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Thursday, February 23, 2012

Snowstorm Now Aiming for Chicago, Detroit

Well this is a whole new ballgame now.

It was only yesterday I was discussing how the storm would probably drop a few inches in Chicago, with some more in Detroit. Now take a look at Intellicast's 48 hour Snowfall Forecast.
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So last night, it turns out the NWS Chicago office issued a winter storm watch due to a sudden increase in snowfall forecasts. The Chicago NWS office is calling for a bigger swath of 6+ inches than Intellicast, but their graphic system appears to be having problems right now.

The system itself really is a clipper system, but is a very strong one. Alberta Clippers, commonly shortened to be called Clippers, are weak, fast-moving storm systems that drop from Alberta Canada. The system is moisture starved. That, combined with the progressive speed, leaves the storm to put down a few inches in a typical situation.

Now, the extensive winter storm watch that had been covering east Iowa has been cancelled. I personally find it pretty crazy. Here's why.
Yesterday, every NWS office except Chicago's had put down a winter storm watch. Late last night, the NWS Chicago takes the bait and also issues a winter storm watch. Now, this morning, every nearby NWS office except for Chicago has canceled their winter storm watch.

We will keep you up-to-date as this sudden snowstorm begins to take shape.

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