New Years Storm - might be close to some records

It is a year most of us can't wait to send off into the dustbin of history, but before we do we have another storm to watch. This is one that will have a decent impact on the area and could set some records for the start of 2021. Most big winter storms that have a great deal of moisture to work with come from the 4 Corners area. 

This one is coming straight up from the south. It was in Texas Wednesday afternoon and evening.

Heavier snows have avoided Wichita and much of south central Kansas over the last several years. You can come up with your own definition of a "heavy" snow because there isn't one for meteorology. However, the last 4" snow in a 24 hour time frame (officially) for Wichita was nearly six years ago. Can you believe that? 

Ice comes first:  

While probably NOT a major ice storm for the area, we think some freezing rain and sleet will fall in south central and eastern Kansas to start the storm. Heaviest ice accumulations will likely happen in eastern Kansas where some .5" amounts look likely. If most of this ends up as sleet, we will be in better shape. We don't want it all to be freezing rain, but the warm air aloft is something we have to overcome first. 

Snow into early Friday:

Heaviest snow will take place from 5 am until about noon, then it tapers off from southwest to northeast quickly. This snow should have high moisture content, so it's probably going to pile up fairly quickly. Some snow may come down at 1" per hour. We could threaten the New Year's Day snow record, which for Wichita only happens to be 4.2" (certainly attainable from this storm)

Wind:  

While I don't expect enough wind to cause a blizzard, there will be blowing snow Friday morning. I think wind around 15 or 20 mph will be common where the snow is falling, so some of it may drift. What I don't think will happen is wind causing power outages because of some ice accumulation, but it is something to have in the back of your mind. 

Arctic air is still shut off for now, so although kinda cold to start 2021, it could be so much colder. That might be coming in a matter of weeks. By the way, I'll be posting a January outlook soon.