Gusty rain exits Saturday night as eyes turn to winter system next week
Meteorologist Dillon Gaudet has the latest in your full ABC 36 Storm Team forecast
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – After a stretch of mild temperatures, big changes are on the way as a cold front sweeps through Saturday night. Gusty showers and even a few storms will push eastward, ushering in much colder air for Sunday. Expect highs to struggle into the low 40s, a stark contrast from Saturday’s warmth.
The bigger focus, however, is a developing winter storm set to arrive Monday night into Tuesday. Confidence is increasing that a mixed bag of precipitation will impact the region, with accumulating snow likely across parts of central and northern Kentucky. Meanwhile, southern Kentucky will mainly see rain.
Breaking Down the Winter Storm Threat
Precipitation will move in from the southwest Monday night. As temperatures initially hover near or below freezing in northern and central Kentucky, snow is expected to develop along and north of the I-64 corridor. Areas in between the I-64 corridor and the Cumberland and Hal Rogers parkways could see a period of heavy snow early Tuesday morning before a potential changeover to rain as temperatures rise. Southern Kentucky, meanwhile, is expected to see mostly rain.
Snow accumulations are looking increasingly likely north of the parkways, with a band of heavier snow possible somewhere in central Kentucky. However, the exact placement of the rain/snow line remains uncertain, which will ultimately dictate how much snow different locations receive. The latest forecast trends suggest 1 to 3 inches are possible in this transition zone, with higher amounts in a narrow band wherever the colder air holds longer.
Regardless of snow totals, another concern is the potential for flooding. This system will bring additional rainfall, with 1 to 2 inches possible, especially in southern Kentucky. With creeks and streams already running high from recent precipitation, flooding concerns will continue to increase through the week.
More Storms in the Extended Forecast
Unfortunately, this won’t be the only system to watch. A second storm system will arrive Wednesday night into Thursday, bringing another round of heavy rain and potentially some wintry weather on the back end. This will add to the ongoing flood risk.
Even beyond midweek, the pattern remains active, with yet another system possible next weekend. The cumulative effect of these storms could lead to significant water issues across the region, so stay Weather Aware in the days ahead.
Stay with the ABC 36 Storm Team for more updates.
