NWS: Storm Watch Issued for Snowy Sunday

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Lincoln County in regard to a weather system forecast to visit the area beginning late Saturday night.

While snowfall forecasts are moderate, in the 6 to 10 inch range, the snowfall type is forecast to be heavy and wet; with the possibility of rain mixing with snow along the coast, according to the NWS. This type of snowfall can be hazardous to power lines and tree limbs.

Fortunately, winds are forecast to be relatively moderate, running out of the northeast at 5 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph, according to the NWS.

It’s noteworthy that forecast snowfall totals have been widely varied for this event. The official NWS forecast is the 6 to 10 inches noted above, while local broadcast forecasters are between 3 to 6 inches and 4 to 8 inches. Part of the problem with the forecast totals is that this storm will have a greater impact on southern areas. Lincoln County could see more accumulation along the southern coast areas and less in the northern areas.

Presently, the timing of the event shouldn’t affect anyone’s plans for Saturday evening, as snowfall isn’t in the official forecast until very late that night (and may even begin in the early morning hours of Sunday).

The Winter Storm Watch is in effect from late Saturday night through Sunday evening, according to the NWS, with the heaviest snowfall Sunday morning.

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.