDATED: Winter Storm Thursday-Friday

There's a Winter Storm Warning in effect from Thursday Night from Friday afternoon! Wintry precip could affect travel beginning Thursday evening and through Friday and if enough ice accumulates, there could be some power outtages!

Already, the "Raise The Roof" concert to benefit the Brookport Tornado Victims, scheduled for Harrahs Metropolis Thursday Night, has been canceled due to the impending storm. Also, the Metropolis Christmas parade has been canceled.

Here's what we're seeing now. It looks like we could see a changeover from rain to sleet and freezing rain Thursday afternoon or evening and then on Friday, mixed with snow. Snowfall projections, right now, should be around 2 inches or so for most of the region south of the Ohio River. North of the Ohio could see more, perhaps 4-6 plus inches.

Right now it looks like we're a cinch to see at least some ice accumulations, possibly close to 1/2" by Friday afternoon in a few locations. This would be enough to cause some power outtages, but not widespread, long term outages. Everything hinges on how quickly or slowly the temperature drops Thursday night into Friday morning.

If everything goes according to the latest models, travel Thursday night and Friday could be impacted. It all depends on when the surface freezes! We'll continue to monitor the latest forecast data. This storm WILL NOT be as severe as the Ice Storm of 2009. In the 2009 ice storm, we had a swath of ice accumulation in the 1.5" to 2" range. That gives you an idea of just how bad 2009 was!

Remember, problems with ice accumulation usually begin with just a small amount, which impacts travel. With 1/4 to 1/2" inch of ice, we start to see some power lines and trees affected, and with more than 1/2", we see MAJOR impacts. Let's hope our impacts are on the minimal side, but we'll be watching and updating.

At any rate, the precipitation should end by Friday night and temps will be very cold through the weekend, and....uh....ANOTHER wintry mix round could affect us Saturday night into Sunday. This one should being another round of snow, sleet and freezing rain, although warming temperatures Sunday could lessen the additional damage. Fingers crossed!