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Meteorologists Working To Decipher Path Of Winter Storm

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- There is so much riding on the path of any storm, it impacts lives, and no one knows that more than those who stare into the world of weather models looking for the answers.

"There's a Canadian model, there's a European model and several U.S. models that are looked at," said KDKA Meteorologist Dennis Bowman.

Mayor Peduto's News Conference:

"The trick is trying to figure out which one is handling the snow even the best," added Rich Kane, the meteorologist in charge of the Pittsburgh office of the National Weather Service.

It's Kane's folks who put out the official advisories, watches and warnings after scrutinizing the models.

"They can be pretty divergent depending on the track of the storm, and you always hear this depending on the track of the storm, and it's true," said Kane.

KDKA's John Shumway Reports:

He showed us the differences using the early afternoon models. One that put the primary snow line along I-80, another brought it down along I-70, and the third in between.

"It's ever so important how close that comes to you because that could be the difference between six to 12 inches of snow or two to four inches or a mix of freezing rain," said Kane.

Kane and Bowman both understand it is science trying to meet your expectations.

"I think they are looking for site specific, nowadays. People want to know what's going to happen in their own backyard," said Bowman.

KDKA's John Shumway Reports:

And we want to know now.

"You feel better getting within a couple of days of the event so you get a better sense of how that is all going to come together," Bowman added.

RELATED LINKS:
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