Heavy, blowing snow through Monday, followed by dangerous cold

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com 

A winter storm warning remains in effect until 3 p.m. Monday, with heavy, blowing and drifting snow through Monday afternoon, followed by dangerous cold beginning Tuesday.

The National Weather Service predicted a total of 5 to 8 inches of new snow would accumulate  in the Floyd County area and counties north and east of Floyd County by the time the weekend storm ends Monday afternoon.

Snow and blowing snow are expected to create slippery driving conditions and reduce visibility.

A winter storm warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice will make travel very hazardous or impossible, the National Weather Service said.

A wind chill watch remains in effect from Tuesday morning through Thursday morning. Wind chills as low as 60 below zero are possible Tuesday night into Wednesday, with Wednesday morning being the coldest.

“Take this cold seriously, as this could be a life-threatening period,” said the National Weather Service.

The low — not the wind chill, the actual low — could be minus 27 degrees Monday night and Tuesday morning, and again Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

The daytime highs will reach only minus 7 Tuesday and minus 16 Wednesday, the National Weather Service says.

These dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 5 minutes.

Temperatures are expected to remain above zero for a time beginning Friday.