The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard watch well ahead of a storm forecast to bring a nasty combination of heavy snowfall and high winds to Lincoln County beginning Saturday evening and continuing through Sunday evening. While the area has experienced unusually frequent winter storms this season, the upcoming event is forecast to have a notably significant impact, especially with the snowfall accumulation already on the ground.
Snow accumulation for this event is presently forecast at 12 to 16 inches, with winds from the north sustained at 25 to 35 mph and gusting to 50 mph. “The combination of heavy (snowfall rates) and blowing snow will lead to whiteout conditions at times. This will make driving extremely dangerous if not impossible,” the NWS bulletin advised.
The only good news is that temps are forecast to stay well below freezing during the event, making for “fluffy” snowfall, as opposed to the wet, heavy snowfall that makes for hazardous shoveling and possible power outages.
Presently, timing for the storm indicates snowfall will begin Saturday afternoon and steadily intensify, becoming heavier overnight and into the daylight hours of Sunday before winding down Sunday afternoon.
The blizzard watch comes days before the event, and may still be subject to change as the storm gets closer. The Lincoln County News will continue to follow the progress of this event and post any additional information here as soon as it is obtained.