Southern storm takes its sweet time........

[Jeb]

Slow southern storm in its final stages

8:14 P.M. ET 2/2/2005

 

Anthony Diaz, Meteorologist, The Weather Channel

 

 

The sluggish system that has moved through the South over the past few days will begin its run to the Atlantic Coast on Thursday. On its voyage to sea, the system will continue to spark precipitation from the Ohio Valley to the Florida Panhandle. For most, this precipitation will fall in the form of rain. However, with enough cold air seeping down the expanse of the mountains chain, there is the potential for a mix of wintry precipitation across the central Appalachians. In the highest elevations, snowfall accumulations could reach six inches. For the lower-lying areas the precip will be a sleet/freezing rain combination that could mix with snow later in the day. No major accumulations are expected, however it could make for dodgy driving conditions. By Friday this system will wind up and push off the coast. However, its interaction with a secondary system in the west-central Atlantic will push some resilient moisture back onshore, dousing the Outer Banks one last time.

 

The Midwest continues to experience a stagnant weather pattern. Low level moisture, mild temperatures, and lingering snow cover will contribute to widespread fog and patchy dense fog overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning. The rising sun will help burn off most of the fog leaving behind isolated areas of dense fog throughout the day.

 

The Santa Ana wind event continues Thursday and winds gusting to over 60 mph can be found in the high wind warning areas east of Los Angeles and San Diego. Even coastal areas could see winds gusting to near 30 mph. The strong winds stretch eastward to southern Arizona where the winds will kick up the desert floor causing reduced visibilities. High profile vehicles are being urged to take extra precaution as gusty crosswinds have been observed along Interstate 8 in Southern California.