The Nations Weather

NATIONAL WEATHER SUMMARY:

Across the eastern two-thirds of the country, a developing low pressure system produced everything from snow to severe weather across the Plains region, the Upper and Middle Mississippi Valley, the Ohio Valley, the Great Lakes region, and into portions of the Northeast. Snow showers fell across the Dakotas, southern Minnesota, northern Iowa, and Wisconsin. Snowfall accumulations of 4 inches occurred at Viroqua, Wisconsin; and 3.5 inches of new snow fell at Owatonna, Minnesota. Further south, a wintery mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow affected portions of eastern Nebraska, and northern and central Iowa earlier in the day. There were reports of several accidents on Highway 69 in Iowa due to the icy conditions on the roadway. Showers and thunderstorms developed across the southern Plains and Middle Mississippi Valley. A line of strong to severe thunderstorms ripped across Oklahoma and northern Texas, with numerous severe thunderstorm warnings and even tornado warnings. Rainfall amounts ranged from 0.20-0.75 inches.

In the West, a cold front pushed across the northern and central Rocky Mountains, and through the High Plains, producing scattered rain and snow showers for many. Snow fell throughout the day across Montana, portions of Utah and Wyoming. Story, Wyoming received 11.2 inches of new snow; and 8 inches of snow was reported at Snowbird, Utah and Alta, Utah. Precipitation started as rain during the afternoon hours across Colorado, and quickly turned over to all snow by the evening commute. Cuchara, Colorado received 11 inches of new snow. Scattered rain showers affected portions of Arizona and New Mexico, with snow showers falling across the higher elevations of New Mexico. Rainfall amounts were around 0.25 inches or less.

WEATHER EXTREMES FOR YESTERDAY:

HIGHEST TEMPERATURE (DEGREES F).............86 Alice, TX

............................................ Edinburg, TX

............................................ Falfurrias, TX

HIGHEST HEAT INDEX (DEGREES F)..............86 Alice, TX

............................................ McAllen, TX

LOWEST TEMPERATURE (DEGREES F).............-16 Watertown, NY

LOWEST WIND CHILL (DEGREES F)..............-43 Frenchville, ME

HIGHEST WIND GUST (MPH).....................70 Guadalupe Pass, TX

HIGHEST PRECIPITATION (INCHES)............0.68 Alta, UT

ON THIS DATE IN HISTORY:

In 1971, a strong winter storm hit the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes region. Snowfall accumulations of 25 inches and a wind gust of 78 mph occurred at Buffalo, New York.

In 1987, the fifth storm in just nine days hit the Pacific Northwest, producing wet and windy conditions. Winds along the coast of Washington gusted to 75 mph at Oceans Shores and Hoquiam, Washington.

In 1988, a strong winter storm blanketed the southern and central Appalachians with up to ten inches of new snow.

DTN-Meteorlogix

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