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[December 04, 2010] (AP) Multiple weather features were expected to bring another active winter day across the country on Saturday. A low pressure system was forecast to move southeastward from the upper Midwest, over the mid-Mississippi River, and into the Ohio and Tennessee valleys. This system was expected to continue pushing cold air in from Canada, while also bringing some light moisture with it.

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Insurance Light and scattered snow showers were expected to develop around this system, with some isolated heavy snowfall anticipated. Precipitation was likely to remain as snow well southward into Kentucky. However, rain showers were forecast for most of Tennessee, due to temperatures ranging in the upper 40s.

Snowfall totals were expected to range from 1 to 3 inches in most areas. They were anticipated to rise to 5 or 6 inches once the system hits the higher elevations of the Appalachians. Highs in the lower 30s were projected across most of the Midwest.

Behind this system, a ridge of high pressure was expected to build over the northern Rockies and move into the northern Plains on Saturday. That was likely to allow for cool temperatures to persist and continue pulling cold air in from the north. Highs were expected to remain in the 10s and 20s across the Dakotas and Minnesota.

Farther West, a low pressure system spinning just offshore of California was expected to continue pushing moisture onshore. Due to a stalled cold front over the center of the state, that was projected to allow for light and scattered showers to persist throughout the day, with high-elevation snow in the Sierras. Snow levels were expected to remain at about 7,000 feet across northern California, dropping to near 5,000 feet in the southern part of the state.

More rain and snow were expected in the Northeast, as a system hovering over eastern Canada was anticipated to push moisture onshore. Flow around this system also was expected to push warm air in from the South; thus, precipitation over Maine was forecast to remain as rain. Areas of New York state, Vermont and New Hampshire were forecast for some possible light snow. Areas around the Great Lakes were expected to see a break from lake-effect snow on Saturday.

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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]