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[December 31, 2010]  (AP)  A winter storm will pound away at the central U.S. on New Year's Eve as a strengthening low pressure system moves from the Rockies into the Plains. The center of the low will quickly track over the central Plains and into the upper Midwest. Counterclockwise flow around this system will create a strong frontal boundary, while cold air will pour in from Canada.

(Click on map for larger image.)

Expect periods of heavy snow to develop along the northern side of this system, over the northern and central Plains, as well as in the upper Midwest. The Dakotas will see another 3 to 5 inches of snow on Friday, while 2 to 4 inches is expected across the upper Midwest.

Another cold front will stretch southward and move across the southern Plains into the lower Mississippi River Valley. This front will trigger scattered rain showers and produce some strong winds as it pushes eastward throughout the day.

The central and southern Rockies will see diminishing snow showers, with only 1 to 3 inches of snow anticipated. Blowing snow will still be of concern due to gusts up to 30 mph. This strong winter storm with periods of heavy snow and strong winds will bring another dangerous travel day. Please slow down and use caution while on the road.

Meanwhile, the coasts will remain under cool but mild conditions on New Year's Eve Day. High pressure in the East will slowly start to push eastward as the trough approaches from the Plains. However, the ridge will bring another dry and sunny day with highs in the 30s and 40s in the Northeast, while the Southeast remains in the 60s and 70s. In the West, a ridge of high pressure dominates before another trough moves in from the Pacific. Expect another cool day with patchy clouds and highs ranging in the 30s in the Pacific Northwest to the 50s across California.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Thursday ranged from a morning low of minus 9 degrees at Clayton Lake, Maine, to a high of 86 degrees at Falfurrias, Texas

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[Associated Press article from Weather Underground]

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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