Getting Ready for the "BIG ONE"

Its not news anymore, but Chicago is in the bullseye of a potentially historic winter storm. If there is any storm that has a chance of breaking our infamous "big snow" record of 23.0 inches set in 1967 its with this upcoming storm. I don't even know where to start as far as discussing it goes.

For forecasts simply check out the ConvectiveAddiction site, as we have posted several forecasts there with all the pretty charts and explanations that don't make sense that you are used to.

The NWS experimental snowfall forecast has Chicago in an area of 20-22 inches of snow. At this point it is silly for me to try and say if I think this will happen or not. I certainly believe it is possible.

Just an inch shy of the record but when you also take into the consideration this snow could potentially fall in thunderstorms with 3 inch an hour accumulations possible it would not surprise me to see that record fall....or...

The heavy band sets up just to our south and we end with lesser accumulations of 12 inches or so. It is kinda funny think of *ONLY* getting 12 inches of snow as being cheated, but this storm certainly is no laughing matter. Aside from the big snow here, catastrophic ice damage will probably occur in Indianapolis with the severe weather and tornado threat in the gulf coast states maybe even into TN.

Check out the NWSs forecast wording for tomorrow night: "Tuesday Night...Very windy. Snow and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Blowing snow with visibility one quarter mile or less at times. Snow may be heavy at times. Significant snow accumulations possible. Lows 14 to 18. Northeast winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph at times. Chance of precipitation 100 percent." I don't recall ever seeing snow and thunderstorms in the same sentence. Needless to say I am excited.

Unfortunately I probably wont be able to document this storm top to bottom as I would like to because I will be out working my snow removal job. It is a bittersweet thing. I will make allot of money doing so along with being out in the extreme elements...but without my video camera. Although I will probably bring it with and plead with my boss to let me get a few minutes of filming in during what will likely be more than an 18hr shift.

For now though....the calm before the storm.