Winter storm watch issued. Here’s when snow, ice expected to hit the metro-east.
Snow and ice could create hazardous conditions for Sunday evening travelers and the Monday morning and evening commutes, according to the National Weather Service.
A winter storm watch is in effect from Sunday to Tuesday when a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected. St. Clair, Madison, Monroe and Clinton counties are included in the watch area, from Belleville and Edwardsville to Columbia and Centralia.
Total snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches are possible, along with ice accumulations of less than an inch, according to the agency.
The forecast calls for snow to fall across central Missouri by late morning Sunday. It is expected to move into the metro-east mainly after 1 p.m. Sunday, when there is a 100% chance of precipitation, according to the forecast on Saturday evening.
There could also be freezing rain mixed with snow late Sunday and into Monday morning.
More freezing rain and snow is predicted before 2 p.m. Monday, when the chance of precipitation is 80%. Rain and snow are expected between 2-4 p.m., with more snow after 4 p.m.
On Monday evening, when the chance of precipitation drops to 60%, the snow that falls could be mixed with rain and freezing rain until about 9 p.m.
“A Winter Storm Watch is advanced notice that the potential for severe winter weather exists in the Watch area, but it does not mean it is a certainty. Those in the watch area should begin preparing in case the storm does materialize,” the National Weather Service states. “If you have travel planned, you may want to adjust your travel time to avoid the storm.”
The agency also advised people to make sure their vehicles are winterized and to have emergency supplies, such as food and medicine, just in case the storm makes travel impossible.
“This is especially important for those living in rural areas,” the National Weather Service states.
There is still uncertainty as to where the highest snowfall rates will be between late Sunday morning and the early evening, according National Weather Service. The agency will be updating its website, weather.gov, with the latest forecast. Return to bnd.com for updates as the Belleville News-Democrat continues covering the expected severe weather.
“There will be some areas that see some moderate to potentially heavy snowfall rates after it begins, but exactly where and how widespread these higher snowfall rates will be are sources of uncertainty,” the National Weather Service St. Louis office states. “Wherever it does start to snow hard, look for low visibilities along with rapidly deteriorating road conditions.”
This story was originally published December 14, 2019 at 11:20 AM.
