12/19: Winter Storm Update

MIDWEST:A powerful storm system will move east from the Rockies bringing rain, severe t-storms, snow, blizzard conditions, strong winds and plunging temperatures Wednesday through Thursday afternoon for the Midwest.MID-MISSOURI: (WEDNESDAY)Showers will become likely Wednesday late-afternoon and evening with some t-storms possible, mainly south of HWY 54. There is a slight risk of severe storms with damaging straight line winds as the main threat, although an isolated tornado can’t be ruled out. Wednesday’s highs will reach the upper 40s to mid 50s.WEDNESDAY NIGHT/ THURSDAY AM:The storm system will shift east of the area early Thursday morning and colder air will move in, changing rain to light snow. Accumulating snow is possible through Thursday morning with the highest amounts of up to 2 inches in northwestern and northern parts of Mid-Missouri, including Chariton, Saline and Macon counties where a winter weather advisory has been issued from 9 p.m. Wednesday through noon Thursday. Most of Mid-Missouri will have minor accumulations of a dusting or less.THURSDAY: Temperatures will be falling quickly into the low 30s by daybreak Thursday. Strong gusty winds of up to 45 mph will cause blowing snow that will reduce visibilities. Snow showers will decrease through the morning with some sunshine by the late afternoon. Temperatures will be steady in the upper 20s to near 30 degrees with wind chills in the teens most of Thursday.NEXT WEEK:We are monitoring another strong storm system that could affect the region from Christmas Day through Thursday. Travelers should pay close attention to weather forecasts around the holiday.