I believe there's a good possibility we will see a southerly trend with the New Years eve storm. The pattern is about to really get blocked up, the operational models are already starting to pick up on this.

The last-minute south trend that NWS Duluth had to explain away (major bust by them) helped Chicago and SEWI score a win!

TBH, this would really be a great foundation to build up the lower 48 snowpack...you don't wanna see bare ground up that way, esp to brew up some TX Panhandle Cutters later in the month.

Your New Years eve storm is being picked up well on the EPS ensembles. I'm looking for something down my way between the 3rd and 5th. EPS for New Years eve timeframe.

That's beautiful enjoy the white Christmas.