The Nation's Weather

Associated Press

A strong storm system will push its way through the Northeast on New Year's Eve, bringing snow and strong winds to the region from Pennsylvania through Massachusetts. The Pacific Northwest also braced for fresh snow.

Total snow accumulation in the Northeast will range from around an inch in central New Jersey to as much as 8 inches possible from Massachusetts northward.

Although the storm will drop some heavy snowfall, it will move quickly and clear skies are anticipated across much of the region by New Year's Day as crisp Northwesterly winds blow behind the storm.

In the West, foul weather was anticipated in the Northwest as a Pacific storm slams into the Canadian Coast. This storm will bring drenching rains to the lower elevation areas across Washington and Oregon as well as heavy snow to the high country.

Northern California also will see a combination of rain and high elevation snow, though accumulations should be much lower in the Golden State. From the San Francisco Bay Area southward, skies should remain relatively clear with moderate temperatures.

Elsewhere in the nation, a large ridge of high pressure will build over the Plains bringing fair conditions to the region and into the Southeast.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states on Tuesday ranged from a low of minus 15 degrees at Roseau, Minn., to a high of 82 degrees at Miami, Fla.