Big weather changes coming late today and into tonight
Okay gentlemen, it’s time to step up. It’s Valentine’s Day. You may have some plans to go out for the evening to dinner or some other romantic rendezvous. While I will not give you advice on what to do for Valentine’s Day (I am not an official “love” or “relationship” expert). I can help you out with the weather, with some gentle encouraging help this evening with your date. Why? The weather will turn sour this evening and tonight. You certainly do not want your date to have the same feeling tonight.
After starting the morning with temperatures between 45-50°, you might think that we are free and clear of any potential problems. If you think this way, you are going to be left with a broken heart. If you were watching Today In Central New York this morning, I showed the hour-by-hour breakdown of temperatures and conditions across central New York. The concern late this afternoon through tonight is a combination of plummeting temperatures, snowfall, and strong, gusty winds. This potent combo will likely cause unpleasant outdoor weather and possibly even dangerous conditions for some areas. A wind advisory has been issued for all of central and southern New York state, including Syracuse, Auburn, Ithaca, Cortland, Cazenovia, Norwich and Binghamton until 5:00 AM Tuesday. Sustained winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts to 45 MPH could cause some minor damage to some trees or power lines.
First, rain showers will convert to snow showers this afternoon east of Lake Ontario and over the Tug Hill Plateau around midday. Next in line for conversion to snow showers will be the higher elevations of central New York. Eventually, late this afternoon any precipitation region wide will be all snow. Temperatures will be critical as to how much snow each place receives and also how fast road conditions worsen.
I expect roads to become especially difficult between 5pm-8pm and not get better throughout the overnight. While the amount of snow will be manageable and not overwhelming, the rapidly falling temperatures through the 20°s this evening, through the Teens overnight and into the upper single digits by Tuesday morning will bring the potential for a flash freeze of roadways tonight. Mild temperatures this morning have caused snow and ice to melt into water over many parking lots, driveways, sidewalks and streets. As temperatures chill down quickly at the same time it is snowing, a layer of black ice has the potential to form underneath any accumulating snow. This could cause treacherous and even dangerous conditions on roads, sidewalks, parking lots and driveways.
My advice is to be cautious while driving this evening and chivalrous while accompanying your date. Make sure to hold hands or lock arms while walking to and from your destinations. You do not want your date in high heels falling on to an icy parking lot. Try and pull your car up to and from the front of your destinations to have the least amount of walking possible.
What are you doing for Valentine’s Day? Have any suggestions? Will the weather this evening change your plans? Let us know by commenting on this web story.
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