The first snowfall of the season is likely early next week.

When will it snow?

How much snow is expected?

Will there be a mix or rain?

These are just some of the many questions people typically ask ahead of a winter storm.

Despite the social media buzz and many ambiguous maps shared online, there is a methodical approach that the Power of 5 team takes to ensure an accurate, responsible forecast. It can be broken down into four key stages that are important to remember the next time a chance of snow pops up in the forecast.

Most of the winter storms seen every winter originate on the other side of the planet and have to traverse the Pacific Ocean. There is little or no data available when the storm is developing over that part of the world. That usually happens a week or so before any

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