Sweetheart of a Storm?

Could be!

6 years ago, on Valentine’s Day,  North Texas was hit with the perfect snow storm. Huge, wet flakes fell across the area that Saturday leaving our area coated in white. Below you can see a graphic that shows the snowfall totals by the time all was said and done.

Valentine's Day Snowfall-Feb 14th, 2004

The good thing about this one, temperatures were near or above freezing. This meant the snow stacked up on everything…but the roads. So Sweethearts everywhere could still keep their special event and dinner plans.

NWS Ft Worth photo-Feb 14, 2004

Fast forward about 6 years and we are looking at similar situation, but the storms are much different. This storm isn’t built the same. The upper low isn’t as strong, however a unique surface/mid level boundary may bring the extra moisture and lift needed to create heavy snow bands that could drop 3-6″ of snow in areas about 40-60miles north and west of the Metroplex.

Here is the latest snowfall forecast from the National Weather Service as of late Wednesday evening as the latest computer guidance now shows 2-4″ possible in the metro area with much lighter amounts south and east.

Latest Snowfall Forecast

Regardless, the fun will begin Thursday morning with light snow and a winter mix first. Roads will be fine. As the atmosphere continues to cool and saturate, snow will begin to increase in coverage and intensity by late afternoon and evening as the storm gets closer, finally tapering off  late Thursday night.

Thursday’s evening commute could be treacherous as bridges and elevated surfaces get slushy and icy with temps near freezing. The worst road conditions will occur overnight and early Friday morning as lows bottom out in the upper 20′s.

Yes, schools may close or start late Friday morning and commuters will likely need to rethink their Friday schedules and plan to stay off the roads until temps climb above freezing..around 10-11am.

Ironically my kids are NOT excited about the snow this time. They don’t want to miss school and all the fun Valentine’s day parties that are planned. And if they miss Friday due to weather..they will have to make it up on Monday, a planned day off. Now that’s a bummer.

As of tonight..I think they’ll go to school Friday….and just get a late start.

We’ll see! It’s always interesting.