NATIONAL WEATHER SUMMARY

DECEMBER 2007


1st-8th...In the East, light snow showers came to an end late this
morning over the New England area as a weak area of high pressure
settled into the lower Great Lakes. A powerful frontal boundary
pushing across the central Plains and Midwest, and into the middle
Mississippi Valley and eastern Ohio River Valley, brought a wintry mix
of precipitation to Illinois and Indiana by the early afternoon hours.
Reports of light snow mixing with sleet and freezing rain was a common
occurrence from the central Plains and eastward into western Ohio. Ice
accumulations east of the Mississippi River remained under a tenth of
an inch, with snow and sleet accumulations near three-quarters of an
inch. Elsewhere, high pressure remained the dominate weather feature
throughout the Southeast, Tennessee Valley, and the Middle Atlantic
states, providing fair and dry conditions into the early afternoon
hours. Over the central part of the nation, a powerful winter storm
plowed through the northern and central Plains and into the Midwest. A
quarter-inch to nearly a half-inch of sleet and freezing rain fell
from northwestern Nebraska, into Iowa, and Illinois since early this
morning. Heavy snow coupled with strong winds created near blizzard-
like conditions north of this area of freezing rain. Snow
accumulations ranged from 1 to 3 inches over North Dakota and northern
Minnesota, to over 6 inches across northern Iowa, eastern South
Dakota, and southern Minnesota, with sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph.
Further south, the same storm system brought overcast skies and areas
of rain showers to Kansas and the southern Plains, with rainfall
totals remaining under a half-inch. Elsewhere, skies remained clear to
partly cloudy with fair, dry weather conditions from southern Texas
into the lower Mississippi Valley. In the western third of the
country, moderate to heavy rain showers slowly pushed across the
Desert Southwest, creating flooding problems in areas which have been
recently burned by wildfires. Rainfall totals ranged from three-
quarters of an inch at Iron Springs, Arizona, to over four inches in
nearby Crown King, Arizona. To the north, heavy snow and blizzard
conditions continued across the central Rockies, where total day-time
snowfall accumulations are expected to exceed two feet at elevations
above 10000 feet by late this evening. Overcast skies and light snow
showers were reported across the northern Rockies and northern Great
Basin, where snowfall totals have generally remained under two inches.
Further west, a nearly stationary upper-level trough brought
additional snow showers to the Cascade Mountains along the Pacific
Northwest, with snowfall accumulations ranging from 1 inch to nearly 8
inches at the highest elevations. Elsewhere, partly cloudy skies and
generally dry conditions were observed across California, the western
Great Basin, and into southern Idaho.
In the East on Monday, a low pressure system located offshore produced
rain and snow showers over the Northeast and Great Lakes. Snowfall was
heavy in New England and Michigan. Some of the heavier snowfall were
reported. Skies were partly cloudy with dry conditions over the
Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Deep South as high pressure dominated the
area. In the Plains, scattered snow showers developed over the Upper
Midwest and western Great Lakes. Accumulations were generally an inch
or less. Skies were cloudy over the northern Plains and Midwest as a
stationary front extended over the area. Farther to the south, skies
were partly cloudy to mostly sunny with dry conditions over the
central and southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley. In the West,
a strong Pacific Storm system brought rain, snow and wind to the
Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies. Rainfall was very heavy, with
many areas in Washington reporting several inches in 12 hours. In
Skokomish, Washington, 4.50 inches of rain fell in 9 hours. Strong
gusty winds were also recorded over the area. Several locations
reported winds in excess of 70 miles per hour, however 80 and even 90
miles per hour were measured in Montana and Washington, respectively.
Skies were partly cloudy over the Great Basin and central Rockies,
with sunny skies in the southern Rockies, Desert Southwest, and
Southern California.
In the East on Wednesday, a weak area of low pressure brought snow
showers to the Mid-Atlantic, Ohio Valley, Northeast, and Appalachians.
Accumulations were generally between 2 and 6 inches. Lake effect snow
showers brought snowfall to northern Indiana, northern and eastern
Michigan, and northern Ohio as well. Snow was reported as far south as
Raleigh, North Carolina. Skies were cloudy over New England, while
skies were sunny and clear over the Southeast and Deep South.
In the Plains, low clouds hung over the Ozarks and Lower Missouri
River Valley. Thick cloud cover moved into the western Plains during
the afternoon hours. Light snow showers developed over the western
Dakotas, but accumulation was light. Lake effect snow showers affected
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Chicago during the day. Flights were delayed
most of the day at area airports. Snow showers tapered off by late
afternoon. Skies were partly cloudy to mostly sunny over the Midwest,
southern Plains, and Lower Mississippi Valley. In the West, snow
showers developed over the northern Rockies throughout the day. Skies
were cloudy over the central and southern Rockies, and light rain and
snow showers were reported. A few rain showers continued to plague the
Pacific Northwest, but rainfall was light. Skies were cloudy across
the Great Basin, and light showers developed. Skies were clear over
Southern California and most of the Desert Southwest.
In the East on Friday, a cold front continued to push across the lower
Great Lakes and Northeast, and into the Atlantic coastline. Areas of
light snow showers slowly pushed offshore along the New England coast
throughout the early evening hours, while scattered showers were
reported further south along the Mid-Atlantic coast. Additional rain
and snow showers extended from the middle Mississippi Valley, across
the Ohio Valley, and into the upper Mid-Atlantic states. Rain and snow
amounts across these regions has remained light throughout the day.
Further south, overcast skies along with otherwise dry weather
conditions were reported along the Tennessee Valley and into the
Carolinas. Meanwhile, the remainder of the Gulf Coast, Southeast, and
Florida all featured generally fair and dry conditions. In the central
states, a frontal boundary draped across the central Plains continued
to produce wintry precipitation throughout the afternoon hours and
into this evening. Several areas of light to occasionally moderate
snow was reported in Nebraska and northern Missouri earlier this
afternoon, but snowfall accumulations have remained under three
inches. Further south, overcast skies and widespread dense fog reduced
visibilities from the Kansas-Nebraska boarder into south-central
Oklahoma throughout the day. Visibilities across the majority of
central Oklahoma remained near a quarter-mile throughout the
afternoon. Generally fair and dry, but cold conditions prevailed
across the northern Plains and the western Great Lakes; while the
southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley reported temperatures in
the upper 70's to the 80's this afternoon. In the West, a powerful
storm system continued to generate widespread precipitation across
much of the region. Moderate to heavy rain showers with embedded
thunderstorms developed along portions of the Desert Southwest this
afternoon, with rainfall amounts exceeding one-inch in some areas.
Other rain showers impacted the valley floors in the Sierra Nevada
Mountains and the Great Basin. Meanwhile, moderate to heavy snow
showers were observed at the higher elevations of the Cascades, Sierra
Nevadas and Great Basin, as well as the central Rockies. Six inches of
snow was reported near Union, Oregon, while snowfall accumulations
across Colorado have ranged from two inches 36 inches at Crested
Butte, Colorado over the past 24 hours. Further north, skies began to
clear early this evening across the far northern Rockies of Montana as
high pressure settled into the area.

9th-15th...In the East on Monday, rain showers developed over the Ohio
Valley and the Mid-Atlantic along a cold front. Rainfall amounts over
an inch were reported in Kentucky. Clouds moved into southern areas of
the Northeast as rain showers pushed into the area. Rainfall was
light. Skies were partly cloudy to mostly sunny in the Southeast, Deep
South, Great Lakes, and northern New England.
Across the CENTRAL region, another wave of precipitation moved through
the southern and central Plains and Mid-Mississippi Valley. Freezing
rain continued to coat areas of Oklahoma and Kansas. Over half an inch
of ice covered trees, electrical lines, and roads. Tree branches broke
from the extra weight of the ice, causing them to fall. Over 500,000
people were without electricity, including the Tulsa International
Airport. Farther to the north, skies were partly cloudy with dry
conditions in the northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Skies were sunny
in eastern Texas and over the Lower Mississippi Valley.
Over the WEST, rain and snow showers also developed over the Desert
Southwest and southern and central Rockies. Heavy rainfall was
recorded, then turned to snow in the mountains. Light snow showers
developed over the northern Great Basin and northern Rockies as well,
but little accumulation was reported. Skies were partly cloudy with
dry conditions over the Pacific Northwest and California.
In the East on Tuesday, a wintry mix of rain, sleet, freezing rain and
snow was experienced across the Great Lakes region and northern
portions of the Ohio Valley. Ice accumulations were light thus far,
with between a tenth and three-tenths of an inch reported. Farther
south, across Ohio, northern Indiana and central Illinois, scattered
rain showers were experienced. Otherwise, partly to mostly cloudy
skies and dry conditions prevailed throughout the Northeast, the Mid-
Atlantic region, the Tennessee Valley, the Southeast and Florida.
Across the central part of the country, a wintry mix of rain, sleet,
snow and freezing rain were experienced throughout the central and
southern Plains, the far southern portions of the upper Mississippi
Valley and the middle Mississippi Valley. Major power outages
continued across Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri with hundreds of
thousands without power. Ice accumulations of between a quarter to a
half of an inch have been reported. Elsewhere, scattered rain showers
and thunderstorms continued to affect portions of Oklahoma and Texas.
Otherwise, partly to mostly cloudy skies and dry conditions were
experienced across the northern Plains and the lower Mississippi
Valley. In the West, scattered snow showers fell across Colorado, New
Mexico, far eastern portions of Utah and higher elevations of Arizona.
Snowfall accumulations have been light thus far. Isolated rain showers
affected the lower elevations of Arizona and far southern California.
Rainfall amounts remained under a quarter of an inch. Otherwise,
mostly clear to partly cloudy skies prevail throughout the northern
High Plains, the West.
In the East on Wednesday, scattered snow showers continue to affect
northern and western portions of the Northeast. Snowfall accumulations
were light, around one to two inches or less. The line of rain showers
that was affecting portions of the Northeast has pushed offshore,
giving way to clearing skies and dry conditions. Scattered rain
showers continue to affect the Tennessee Valley, with rainfall amounts
of generally between and quarter and a half of an inch. Otherwise,
fair skies and dry conditions were experienced across the Mid-Atlantic
region, the Southeast and Florida.
Across the central part of the country, areas of freezing drizzle
across portions of Oklahoma and Texas were changing over to rain
showers as warmer temperatures move in from the south. Farther east,
scattered rain showers and isolated thunderstorms continue to affect
southeastern Oklahoma, central and eastern Texas and Arkansas.
Rainfall amounts have been between a quarter an a half of an inch,
with El Dorado, Arkansas reporting 0.85 inches of rain so far today.
Otherwise, partly to mostly cloudy skies and dry conditions continued
across the northern and central Plains and the upper Mississippi
Valley. In the West, an upper-level disturbance brought mostly cloudy
skies and scattered snow showers to the northern Rocky Mountains and
the northern High Plains. Any snowfall accumulations remain light.
Elsewhere, a cold front continued to push through the Pacific
Northwest, northern California and northern portions of the Great
Basin, bringing a much cooler airmass to these regions. Otherwise,
mostly clear to partly cloudy skies and dry conditions prevailed
across the central and southern High Plains, the central and southern
Rocky Mountains, the Desert Southwest and central and southern
California.
In the East on Thursday, a low pressure system generated a wintry mix
of snow, sleet, and freezing rain across the Northeast and parts of
the Great Lakes region. Snow accumulations have generally ranged
between one and four inches so far today in central New York and
northern Pennsylvania, with lighter amounts occurring in southern New
England. Up to two-tenths of an tenth of an inch of ice accumulation
has occurred in central and southern Pennsylvania, as well as northern
Ohio. The system also generated moderate to heavy rain across the Ohio
Valley, Tennessee Valley and Deep South. Rainfall totals of 0.5 to
0.75 inches were common in southern Ohio, Kentucky, western West
Virginia and Tennessee, but locally higher amounts occurred. There
were several reports of flash flooding in northeastern Kentucky and
western West Virginia this morning. Dense fog developed this morning
across the Southeast due to high relative humidity values and light
winds. Elsewhere, light snow showers fell in Michigan, with no more
than half an inch of snow accumulating. In the central United States,
rain showers fell from central Illinois southward through northern
Louisiana and southwestward along the Texas coastline, in association
with the low pressure system in the eastern United States. Most areas
received one-tenth to three-tenths of an inch of rainfall this
morning, but locally higher amounts occurred. A few wet snow showers
mixed with the rain in central Illinois; no more than a trace of snow
accumulated. Another low pressure system centered over Canada
generated light snow showers in North Dakota, northern Minnesota and
the Upper Peninsula of Michigan this morning. Ahead of the system,
clouds and fog enshrouded a large portion of the upper Midwest. Fair
weather prevailed across the central and southern Plains.
In the West, light snow showers developed across the Pacific Northwest
and northern Rockies in association with an upper-level disturbance.
No more than an inch of snow accumulated this morning. Some areas of
fog were reported in central California this morning due to light
winds. A few light snow showers developed in northern Utah and
northern Nevada as another disturbance made its way through the area.
Tranquil weather prevailed across the Four Corners region and Desert
Southwest.
In the East on Friday, lake-effect snow showers occurred in northern
Michigan and western New York. Additional light snow showers occurred
in northern New England in association with a departing low pressure
system. Snow accumulations have generally been two inches or less so
far today. Meanwhile, an area of thunderstorms in association with an
upper-level disturbance moved into eastern and southern Florida.
Rainfall totals have generally ranged between 0.25 and 0.75 inches,
but locally higher amounts have occurred. Cloudy and dry conditions
were prevalent across most of the Great Lakes Region and Ohio Valley.
In the Central United States, an upper-level disturbance generated
light to moderate snow into Nebraska and western Kansas. Up to three
inches of snow have fallen so far through this evening. Lake-effect
snow showers occurred in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, while snow
combined with strong winds to create blizzard conditions in Calumet,
Michigan. Elsewhere, areas of fog and freezing fog blanketed much of
Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and northern and western Texas.
There have also been isolated pockets of freezing drizzle in Oklahoma
and the Texas Panhandle. Meanwhile, rain and thunderstorms developed
and progressed eastward across eastern Oklahoma, and into northeast
Texas and western Arkansas. Low to occasional lightning strikes were
associated with these storms. Overcast skies with scattered drizzle
prevailed over Louisiana and southeastern Texas. In the West, a low
pressure system produced rain and mountain snow showers in Washington,
Oregon, northern Idaho, and western Montana. Up to 0.30 inches of rain
and three inches of mountain snow fell so far today. Overcast skies
with widely isolated snow showers occurred in the central Rockies.
Snow activity was a bit heavier across the mountains of Colorado,
where generally 2 to 4 inches fell through the evening hours.
Elsewhere, areas of fog developed in central California this morning,
but most of this fog dissipated to light mist by the afternoon.

16th-22nd...In the East on Sunday, a large and powerful low pressure
system brought moderate to heavy snow to the Great Lakes Region and
Northeast, and a mix of sleet and freezing rain to portions of
Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Snow
accumulations so far today have generally ranged between four and
eight inches from Maine through New York and southwestward through
Indiana. Locally higher amounts occurred. Ice accretions of 1 tenth to
one third of an inch occurred over northern and western Pennsylvania,
central and southeastern New York, Connecticut, and northern New
Jersey. During the late morning hours, precipitation transitioned over
to rain in southern New England, southeastern New York, New Jersey,
and eastern Pennsylvania. The storm system also generated gusty winds
throughout the Northeast, Appalachians, Great Lakes Region, and Ohio
Valley. Wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph were common. A cold front extending
southward from the low produced rain and thunderstorms throughout the
Mid-Atlantic and Southeast this morning. Rainfall totals of half an
inch to 1.5 inches were common. A few severe storms developed in
Volusia and Seminole Counties in eastern Florida this morning. These
storms produced damaging wind gusts, which knocked down tree limbs. By
early afternoon, most of the rain moved offshore, although showers and
thunderstorms lingered in central and southern Florida. Across the
Tennessee Valley, and Deep South, overcast skies, light rain showers,
and breezy conditions prevailed on the back side of the low pressure
system. In the central United States, snow fell across Missouri and
Illinois early this morning in association with the storm system
centered over the East. Snow accumulations of 4 to eight inches
occurred in Illinois, with lighter amounts in Missouri. The snow came
to an end a few hours after sunrise as the system moved further east.
Meanwhile, overcast skies, light flurries, and fog and freezing fog
prevailed across the Upper Midwest so far today. A ridge of high
pressure brought tranquil weather conditions to the Central and
Southern Plains. In the West, rain and mountain snow showers occurred
in the Pacific Northwest and parts of western Montana due to a Pacific
storm system. Snow accumulations of 1 to two inches occurred in the
mountains, with up to 0.25 inches of rain falling at lower elevations.
Wind gusts of 20 to 40 mph accompanied the precipitation, with the
strongest winds occurring along the coast. Elsewhere, areas of fog
were reported in California this morning. Otherwise, high pressure
produced tranquil weather over the remainder of the West.
In the East on Monday, snow finally wrapped up across northern Maine
as a potent low pressure system moved into eastern Canada. Total snow
accumulations of 5 to 12 inches occurred, while Caribou, Maine, set a
daily snowfall record of 9.2 inches. Snow tapered off by the early
afternoon hours as the system pulled farther away. Meanwhile,
scattered snow showers continued downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario,
affecting central and western New York, Pennsylvania, and northeast
Ohio. Generally a trace to 1 inch of snow accumulated in these areas,
but up to 3 inches of snow accumulated in northwestern Pennsylvania.
Lake-effect snow activity continued into Monday evening, although
intensity and coverage diminished considerably. Wind gusts of 25 to 45
mph were common, but gusts up to 60 mph occurred along the New England
coastline. Wind speeds also gradually diminished toward Monday
evening. A ridge of high pressure resulted in tranquil weather
prevailing throughout the Tennessee Valley and Southeast. In the West,
a Pacific storm system brought moderate to heavy rain and mountain
snow to Washington, Oregon, northern California, and Idaho. Generally,
4 to 8 inches of snow have accumulated across the higher elevations in
these areas with some isolated higher amounts. At lower elevations,
rainfall totals ranged from 0.25 to 0.75 inches, with some localized
higher amounts along the Coastal Ranges of Oregon. Elsewhere, areas of
fog and freezing fog lingered over the Upper Midwest and parts of the
Northern Plains today. A large ridge of high pressure brought fair
weather to the Central and Southern Plains, Rockies, Intermountain
West, and Desert Southwest.
In the East on Wednesday, a weak system brought light snow showers and
rain showers to the eastern Great Lakes and into the New England
states. Snow accumulations were less than an inch, with rainfall
amounts of less than two tenths across southern New England. Across
the Upper Midwest, freezing fog led to some slick spots from Minnesota
through northern Illinois, but for the most part, just overcast
conditions were the rule. The fog extended through the Mississippi
Valley and all the way into eastern Texas this morning. A few
scattered rain showers and thunderstorms moves across eastern Texas,
Louisiana, southern Mississippi and southern Alabama today. Rainfall
amounts have generally been light, with locations receiving less than
0.25 inches of rain. In the West, yet another surge of moisture moved
on shore today. Heavy snows were common in the higher elevations from
the Pacific Northwest through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Snowfall
totals reached 6 to 12 inches in many locations. Heavy coastal and
lower elevation rains fell once again, with locations such as
Quillayute, Washington, receiving over an inch of rain today. Many
locations along the coasts of Washington and Oregon have received 0.50
to 0.75 inches of rain, with isolated higher amounts. Wind gusts to 40
miles per hour were seen today across these areas as well. Farther
south, the Desert Southwest and Southern California have seen dry
conditions today.
In the East on Friday, a complex of showers and thunderstorms pushed
across the Southeast and the southern Mid-Atlantic coast. Beneficial
rains fell across regions that have been drought-stricken for quite
some time. Some of the rain was locally heavy. Rainfall totals were
generally between a quarter of an inch and an inch and a-half.
However, much higher totals fell in isolated spots. For example, an
impressive 7.04 inches of rain fell in Savannah, Georgia. Flash
flooding from this rain closed several roads in the Savannah area.
Also, 2.23 inches of rain fell in Beaufort, South Carolina. Meanwhile,
patchy areas of drizzle and freezing drizzle fell across portions of
the Upper Midwest and the western Great Lakes. Ice accumulations were
up to a light glaze in isolated spots. Farther west, snow showers
developed across the northern Plains during the morning as a cold
front pushed through. Snow accumulations were less than one inch so
far today. Colder air was ushered in by strong northwesterly winds.
Winds gusted up to 40 miles-per-hour in some locations. Meanwhile,
widespread fog occurred up and down the Mississippi River Valley once
again. The fog became dense in many locations. Visibilities dropped to
below one-16th of a mile in spots. Farther east, isolated light snow
showers fell across the New England coastline. Little or no additional
snow accumulation occurred. Elsewhere, high pressure brought dry and
seasonable weather to the remainder of the Northeast, much of the
central Plains, the southern Plains and the Gulf Coast. Active weather
continued across the West this morning. Areas of snow showers impacted
the northern and central Rockies. Snow accumulations were light across
the valley locations. However, several inches of snow fell across the
mountains. Local wind gusts in excess of 40 mph created blowing and
drifting snow in spots. Farther west, widely scattered light rain and
mountain snow showers fell across the Pacific Northwest and northern
California. Rainfall and snowfall accumulations were generally light.
Farther south, isolated rain showers developed across southern
California and portions of the Desert Southwest. Rainfall amounts were
not significant so far today. Elsewhere, dry and seasonable weather
occurred across the southern Rockies.

23-29th...Blizzard conditions plagued the Upper Midwest on Sunday.
Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan all had the
worst of this storm with heavy snow and howling winds that caused
blowing and drifting snow. Many places in Wisconsin received more than
a foot of snow. Holiday traffic was brought to a halt on some north-
south oriented roads that were deemed impassible due to slippery
roadways and whiteouts. Air traffic was also a nightmare in this
section of the country, and the Chicago O'Hare International Airport
had 300 cancellations due to strong winds. Wind gusts blew as hard as
68 mph in Chicago. Over 100,000 people were without power at the peak
of the storm due to ice and the strong winds. As of Sunday night
60,000 people in Michigan were still blacked out, while Illinois still
had 15,000 customers in the dark. This loss of power occurred at the
same time that the temperature plummeted with the approach of the
storm. Chicago was 50 degrees at 3:00 a.m. on Sunday. By 3:30 a.m.
CST, the temperature had dropped to 36 degrees. By 7:00 a.m. it was 17
degrees and the temperature remained in the teens the entire afternoon
and into the evening. Meanwhile, rain was being dumped farther south
across the lower Great Lakes, the mid-Atlantic and New England. Some
lightning and thunder accompanied the rain along the I-95 corridor and
in upstate New York and parts of the Great Lakes. Gusty winds began to
shift into the east in the afternoon and evening. Some thunderstorms
also pressed through the Southeast before exiting the coast in the
early evening. High pressure allowed the southern Plains to stay dry,
while the next storm dumped heavy rain and brought gusty winds in the
Pacific Northwest. High pressure was ramping up to enter the West
Coast and setup for yet another Santa Ana wind event.
Across the eastern two-thirds of the Nation on Monday, a strong cold
front swept across the Ohio Valley yesterday, producing a line of
showers and isolated thunderstorms along and ahead of the cold front.
Wind speeds were quite strong behind the front, with much of the Ohio
Valley, Midwest, and lower Great Lakes experiencing sustained winds of
20 to 30 mph and gusts of 40 to 50 mph. Along and ahead of the cold
front, rain and thunderstorms moved into southern New England and the
Mid-Atlantic region. Rainfall amounts averaged around 0.25 inches to
one inch across Pennsylvania, interior New York, and into eastern
Ohio. Meanwhile, snow fell across portions of the Upper Midwest on the
cold side of the system. Snow totals of 2 to as much as four inches
fell across portions of Iowa, northern Illinois, and eastern
Minnesota. Snow was heavier across Wisconsin and northern and
southeast Minnesota, with a few locales picking up 4 to 8 inches. For
example, 6.0 inches of snow fell in Winona, Wisconsin. The other story
with this storm was the winds. Winds were out of the west and
southwest at 15 to 25 miles-per-hour, with gusts over 40 mph across a
large portion of the Upper Midwest, the western Great Lakes, and the
Ohio Valley. This created areas of blowing snow and reduced visibility
significantly across Wisconsin and northern Minnesota. Further west,
cold and blustery conditions occurred across the northern Plains. A
few light snow showers and flurries occurred across the eastern
Dakotas. Snow accumulations were less than one inch. Elsewhere, dry
and cool conditions dominated the central and southern Plains. Across
the West, scattered rain and mountain snow showers affected the
Pacific Northwest and far northern California yesterday. Snow activity
was heaviest across the elevated areas, with heaviest snowfall
observed over the northern Cascades in Washington. Rainfall amounts
averaged 0.50 to 1.0 inches over the Coastal Ranges of Washington and
Oregon. Further east, a disturbance was responsible for scattered snow
showers across portions of the northern Rockies. Snow totals were
generally around two to five inches across the Clearwater Mountains of
Idaho. Elsewhere, a large area of high pressure brought fair, cool,
and dry weather to the Great Basin, the central and southern Rockies,
the Desert Southwest, and most of California.
In the East on Tuesday, a low pressure system produced scattered rain
showers and embedded thunderstorms across the Southeast and into
Florida. Rainfall amounts have generally been around a 0.25 to 0.75
inches. Some sleet also mixed in at times earlier in the day across
northern Georgia and into Alabama. Otherwise, partly to mostly cloudy
skies and dry conditions prevailed throughout the Great Lakes region,
the Northeast, the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys, and the Mid-Atlantic
region. Across the central part of the country, a band of snow showers
continued to affect the Upper Mississippi Valley, the northern Plains,
and the central High Plains. Blustery winds caused areas of blowing
and drifting snow, reducing visibilities at times. Snowfall
accumulations up to this point are ranging from 2 to 5 inches from
northern Nebraska, through southeast South Dakota, and into southern
Minnesota. Snow reports of up to 5 inches were reported in Mission
Hill, South Dakota. In the West, snow activity was locally heavy
across Colorado, where widespread blowing and drifting snow was
common. Elsewhere, mostly cloudy skies and scattered light rain
showers developed along the western coast of both Washington and
Oregon. Rain even turned over to snow in Seattle, Washington, although
temperatures remained above the freezing mark. Gusty winds also
continued to affect portions of Southern California, as the Santa Ana
wind event continued. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph have been reported in
many locations. Chilao, California, even reported a wind gust of 81
mph early this morning. Otherwise, partly cloudy skies and dry
conditions were experienced throughout the Desert Southwest and the
Great Basin.
In the East on Wednesday, rain showers and embedded thunderstorms
continue to affect the Carolinas and push into the Delmarva and
southern portions of the Northeast. This activity has produced
occasional lightning strikes, gusty winds, and periods of heavy
rainfall. Goldsboro, North Carolina continued to experience the
heaviest rainfall with 2.46 inches reported. Oceana, Virginia also
received 1.27 inches of rain, and 1.13 inches of rain fell at Chapel
Hill, North Carolina as well. Areas of patchy dense fog affected
portions of the Southeast this morning, dropping visibilities down to
a quarter mile at times and making for hazardous traveling conditions.
Otherwise, fair skies and dry conditions were experienced across the
Great Lakes region, the Ohio and Tennessee valleys, and Florida.
Across the central part of the country, a band of heavy snow showers
continued to affect portions of the Upper Mississippi Valley. In fact,
six and a half inches of new snow fell at Mankato, Minnesota, and five
and a half inches of new snow was reported at Lakeville, Minnesota.
Elsewhere, a line of rain showers and thunderstorm moved out of
eastern Texas and into portions of Oklahoma and the Lower Mississippi
Valley. A few strong thunderstorms produced frequent lightning,
stronger winds, small hail, and heavy downpours. In fact, 0.85 inches
of rain fell at Longview, Texas, and 0.66 inches of rain was reported
at Conroe, Texas. Snow showers also fell across the Panhandles of both
Oklahoma and Texas, and into western Oklahoma. Snowfall accumulations
were generally around one to two inches, but three inches of new snow
was reported at Adrian, Texas. Otherwise, partly to mostly cloudy
skies prevailed across the rest of the region. In the West, mostly
cloudy skies, rain showers, and mountain snows move into the Pacific
Northwest and the northern Rocky Mountains. Rainfall amounts were
generally light under a quarter of an inch. Snowfall accumulations at
the higher elevations ranged from one to three inches. The Santa Ana
winds finally came to an end across southern California, allowing for
a clear and relatively calm early morning. Otherwise, partly to mostly
cloudy skies and dry conditions were experienced across the high
Plains, the central and southern Rocky Mountains, the Desert
Southwest, and the Great Basin.
In the East on Friday, a strong low pressure system continued to
produce rain, snow, and thunderstorms across portions of the Tennessee
Valley, the Great Lakes region, the Ohio Valley, Mid Atlantic, and the
Southeast. Snow mainly affected the Upper and Middle Mississippi
Valley, and the Great Lakes region. Snowfall accumulations to this
point have ranged from two to six inches, with the highest across
central and southern Wisconsin and Lower Michigan. Rain showers and
thunderstorms were experienced across the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys,
portions of the Mid Atlantic, the Carolinas, and much of the
Southeast. Moderate to frequent lightning, gusty winds, small hail,
and heavy downpours have been reported with this activity. Heavy
rainfall of 1.91 inches fell in Andalusia, Alabama, and 1.88 inches of
rain was reported in Atlanta, Georgia. Earlier today, the rain showers
and thunderstorms affected the Southern Plains and the Lower
Mississippi Valley. In fact, golf ball size hail was reported at
Columbia, Mississippi, and quarter size hail was reported at Fulton,
Mississippi and Tucker, Mississippi. Locally heavy rainfall was also
associated with this activity, with 1.18 inches of rain reported at
Rodgers, AR. Houston, Texas also reported 0.86 inches of rain, and
0.56 inches of rain fell in Columbus, Mississippi. Elsewhere, cloudy
skies and light snow showers fell across portions of Maine with only
light accumulations reported. In the West, an upper-level trough
brought clouds, rain, and snow to the Pacific Northwest, northern
California, parts of the Great Basin, and the northern Rocky
Mountains. Snow fell across the higher elevations with one to three
inches reported so far. Rainfall amounts across the lower elevations
were around a quarter to a half of an inch. Otherwise, fair skies and
dry conditions were experienced throughout the Hig
In the East on Monday, scattered snow showers continued to fall across
the Northeast as a low pressure system moves along the Eastern
Seaboard. Snows were heavy at times, in fact eleven inches of new snow
was reported at Vorrheesville, New York. Ten inches of new snow was
also reported at Albany, New York, and nine inches of new snow was
reported at Winchester, Massachusetts. Elsewhere, light snow showers
developed across portions of the Great Lakes area; however, snowfall
accumulations were light. Otherwise, partly to mostly cloudy skies and
dry conditions prevailed across the Tennessee Valley, the Mid-Atlantic
region, and the Southeast. Across the western two-thirds of the
country, a deepening upper-level trough brought clouds and light snow
showers to portions of the northern and central Plains, and the Upper
and Middle Mississippi Valley. Only light snowfall accumulations were
reported, around a trace to two inch. Further west, light snow showers
continued to affect the northern and central high Plains, and the
northern Rocky Mountains. Once again, only light snowfall
accumulations of around one to two inches were reported. Elsewhere,
Santa Ana winds return to southern California, with winds gusting as
high as 70 mph. In fact, an 80 mph wind gust was reported at Laguna
Peak, California. Wind gust of 77 mph was also reported at Whitaker
Peak, California, and a gust of 63 mph was reported at Malibu Hills,
California. Otherwise, partly to mostly cloudy skies and dry
conditions were experienced across the rest of the region.