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[November 18, 2010] (AP) A complex low pressure system near the Pacific Northwest coast was forecast to continue affecting areas of the West with more precipitation and lower temperatures Thursday.

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The system was expected to fuel a mixture of scattered rain showers and high-elevation snow across areas of western Washington and Oregon. A second frontal band would push through the area, enhancing snow showers across the Olympics and the Cascades. An additional 5 to 10 inches of snow was expected through the day. Snow levels across these mountains were expected to drop down dramatically to 1,500 feet by Thursday evening. Strong southwest winds were forecast to create periods of blowing snow and lowered visibilities. In addition to more precipitation and strong wind, this system could bring the coldest air of the season to the region during the weekend. Winter weather advisories and winter storm warnings would remain over portions of the Pacific Northwest through the early afternoon.

Meanwhile, pieces of this storm were expected to allow precipitation to linger over northern Idaho and northwestern Montana. This may translate into heavy snow accumulations by the end of the day. Northern Idaho and northwestern Montana would remain under a winter weather advisory through Thursday evening.

Increased onshore flow due to this cold storm system was forecast to instigate a cooling trend near the California coast, while inland areas of the state would remain warm and dry.

In the East, strong and gusty west winds over the northeastern quadrant of the nation were expected to taper down by Thursday morning. Lake-effect precipitation would continue in parts of Michigan, northwestern Pennsylvania and western New York. Rain showers in these areas may gradually mix with or change to snow showers in northwest flow areas during the early morning. Light snow accumulations were possible in some areas.

Finally, in the south, showers were expected along a frontal boundary that would move through the Southeast and the Tennessee Valley. Additional scattered showers were expected in the central and southern regions of the Florida Peninsula.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Wednesday ranged from a low of 1 below at Pinedale, Wyo., to a high of 89 degrees at Edinburg, 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]