Winter threat (Feb 8-9, 2010)

[Eric]

Does anyone have any idea why when the temps are below freezing and sun is covered by the clouds, that the roads melt??? I have always wondered that.

Even if the sun is hidden, it's still shooting down UV rays which get absorbed by darker colored surfaces...the same principle as when you get into a dark-colored car in the middle of the summer.  Darker colored surfaces absorb WAY more heat than other surfaces. That'd be my guess anyways... ::shrug::

[JayCee]

Does anyone have any idea why when the temps are below freezing and sun is covered by the clouds, that the roads melt??? I have always wondered that.

The sun can still work its "magic" even through clouds if the temp is not too far from freezing.  It certainly can if they apply salt.  And it's February now, so the sun angle is getting higher as spring approaches.  

[tnbassman]

Knox County schools out at 11:45 am. must be coming down good in knoxville. nothing here in Clinton.

[JayCee]

Knox County schools out at 11:45 am. must be coming down good in knoxville. nothing here in Clinton.

I'm about 30 miles east of K-town, and it is snowing moderately.  Grass no longer visible.  

[Thundersnow]

The sun can still work its "magic" even through clouds if the temp is not too far from freezing.  It certainly can if they apply salt.  And it's February now, so the sun angle is getting higher as spring approaches.  

Yep, that's why you can get a sunburn even on a cloudy day.

[JayCee]

Yep, that's why you can get a sunburn even on a cloudy day.

Ouch.  Yeah, I've had that happen before.  

[Archiver Bot]

Snow has pretty much stopped here.  Talked to people in Watertown and Mt. Juliet who say the roads are covered.  I wonder if they will melt before school gets out?  Is the snow finished for this area?

[JayCee]

Just got back from lunch.  Main roads are ok, secondary are slick.  Snow continues, but is lighter now.  

[JayCee]

http://www.highcountrywebcams.com/

Web cams from the mountains of E Tn. and N.C.

[Archiver Bot]

Snow Total Map from MEG...

Highslide Image Viewer

[Yazoo63]

Measuring almost 2 7/8 " on top of my car here on the plateau in eastern White County.  Quite surprised by that, since the NWS was only calling for up to 1 inch as of late last night.

Just goes to show how tough it is for forecasters to nail down snow amounts in advance.  Just too many variables involved, i guess.

Glad the forecasted amount busted to the upside for a change!   ::applause::

[Archiver Bot]

We've got about an inch here in Kingsport. Travel was downright, utterly nasty earlier today and it still is in some of the higher elevations. Around town, and even on the side roads, its as clean as can be.

[Charles L.]

Our schools are out again tomorrow and for good cause. The snow has melted off of our road, but many others are still badly covered. Out of snow days here in Macon County, miss anymore and I think they are talking about taking Spring Break away.

[Archiver Bot]

We finished with 3" in Scott County.

[Archiver Bot]

Highslide Image Viewer

Standing Waves Along Cumberland Plateau
Bobby Boyd
Meteorologist
National Weather Service
Nashville, Tennessee



Standing waves (banding in cloud pattern) can be seen along the Cumberland Plateau and into northeast Alabama and northwest Georgia  in the above visible satellite image taken at 14:15Z (8:15 A.M. C.S.T.) this morning. Standing waves result when strong winds that are normal (perpendicular) to the plateau combine with strong instability aloft. They are seen more often in mountainous terrain.