4:30 pm CST, Updated: Huge Winter Storm and Cold Wave in Store

This is a weather event for which preparations are absolutely necessary: ice storm, heavy snow, and prolonged extreme cold. 

Please note: freezing rain (glaze ice) is forecast to fall in significant amounts at the airline hubs in Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte with significant snow in Washington D.C. If you are planning to fly to those cities (or others in the winter storms maps) I would plan to arrive Friday morning or before or would get on the phone to reservations and re-route around those hubs. Otherwise, the possibility exists of being stranded for days.

Special update regarding the Hurricane Hunter's role in this serious storm at the bottom.

Storm Timing

This is a forecast radar for 4am Friday as the storm is getting started. Over Arkansas to the Tennessee River the precipitation may still be aloft and not actually begin for a few more hours. 

Winter Storm Watches

It is rare winter storm watches are issued more than 48 hours in advance but I agree with the NWS in this case because of the intensity and location of this storm. The watches include DFW, Tulsa, Little Rock and Shreveport. 

Ice Storm Forecast 

It is important to note that this technique has a "high" bias, meaning it often forecasts more ice that actually accumulates. However, this still shows substantial to destructive ice accumulations. 

If this forecast is anywhere close to correct, there will be massive power line and tree damage. Power will be out in some areas for days or weeks! Prepare now! That includes having a "go kit" in case you have to evacuate due to power loss and disconnecting outside hoses.  If you do evacuate, it is essential to remember to close the main water valve into your home. 

Please note: here are the start times in the westernmost (earliest) part of the storms. 

Heavy Snow Forecast

Between the ice and snow, travel will range from difficult to impossible. 

Note: snow will also fall in many areas not shown here. I'm trying to highlight where the snow will be the worst, especially in areas not used to dealing with in these depths. 

Courtesy: K8 Weather 

Here's a look at the NWS's Winter Storm Effects Forecast and what it means:

Cold Wave Forecasts

The maps show the 6am forecast temperatures (not wind chills). In some cases, temperatures will rise little during the day. 

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

I'm skipping Tuesday in order to demonstrate the duration of the cold. 

Wednesday

4:30pm update:

I highly salute the National Weather Service for sending out a Hurricane Hunter aircraft to launch data collecting instruments into the developing storm tomorrow evening. The red arrow points to an upper atmospheric low pressure system which will help enhance the amount of rain and snow in the South. The blue arrow points to the subtropical jet stream which is forecast to migrate north and intensify the southern branch of this storm. 

It is highly likely this additional data will allow more accurate forecasts to be made. This is an excellent use of taxpayer resources that usually sit idle this time of year.