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[February 09, 2011] (AP) A strong arctic front will continue surging southward across the southern Plains on Wednesday morning and then eastward across the Gulf States, reaching Mid-Atlantic in the evening.

(Click on map for larger image.)

Behind this arctic front is a strong ridge of high pressure, which will nose into southern Texas and northern Mexico, bringing deep moisture from the Gulf of Mexico across the Plains and Gulf States. This arctic air mass combined with deep Gulf moisture will result in a mix of snow, sleet and ice in portions of central Texas on Wednesday morning and then widespread snow and rain from the southern Plains eastward to the Tennessee Valley and Mid-Atlantic. Snowfall accumulations of 4 to 6 inches with locally higher amounts will be possible in parts of the central and southern Plains.

Sustained northerly and northwesterly winds of 25 mph to 40 mph with localized gusts of 40 mph to 45 mph will lead to areas of blowing and drifting snow, which will reduce visibilities.

Moreover, this frigid arctic surge will bring high temperatures down 20 to 35 degrees from Tuesday across the southern Plains. North and west of northern Texas, northern Arkansas and western Tennessee will be under the freezing mark, while southern Texas and the southern lower Mississippi Valley will range from 40 to near 60 degrees.

Elsewhere, lake-effect snow will be possible over parts of the Great Lakes, especially the southern and southeastern shores of the lakes. Scattered snow showers will continue over portions of the southern Rockies.

Out West, high pressure will build across the region, bringing sunny skies with seasonal temperatures.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Tuesday ranged from a morning low of minus 26 degrees at Watertown, S.D., to a high of 82 degrees at Pecos, Texas.

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Online:

Weather Underground: http://www.wunderground.com/

National Weather Service:
http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/

Intellicast:
http://www.intellicast.com/

[Associated Press article from Weather Underground]