DUANE SHERRILLEditor

Forecasts of a major winter storm fell short this past weekend thanks to warm air nosing north, limiting the measured snow fall to around three inches in a swath running from Moore County east through Warren County.

Models from the National Weather service had projected snow fall anywhere from three to eight inches just before snow began to fall just before sunrise Friday. The rates were true to the upper end projection throughout the morning as most of the three inches of accumulation were noted before afternoon. However, a slight nudge of warmer air left temperatures just above freezing in the afternoon, prompting the fluffy snow to turn into sleet. The changeover stunted further accumulation although the amount was enough to delight those who wanted to play in the snow, the packable snow perfect for building snowmen and throwing snow balls.

However, the Friday snow fall did have its impacts as road were made treacherous throughout Friday and Friday evening, prompting law enforcement to have to work multiple fender benders. Driving conditions improved greatly Saturday as temperatures rose into the high 30s and were joined by some sunshine. Sunday saw a mass melting as highs near 40 combined to the radiation of the sun to promote major melting. Most schools in the mid-state area remained closed Monday due to concerns about slick spots. The notable exception was Tullahoma City Schools which had regular Monday classes and even were technically “in session” Friday as they went to remote learning instead of burning one of their few snow days.

The first winter storm of 2025 did not live up to last year’s standards when eight inches of snow fell, leaving the area buried for a week given lows that dove below zero on some days. However, long range forecasts are calling for bitterly cold temperatures within the next 10 days which could be reminiscent of last year’s arctic blast. Should the arctic cold pair with moisture, the area may get a second shot at a major winter system.