Snowfall quickly developed over Lincoln County Tuesday morning as the leading edge of a winter storm slid into the area. A winter storm warning issued by the National Weather Service remained in effect, however final adjustments to the forecast indicate that the snowfall may have a shorter duration than expected and the event may end with rainfall.
As the storm brings an estimated 12 to 16 inches of snowfall accumulation into the evening hours of Tuesday, the forecast now calls for a steady increase in temps, making way for rainfall to begin in the late night hours of Tuesday. Rainfall should continue into early morning hours of Wednesday and taper off after sunrise, according to forecasters.
Originally the forecast called for snowfall to continue through Wednesday morning.
The lowest barometric pressure of the event, which should also bring the heaviest precipitation and highest winds, is forecast to occur in the early morning hours of Tuesday. It is unclear at this point if snowfall or rainfall will be the precipitation type when the barometric low occurs.
Sustained northeasterly winds are forecast in the 20 to 30 mph range with gusts up to 45 mph, according to the NWS.
The storm system developed overnight on Monday as two robust weather systems, one carrying moisture from the south and the other bringing Arctic temps from the north, collided offshore, creating a significant storm for Lincoln County.
The winter storm warning presently remains in effect until Wednesday at 8 a.m.
The Lincoln County News will update this post.
