0415L-MONDAY OUTLOOK FROM GARFIELD COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT-10/26/2020

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FROM 4 AM THIS MORNING UNTIL 7PM TONIGHT AND THEN WE’LL SEE A WINTER STORM WATCH FROM 7PM TONIGHT UNTIL 7 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING.

1- SLICK conditions will exist from now through Wednesday. There will be periods of light freezing drizzle and freezing rain but it shouldn’t occur continuously during the day. Either way, EXTREME CAUTION is advised if you must get out. If you don’t have to go to work STAY AT HOME. Today is not a good day to teach young drivers how to drive on ice.

2- This whole situation is a mess out there as we normally have been very cold for a while before having an ice event. There may be some areas where driving may not be an issue at first but it may get worse later. Elevated surfaces will be frozen so try to avoid overpasses and don’t park under any trees. Winds may become an issue as ice accumulates on things out there.

3- A second wave later tonight into Tuesday may be the worst we’ll see. The forecast is particularly challenging right now as the NWS is doing their best to oversee this event. I am going to copy and paste a link for the discussions this morning and you’ll see what I mean.  Here that is- https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=OUN&issuedby=OUN&product=AFD&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1

4- OVERALL, we’ll be ok but just use good common sense on whether you need to go anywhere today and again, USE EXTREME CAUTION WHILE DRIVING AND WALKING OVER SLICK SURFACES. Here is your forecast from the NWS/NORMAN;

Monday-Freezing rain, possibly mixed with sleet, becoming all freezing rain after 10am. Some thunder is also possible. High near 29. North wind 18 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New ice accumulation of 0.1 to 0.2 of an inch possible. Little or no sleet accumulation expected.

Monday Night-A chance of freezing rain. Cloudy, with a low around 25. North wind 15 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

STAY WARM!!

MIKE