January 2, 1999
Let me first apologize for the lack of updates. My server has been on the fritz lately and
has impeded my updating. Anyway, snow is upon us in Philly as I type this statement.
Need I say, it is well ahead of forecast. All outlets are calling for this to pick up in
intensity this afternoon and evening. Temp in the mid levels shouls rise enough overnight
to change snow to sleet and then to freezing rain. The question now is how long will it stay
as freezing rain. It is all dependent on the intensity of a triple point low developing just off
the DelMarVa coast. Right now, it looks as though it will stay as a weak wave, but recent
model data is hinting at stronger development. If it were to develop more rapidaly, it
would keep us in the mix longer. My thinking is this . . . we are in a preliminary band of
precip well ahead of the actual storm. This will pass through some point this afternoon and
allow for a brief break before the main band arrives. It will start as snow after dark and
could get modrate to heavy before changing over to sleet and freezing rain. This is where I
become concerned. With a snowpack already on the ground, it could keep surface temps
just around freezing. This is not good. It *could* spell a longer bout of mixed precip. Stay
tuned to NWS stations or outlets and above all, cjeck back here for updates.
