Yes, something like this could work, IF I can distill it down to a piece of data. If I could get an email when there is a snow accumulation, or get the data into my (coming soon) Wx data on WU, I think I can connect it with my home automation system. The only drawback is, snow depth varies greatly in this area. You can drive a mile and have a foot difference. That is why I am attempting to find a localized solution either through my weather station data, or through some sensor hooked up to my home automation (Z-Wave).
I was thinking something like.....if the forecast is a 50% or more chance of 3" or more of snow and the temperature is 32 or below, turn on the strips. It could also check to see if it's snowing in the current data. Then, if my rain gauge hasn't reported any wetness for 24 hours (the snow on top is melted) and it's above freezing, turn the strips off. But, I'd also like to know if the forecast was wrong (it didn't snow).
I can err a bit on the turning off side, as there is a thermostat that will turn them off if it warms up too much, but that also wastes energy.
Yes, I could figure this all out manually, but if I forget (which is easy to do if it's nice and sunny in Phoenix) it can lead to disaster.