Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, February 3, 1995                   TAG: 9502030089
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: LISA APPLEGATE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

MORE SNOW? `IT'S STILL UP IN THE AIR ...'

"There's a 50-50 chance" the Roanoke Valley soon will get buried in snow for the second time this year, National Weather Service meteorologist Jan Jackson said Thursday night.

Jackson said the Arkansas-born storm center could cut straight through Virginia, causing mostly rain and some snow by Saturday afternoon.

Or the storm could head for North Carolina. If that happens, Canadian air will swoosh down, clashing with the low-pressure system and producing a major snowstorm for this area.

It's a difference of about 100 miles, but it means the difference between raincoats and snow shovels.

He said whatever falls, it will last a good 18 to 24 hours. And the cold air left behind will be a prime target for more storms - and possibly more snow - early next week. The New River Valley probably will not get as much precipitation as the Roanoke area, he said.

The weather service issued a winter storm watch for tonight and Saturday, which means forecasters expect at least 4 inches of snow.

But, Jackson warns, "It's still pretty much up in the air. ..."