Winter storm leaves 3 to 8 inches of snow across region

The National Weather Service in Paducah says that as the winter storm makes its exit this afternoon and evening, it has produced snow pretty much in the amount and location that was anticipated.

As of 2pm Friday, the heaviest remaining snow band was positioned near the Ohio River and into western Kentucky. By 4 pm, radar indicated that snow was ending in the western half of southern Illinois, and the Mississippi River counties of western Kentucky.

Meteorologists say the resulting snowfall totals have lined up with the forecast, with 2-5 inches a common result. Heavier snow occurred in the west, and lesser amounts are finishing up in the northeast.

Reports of 8 inches have been noted in the Missouri Ozarks in Carter County west of Poplar Bluff, and 7 inches near Perryville north of Cape Girardeau. Those heavier snow bands continued into southern Illinois where 5 inches was measured near Carbondale.

Other anecdotal snow reports to the weather service this afternoon include 4.2 inches in McCracken County; 4 inches in Graves County; 4 inches in Marshall County; 3.5 inches in Lyon County; 4.5 inches in Hopkins County; and 2.8 inches in Daviess County.

The weather service says they will probably keep with the midnight end time for the Winter Storm Warning overall, but an earlier cancellation is probable for western portions of the warned area.

Temperatures today have hovered near freezing, which has been favorable for maintaining road surfaces which have fared well outside of early morning slowdowns. Light winds have also helped to reduce tree damage in areas where limbs are still coated by ice from earlier in the week. 

Some freezing of untreated roads is possible tonight.

On Saturday and Sunday, partial sunshine with highs around 33 and 37, plus a southerly wind will help to clear off what's left on roadways.