As is typical with winter storms in the southern United States, things have changed with the latest forecast. We're looking at a shift to mainly more snow for most locations. The low is already bringing rain to portions of southern California and Arizona. That will work its way east today and will start to push the rain in by tomorrow afternoon. High temperatures for most locations tomorrow will remain at, or just below freezing. The ground is going to be relatively warm with the rain, so we won't see things start to freeze until later on Friday; generally after 6:00 pm. Road conditions will be wet with just some rain Friday at the rush hour, so be sure to be safe while driving. The rain will start to freeze on contact with surfaces after 7:00 pm. That is when things will begin to get slick, especially on bridges and overpasses.
By midnight Saturday morning, we'll start to see this activity transition to some snow. The heaviest bands of snow will be in the northern row of counties, including Parmer, Castro, Swisher, Briscoe and Hall. Those locations have the potential to see 3-5" of snow by noon on Saturday. Lubbock is looking at the potential of 2-3" of snow by noon Saturday. Roads will be slick, especially with the layer of sleet/freezing rain and snow out there. Be safe driving on Saturday morning as roads are going to be very slick, especially on the highways. Do not drive the speed limit, stay below it.
Southern counties will generally see the sleet and freezing rain. That will also cause some slick spots, as accumulations will be near .25". I can't rule out localized power outages in the southern counties, then in the far eastern counties, as well. So be ready to have ways to remain warm, because highs on Saturday will only be in the upper 30s under cloudy skies. This is going to be a quick hitter and short lived, because by Sunday, skies will be sunny. Highs in the upper 40s will help to melt any snow or ice that has accumulated. If there are any changes to this forecast, I will let you know here, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
