Snow, then snow, then more snow, followed by more snow

A brief round of snow flurries is currently passing through Southeast Missouri thanks to a weak Alberta Clipper system.

This weekend, a much stronger clipper system is expected to pass right over our heads, possibly bringing a few inches of snow. Flurries are then possible on Presidents' Day, followed by another round of wintry precipitation late next week.

The weekend system, dubbed Winter Storm "Eddie", will likely arrive in two waves. It will start as a light rain/snow mix on Saturday afternoon and night, followed by a heavier all-snow round Sunday evening.

While the official forecast from the National Weather Service doesn't mention accumulation totals, the technical discussion suggests that many parts of the region could see at least 3 inches, with 7 inches a distinct possibility for portions of Southern Illinois.

I find it a bit hard to believe that an Alberta Clipper could deliver so much snow, but the GFS model does show Cape Girardeau straddling the "green" zone for 4-6 inches:

Compared with previous storms, it appears likely that "Eddie" will be stronger than our last system, "Disco Stu" (1 inch), but weaker than "Bumblebee Man" (7-8 inches).

It could be worse, though. The Deep South is receiving widespread snowfall today, no doubt elevating the BREAD Index to extreme levels not seen in years.

One report from Alabama is particularly amusing:

Brantley, Crenshaw County, 1:40 PM: "ALL CITY AND COUNTY ROADS ARE NOW CLOSED. ALSO A CHICKEN HOUSE COLLAPSED UNDER WEIGHT OF HEAVY SNOW."

This report from Louisiana is a bit more serious:

Harrisonburg, Catahoula Parish, 7:31 AM: "EM REPORTS 4-5 INCHES IN NORTHERN PART OF PARISH...3 TO 4 INCHES IN SOUTHERN PART OF PARISH. POWER IS OUT IN RURAL PARTS OF THE PARISH...AND SEVERAL TREES ARE ALSO DOWN ACROSS RURAL ROADWAYS DUE TO THE WEIGHT OF THE SNOW."

Even the Florida Panhandle is reporting wet snow accumulations this afternoon. It appears that all 50 states (including Hawaii) have seen significant snowfall at some point this year. How often does that happen?

Update 5:30 PM:

This Associated Press story reports that every state except Hawaii currently has snow on the ground. It might be a first in weather history. Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes in Hawaii often have snow in the winter, but not right now, ruining the shot at a perfect 50-for-50 snowfall.