Residents in the areas of East Arkansas, North Mississippi, Southeast Missouri, and West Tennessee should brace themselves for potential winter disruptions later this week. The National Weather Service Memphis has issued a Winter Storm Watch effective from Thursday evening through late Friday night. The advisory warns of heavy snow with possible accumulations totaling between 3 and 6 inches.
While forecasts don't always pan out, the NWS Memphis suggests serious considerations should be made. "Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous," the NWS notice states. The snowfall is expected to start off light on Thursday evening before intensity picking up, possibly affecting the Friday morning and evening commutes. Despite snow often leading to picturesque scenes, the underlying message here is clear: safety first.
The current weather conditions provided by NWS Memphis paint a chilly picture for Memphis with an overcast sky and a temperature standing at 26°F. Humidity is hovering around 71% with a light north wind contributing to a wind chill factor nudging it downward to 18°F. Visibility remains clear at 10 miles, offering no immediate concerns for travelers.
With the anticipated winter onslaught, residents are advised to avoid travel if possible during the storm's peak times. "If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility," advises the NWS statement. Along with travel warnings, NWS recommends ensuring that vehicles are properly winterized and that drivers should leave ample room between one another and allow extra time to get to their destinations. The weather service cautions to avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
Looking beyond the storm, forecasts predict a return to sunny skies by Saturday with weekend highs hovering near the mid-30s, which could help in melting away any accumulations. For ongoing updates and weather advisories, residents are encouraged to keep an eye on further announcements from NWS Memphis and make preparations accordingly to avoid being caught off-guard by the inclement weather.
