Good evening,
The storm that forecasters have been intently watching over the past 48 hours is now finally beginning to make its way towards west Texas. Snow is already falling across the panhandle and a strong cold front is entering the northern South Plains as of 6:30 PM. Below is a break down of impacts that the Lubbock area will feel, beginning tonight:
Timing:
Precipitation is already ongoing across eastern New Mexico and the Texas panhandle. This rain and snow will fill and move into the South Plains behind this cold front; impacting Lubbock after 10 PM tonight. Blizzard- like conditions will then set in near sunrise and last through Monday afternoon.
Wind:
Winds are already gusty and will only get stronger as we head through this evening. Gusts over 40 mph are likely by 2 AM, then gusts between 50 and 60 mph can be expected around sunrise. Strong winds will continue to blow and drift snow through Monday afternoon, even after the snow itself stops.
Accumulations:
Snowfall accumulations are going to be the most challenging part of the forecast over the next 24 hours. The image below is a general idea of what you can expect in your back yard through tomorrow afternoon.
All of the above factors will combine to produce very low visibilities and poor travel conditions. Because of this, the National Weather Service has placed all of the South Plains under some sort of winter weather highlight, depending on where you are located. The image below is a break down of all of the winter weather products that are currently in effect.
Stay safe,
Cutter Martin (KTXT Weather)
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