Poplar Bluff forecast to receive large amounts of snow

As residents of Butler County try to stay warm following the polar blast of weather that moved into the area last Sunday night, they could soon be needing to make plans with a snow shovel.

According to Justin Gibbs, meteorologist with the National Weather Service — Paducah, Poplar Bluff is “on the line” to receive higher amounts of snowfall than some surrounding areas.

“We are using multiple models to determine the forecast and there are a lot of variables to consider,” Gibbs noted. “But all of this weather is being driven by a larger system, so it is a little easier to predict.”

Gibbs said he felt comfortable predicting 3 inches of snow, possibly as much as 4 inches.

“Fortunately, all we are seeing in the forecast is snow and nothing else at this point,” Gibbs remarked. “Currently, Butler County and Poplar Bluff are under category of ‘snow watch,’ but that could likely be upgraded to the ‘advisory’ category before the day is over.”

Gibbs emphasized the need for area residents to practice caution, as the temperatures will remain at or below the freezing mark.

“We expect the snow to stick, due to the freezing temperatures,” Gibbs stated. “And it will be likely to accumulate quickly, so it could have a travel impact for people driving anywhere.”

Gibbs went on to explain snow amounts are not certain for any of the areas currently under the watch category.

“Certainly, things could change, because Poplar Bluff is right on that line and that makes it difficult to accurately predict accumulations,” he explained. “But with all of the models we’re using, it just looks highly likely that Poplar Bluff specifically will receive a substantial amount of snow.”

Gibbs said the snowfall is expected to begin late Thursday night or early Friday morning.

“When I say early Friday morning I mean, around 2 or 3 a.m.” Gibbs clarified. “And the snow is expected to continue to fall for a few hours at least.”

Gibbs explained the temperatures will hold steady into Friday, but readings should remain at or below freezing during the snowstorm. While a brief respite is expected on Sunday with temperatures rising slightly above freezing across much of the region, another cold front will move in Sunday night, plunging the area back into sub-freezing temperatures for the upcoming week.