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[December 21, 2010] (AP) The West was forecast to remain wet and snowy while snow showers move into the Midwest and light snow would persist in the extreme Northeast on Tuesday.

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A low pressure system spinning off the West Coast was expected to push another trough of low pressure onshore, which would bring ample moisture to California. This system was also forecast to continue pushing a front northeastward, which would produce periods of heavy snow over the central Rockies.

Winter weather advisories were issued across Utah and Colorado, due to anticipated snowfall totals ranging from 3 to 7 inches. Some high mountain passes may see up to a foot of new snow. Flood warnings were issued across most of southern and central California as rainfall rates may reach up to 1 inch per hour in areas of thunderstorm development. High elevations of the Sierras were expected to see more snow, with snowfall totals ranging between 1 to 2 feet. Snow levels were expected to remain around 5,500 feet. In the Pacific Northwest, cool and moist conditions would produce a sloppy combination of frozen rain and snow. Snowfall accumulation across the Cascades was expected to be light, between 1 to 2 inches.

In the central U.S., a low pressure system was forecast to continue making its way eastward, moving from the northern Plains and into the Great Lakes. A front associated with this system was expected to continue producing moderate to heavy snowfall with up to an inch of snow per hour; thus, winter weather advisories were issued. Freezing rain and ice would follow the front, allowing for dangerous road and travel conditions.

In the East, a low pressure system spinning offshore would continue pushing cool and moist conditions into the extreme Northeast. More snow showers were expected to develop over Maine, with accumulation varying between 1 to 3 inches.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Monday ranged from a morning low of minus 18 degrees at Devils Lake, N.D., to a high of 87 degrees at Edinburg, Texas.

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[Associated Press article from Weather Underground]