3/23: Weekend Winter Storm

***UPDATE SUNDAY 6:30 A.M.***Overall, the forecast for Sunday has not changed. Snowfall totals of 4-8″ with locally heavy spots are still on track. Thundersnow has already been reported across much of central Missouri, which will lead to higher snowfall totals in areas.Snowfall rates will increase to 1-2″ per hour through the early afternoon and temperatures will stay near or below freezing much of the day, causing snow to accumulate on all surfaces.***ORIGINAL STORY***Winter Storm Warnings have been issued for most of Mid-Missouri through Sunday evening.The track of the approaching storm as shifting slightly to the south and will bring accumulating snow and much colder air to the region. The storm will usher in the first wave of moisture Saturday afternoon. Scattered light rain showers will develop Saturday afternoon and evening, mainly west of HWY 63, with temperatures still above freezing in the low-to-mid 40s. As temperatures cool through the evening and overnight, rain will change to a rain/snow mix overnight from northwest Mid-Missouri to southeast. All snow is likely by 3-5 a.m. as temperatures drop to near or below freezing and stay near/below 32 degrees all day Sunday.The second wave of moisture, with heavy, wet snow is likely by daybreak Sunday through early afternoon. The heaviest snow will fall between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. with snow accumulating rapidly on roadways. The snow will begin to taper off to lighter snow showers by Sunday evening with light snow or flurries possible through Monday.Widespread snowfall accumulations of 4-8 inches are likely for most of Mid-Missouri. The highest totals will be near and north of HWY 50 where 6-8 inches are likely. There will be locally heavy areas picking up around 10 inches by Sunday night.Snowfall totals will depend on how quickly the rain will change to snow overnight as well as the possibility of thundersnow. Any area that receives thundersnow will have locally higher snow totals.There is the possibility of significant impacts due to the winter storm. With ground temperatures near/below freezing, snow will accumulate on roadways quickly Sunday mid-morning. Northerly winds will be gusting to 30 mph through the day, causing drifting snow, especially on east-west highways. Also, tree limbs may break and power outages are possible due to the heavy, wet snow and gusty winds.