A winter storm moving down from the Arctic is set to bring Chattanooga its initial significant winter weather of the season. However, forecasters are unsure whether this “impactful” storm will deliver snow, ice, or freezing rain. The National Weather Service office in Morristown, Tennessee, has projected a potential winter storm for East Tennessee and adjacent counties in Virginia and North Carolina from Saturday into Sunday.
While specific snowfall amounts are not yet being disclosed, the message emphasizes the need for residents to prepare. In Southeastern Tennessee and Southwestern North Carolina, including Chattanooga, there are medium probabilities of substantial icing. The uncertainty surrounding the snow and ice line is notable, with forecasters warning that conditions can change as the storm approaches.
Weather service meteorologist Nathan Wellington indicated a 40% chance of at least 4 inches of snow in Chattanooga and a 50% chance of accumulating a quarter-inch or more of freezing rain or ice. Wellington stated that the likelihood for severe impacts increases as one moves north toward Knoxville, while it diminishes heading south into Georgia. For residents in Chattanooga, the weekend storm duration offers a silver lining as it coincides with Saturday and Sunday, allowing people to remain home and reassess the situation.
Forecasted temperatures highlight that the main storm impact is expected to hit early Saturday, with a morning low of 25 degrees and a high reaching only 32 degrees through Sunday afternoon. Areas north of Chattanooga could receive as much as 6 inches of snow. Additionally, temperatures are projected to drop to 14 degrees on Sunday night, with a Monday high only reaching 33 degrees, keeping conditions icy.
National forecasts are tracking heavy snow movements from the Great Lakes region, predicting the convergence of Gulf moisture with Arctic cold will produce significant snow and ice across various Southern states beginning Friday. Forecasters warn of dangerous travel conditions and potential power outages due to ice accumulation, with temperatures remaining frigid throughout the storm’s impact.
Chattanooga residents are urged to prepare for disruptions in daily life, as freezing precipitation may lead to hazardous conditions, impacting travel and power supply. Wellington cautioned that while snow is less problematic than freezing rain, any ice accumulation could be detrimental, potentially leading to prolonged power outages.
In anticipation of these conditions, Tennessee American Water has advised customers on preventive measures to protect their homes from freezing pipes, emphasizing the importance of preparation during severe cold spells.
The approaching winter storm serves as a reminder for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions in facing potentially challenging winter weather.