SLIPPERY WEATHER ALERT

Early November view after cold front passage

Dawn last week (click pics to enlarge)

6:20am UPDATE - temp has upped 1 to 32 degrees.  Because Haywood Schools are on a normal schedule, the roads should be okay, even in ACA.  If I hear differently I'll post it here.

4:00am UPDATE - I have 31 degrees at the end of Staymon Road in a steady freezing rain with a light ice coating on everything from vegetation to deck to steps to car...just not the driveway (yet).

Haywood County is under a WINTER STORM WARNING (click for link) from 7pm tonight to 1pm Thursday, with the biggest concern above 2500' (which is all of Apple Creek Acres).  This is not a snow event....unfortunately, this is all about sleet and icing, up to an inch of the slippery mess,

There is a lot of rain coming in, about 1.5"-2" (as if we haven't had enough).  The surface temperatures will be key for any developing troubles, and admittedly Haywood County is on the fringe of the biggest concerns and accumulations.  I would have no problem if we didn't get this slop....ice is The Great Equalizer, where no vehicle is safe to drive.

An event like this occurs when the air aloft is above freezing but the surface temperatures are at or below 32 degrees.  The rain falls and begins freezing on contact, which if it really gets going could bring down trees and power lines.

I'll actually be on the mountain tonight, so I will post pertinent updates as needed.  I was concerned that this winter will see more ice events than normal, and here we go to start things off.


Bob