Rukavina's Extreme Weather and Climate Blog

Snow Depth as of December 30, 2012 with additional snow expected New Years Eve night. (Reports from viewers) It is becoming quite clear where the jet stream has set up for the start of winter. People in Southern Illinois and neighboring MO counties along the Mississippi River can barely keep the roads clear while everyone south of the Ohio River is wondering if we'll ever see snow this winter! :) New Year's Eve night is when we are expecting another (although light) snow event across the same areas where you see higher snow depths above. A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY begins Monday at Noon and continues through Tuesday at 6AM for most of Southern Illinois and SEMO. The latest advisory map is below.  Winter Weather Advisory - Paducah/St. Louis National Weather Service Snow totals are not expected to be significant but with icy snow pack across much of the advisory area, any additional snow/sleet may make for hazardous conditions again for New Year's Eve night and New

Snowfall Totals 11PM Friday: Friday PM Update: A WINTER STORM WARNING has now been issued for much of Southern Illinois and SE Missouri with Winter Weather Advisories continuing elsewhere. Here is the latest map and forecast accumulations for the Local 6 area. Road will become slushy and slick by Saturday morning. Motorists are encouraged to use extra caution and don't forget to carry along a winter weather kit for your vehicle. Friday Afternoon Update: Snowfall totals have been adjusted a bit to reflect the slightly stronger storm system. Just like the last storm, highest totals are expected north of the Ohio River back into SE Missouri. Lighter accumulations are expected and winds will not become so hazardous. A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY is in effect for those in the second map below. Snow Totals Friday PM - Sat AM - RPM Computer Model Winter Weather Advisory - Paducah National Weather Service Thursday Night Update: Sitting here sifting through the

What can I say? I know that snow, lots of snow, causes headaches and problems in the Local 6 area because we just don't see it all that often. I was rather excited to wake up to about 4-5 inches of snow on the ground along with my 6 year old son squealing with delight. It was a great way to conclude what was a hair-pulling and indecisive event to forecast. As many of you know, our area is almost ALWAYS split somewhere by the rain/sleet/snow line and can be so difficult to nail down until the event is actually happening. This time was no different. Computer models kept wavering back and forth from north to south forcing us to reconsider our forecast many times but this was also a great learning event for us as meteorologists. It forced us to really compare notes, even by discussing scenarios with some of the local National Weather Service forecasters, to feel confident we were providing the best and most accurate information to viewers. In the end....here are what the snow totals

Update (4PM Christmas Eve): A BLIZZARD WATCH has now been issued for much of the Local 6 area beginning Tuesday night and continuing through Wednesday morning. Along with significant snowfall totals, blowing and drifting of snow will make travel and being outdoors very difficult within the WATCH area. Please make preparations if you are in the WATCH area for this winter storm as many places will be closed on Christmas Day and may have a tough time opening on Wednesday. Here is the latest snowfall projection map and a look at the counties included in the Blizzard Watch. 18Z RPM Computer Forecast Model 48-hr Snowfall   Watches/Warnings Map (National Weather Service)   If you live in or near the BLIZZARD WATCH area, please be prepared for high-impact winter weather. Conditions will deteriorate quickly Tuesday (Christmas) night. Any shift in the forecast line of heaviest snow is possible as the storm continues to develop to our SW. CLICK HERE FOR WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNE

My how the tides have turned! One of the most unbelievable stats I have ever seen come from the National Weather Service in Paducah, KY is the difference in yearly rainfall from this time last year compared to now (Dec 10, 2012). Take a look...  Jan 1 - Dec 10, 2011 Accumulated Rainfall: 72.61" Jan 1 - Dec 10, 2012 Accumulated Rainfall: 27.93" An "average" annual rainfall at Paducah measures at 49.08" (1981-2010). The lowest annual recorded rainfall was measured at 35.40" (1953). The highest annual recorded rainfall was measured at 74.85" (2011). With only a few weeks left to count towards the record of 2012 and only small changes in the overall weather pattern, yet another substantial record may be marked in the history books.  It is a seasonal shift like nothing I have ever seen before but maybe something similar to what we should get used to. I asked Senior Meteorologist, Stu Ostro of The Weather Channel what his thoughts were concerning s