Snow Accumulation Estimates Released For Next Storm In CT

There is still a chance of a white Christmas in Connecticut, as a minor storm is forecast to bring some minimal snow accumulation to the state on Tuesday.

Forecasters are calling for a general 1 to 3 inches of snow accumulation on Tuesday, but it will be closer to just one inch near the shoreline of southern Connecticut. This is a "weak" system, but it could result in a white Christmas for parts of the state, possibly.

"A weak system is still set to arrive on Tuesday and confidence is increasing for a period of light snow especially in the morning," said WFSB 3 TV meteorologists. "With that in mind, we’ve declared a *First Alert Weather Day* for Tuesday due to potential slick spots which would impact travel.

Timeline for light snow

"The primary impact time is in the morning, but could be extended later in the day," said WFSB 3 TV meteorologists. "There’s still some uncertainty regarding temperatures and if a change to rain occurs, but as of now we’re expecting about 1-3″ of accumulation, with the higher amounts in the higher elevations. The afternoon will bring a possible mix or changeover to rain, especially along the shoreline, which could also limit amounts to 1″ or less. Everything wraps up by Tuesday evening.

Christmas Eve warmup may melt the snow

"Wednesday, Christmas Eve, will feature more sunshine with temperatures around 40. The relatively mild weather continues into Christmas Day with an increase in cloudiness. So whatever snow does fall on Tuesday with either be patchy in nature on the ground still or melted. Boo hoo hoo! By Friday, showers appear likely, but right now will be in the form of rain. Temperatures reach into the 40-45 degree range, several degrees above normal for late December," said WFSB 3 TV meteorologists.

The US National Weather Service Boston MA forecast map shows much of Connecticut receiving 1 to 2 inches of snow but one inch or less at the coast, and possibly 2, 3 or even 4 inches of snow in the higher elevations of Litchfield County. Higher elevations in Hartford and Tolland counties could also receive 2 to 3 inches of snow accumulation.

"Increasing confidence for a period of accumulating snowfall on Tuesday, beginning in the morning and ending in the evening. Accumulations are expected to range from 1 to 3 inches in the interior with localized 4 inch amounts over the higher terrain. Along the south coast, an inch or less is expected," the weather service said.

Read More:

• Beloved Baseball Coach Dies 'Unexpectedly' At Age 50, Mourned
• Iconic Hollywood Actor Goes For A Skate
• OSHA Proposes $1.2M Fine Against Business After Repeat Violations

Here are the forecast details for southern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 36. Wind chill values between 10 and 20. Northwest wind 7 to 11 mph.

Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of snow after 1am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 27. Light southwest wind.

Tuesday: Rain and snow before 4pm, then a chance of rain. High near 39. South wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 39.

Christmas Day: A 30 percent chance of rain before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41.

Here are the forecast details for northern Connecticut via the National Weather Service:

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 35. Northwest wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Monday Night: A chance of snow, mainly after 2am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 25. Light southwest wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tuesday: Snow before 4pm, then rain likely, possibly mixed with snow. High near 39. South wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Tuesday Night: A chance of snow, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Southwest wind 6 to 10 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 38. Northwest wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Christmas Day: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph.

Thursday Night: A chance of rain between 9pm and 11pm, then a chance of snow after 11pm. Cloudy, with a low around 26. Light south wind. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday: A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. South wind 5 to 9 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%.