Storm Prediction Center Mesoscale Discussion 239

   Mesoscale Discussion 0239
   NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
   1232 AM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

   Areas affected...Northeast Colorado into northwest Kansas into
   Nebraska

   Concerning...Blizzard 

   Valid 190532Z - 190930Z

   SUMMARY...The onset of blizzard conditions is occurring across
   northeast CO; blizzard conditions will spread east and become more
   widespread through the early morning hours.

   DISCUSSION...Surface observations and web cams across northeast CO
   and adjacent areas of KS and NE are beginning to report significant
   visibility reductions below 1/2 mile as a combination of cold air
   advection and wet-bulb cooling support rapid cooling and saturation
   of low-level temperature profiles across the region. This comes as
   an intense surface low begins to mature to the east across
   central/western KS with 25-35 mph northerly gradient winds.
   Downstream across northern KS and southern NE, temperatures remain
   well above freezing, but similar rapid cooling/saturation is
   expected over the next few hours as sub-freezing temperatures are
   advected south and precipitation becomes more widespread and intense
   within the deformation/frontogenetical zone of the cyclone. Latest
   CAM guidance continues to suggest the potential for organized snow
   banding across northern KS into southern/central NE between 06-12
   UTC with snowfall rates between 1-2 in/hour. Despite the relatively
   warm temperatures for a winter storm, blowing snow model output
   suggests that this combination of heavy snowfall rates and strong
   northerly winds (gusting between 40-60 mph) will support widespread
   visibility reductions below 1/4 mile with periods of whiteout
   conditions.

   ..Moore.. 03/19/2025

   ...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product...

   ATTN...WFO...OAX...ICT...GID...LBF...DDC...GLD...PUB...BOU...
   CYS...

   LAT...LON   40259814 39749845 39289877 38999908 38779952 38689982
               38570048 38490119 38500186 38590247 38890310 39180356
               39700378 40160385 40690367 41010312 41170255 41370177
               41440121 41620032 42009861 42069803 42019755 41859718
               41539698 41199690 40919713 40719747 40259814