The National Weather Service has upgraded a winter storm watch to a winter storm warning and raised snowfall estimates into the 14 to 18 inch range in regard to a storm system forecast to pummel Lincoln County beginning Tuesday morning.
The storm system will develop late Monday and Tuesday as two robust weather systems, one carrying moisture from the south and the other bringing Arctic temps from the north, both collide offshore, creating a significant storm for Lincoln County, according to forecasters.
High winds will also be a factor, with sustained northerly winds in the 15 to 25 mph range and gusts up to 35 mph, according to the NWS.
The heaviest snowfall and highest winds are presently forecast to begin Tuesday afternoon and continue into the night, making travel particularly treacherous for any evening commuters, according to forecasters.
The storm will begin with low temps, however these are forecast to rise as the event progresses, possibly ranging into the mid 30s during the overnight hours and creating the possibility of heavy, wet snowfall – the type most hazardous to tree limbs and power wires.
The winter storm warning is presently in effect from 9 a.m. on Tuesday to 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
The Lincoln County News will update this post.
