FREE ACCESS: New forecast says max snowfall of 9 inches possible in Poplar Bluff

As Southeast Missouri residents brace themselves for a large snowfall, the National Weather Service — Paducah has upgraded the forecasted amount of snow for Poplar Bluff.

“We did increase the snowfall totals for the Poplar Bluff area,” Lead Forecaster Daniel Spaeth explained. “We have seen a little of a shift towards the south that would increase the amount of snow for the Poplar Bluff region.”

According to Spaeth, the forecast now sees a possible maximum snowfall of nine inches for Poplar Bluff.

“Obviously, we’re advising people don’t travel unless it’s absolutely necessary,” Spaeth remarked. “You can expect considerable disruptions to travel throughout the Southeast Missouri region.”

Spaeth provided information that forecasts an average forecasted snowfall ranging between 5-8 inches, with the maximum predicted as 9 inches.

“The snow will be a dry, powdery snow, so that is a good thing,” Spaeth said. “But we’re concerned about the winds from the north/northeast. Those winds will be around 20 mph, and that will be throughout the storm. With the snow being light and dry, it will likely be blown around a lot and limiting visibility for some people.”

Spaeth said it is likely there will be widespread road and business closures through Wednesday.

“The storm will hit Poplar Bluff at 3 p.m.,” Spaeth noted. “Poplar Bluff could likely see some snow before 3 p.m., but the system will actually hit the area by 3 p.m.”

The National Weather Service had originally predicted the storm would arrive at 5 p.m.

“We adjusted the forecast a little because we did see a little shifting of things to the south,” Spaeth remarked. “But we are very confident in our forecast and the amounts that we’re projecting. And what we get is going to stick around for a while. It won’t be going away anytime soon.”

Spaeth explained that the windchill will be below zero both Wednesday and Thursday mornings.

“We will be in the single digit temperatures throughout Thursday,” Spaeth stated. “We won’t see any temperatures above freezing until probably Saturday or Sunday.”

Spaeth said the good news is that the area will see warmer weather in the next week and will be slightly warmer than what is average for this time of year.

“For the time being, though, we will probably be issuing a cold weather advisory for the whole area,” Spaeth said. “We really want everyone to stay warm the best way possible for them. Hopefully no one will need to get out in the next day or two.”

The storm is forecasted to hit the Poplar Bluff region from 3 p.m. Tuesday, and dissipate between 1-6 a.m. Wednesday.