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[March 15, 2011] (AP) Rain and snow will move up the Ohio River Valley on Tuesday, while severe storms may develop in the Southeast.

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A low pressure system that swept from the Plains and over the Mississippi River Valley will continue moving northeastward toward New England. A cold front extending southward from this system will continue kicking up heavy rains, strong and damaging winds, as well as possible severe storm development as it makes its way over the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states. The system will gain strength as it picks up more moisture from the Gulf of Mexico; thus, storms are likely anywhere from Tennessee and North Carolina to the northern Gulf shores. Expect rainfall totals ranging between 0.5 to 1 inch, with up to 2 inches likely in areas of thunderstorm development.

Meanwhile, a warm front extends into New England, also kicking up periods of heavy rainfall, with totals ranging from 0.5 to 1 inch. The backside of the low will pull cold air in from the north; thus, some snow showers will develop across the lower Great Lakes.

Out West, more rain and high-elevation snow is expected as another low pressure system moves onshore, bringing ample moisture with it. The system will trigger precipitation across the Pacific Northwest and northern California. The Sierras will see snow levels at 7,500 feet, dropping to near 4,500 feet by Tuesday evening, but snowfall accumulation will only range from 4 to 6 inches. Snow levels across the Cascades will remain at 3,400 feet, with accumulation also around a half of a foot.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Monday ranged from a morning low of 1 degree at Alpena, Mich., to a high of 84 degrees at Laredo, Texas.

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Online:

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

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

[Associated Press article from Weather Underground]