The Nations Weather

Associated Press - March 25, 2009 4:43 AM ET

NATIONAL WEATHER SUMMARY:

A COLD FRONT OVER THE DEEP SOUTH WILL BRING THE CHANCE FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS TODAY.

Strong storms over Mississippi and northern Louisiana are creating strong wind gusts, large hail and isolated tornadoes. These storms are expected to diminish in intensity through the morning as they shift eastward into Alabama and Georgia. Another round of strong storms will be developing over eastern Texas and Louisiana by the afternoon. These storms will be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and isolated tornadoes.

Rain showers over the Ohio Valley and western Great Lakes will be working eastward through the daytime. Rain showers will be possible over the eastern Great Lakes and western Appalachians by the afternoon. Snow over the eastern Dakotas will be weakening during the morning as the snow moves into northern Minnesota. Additional snow accumulations between 2-5 inches will be possible over eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. Strong winds over eastern North Dakota will allow for blizzard conditions during the morning hours.

Snow will be continuing across the Cascades and northern Rockies throughout the daytime. Some areas of eastern Idaho may receive snow accumulations between 8-12 inches. Snow will be found across the Colorado Rockies during the morning hours with additional 1-4 inches of accumulation possible.

WEATHER EXTREMES FOR YESTERDAY:

HIGHEST TEMPERATURE (DEGREES F).............93 McAllen, TX

HIGHEST HEAT INDEX (DEGREES F)..............96 McAllen, TX

LOWEST TEMPERATURE (DEGREES F)...............2 Saranac Lake, NY

LOWEST WIND CHILL (DEGREES F)...............-5 Buffalo, SD

HIGHEST WIND GUST (MPH).....................97 Rapid City, SD

HIGHEST PRECIPITATION (INCHES)............2.02 Topeka, KS

ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY:

In 1843, heavy snow is reported from the Gulf of Mexico to Maine. A record of 3 inches of snow is reported in Natchez, MS with up to 15 inches of snow across eastern Tennessee.

In 1934, Amarillo, TX receives 21 inches of snowfall in a 24 hour period. Snow depth never reaches greater than 5 inches as most of the snow melts upon contact.

In 1992, a severe thunderstorm moving through Lake, Orange and Seminole counties in Florida produces hail up to 4 inches in diameter. Storm damage totaled $60 million, making it the costliest hail storm in Florida history. DTN-Meteorlogix/Collins

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