A low pressure system moved into the Ohio and Tennessee valleys. This was expected to push a series of frontal boundaries through the eastern U.S. As these systems pulled moisture onshore from the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, this was expected to kick up a wide area of precipitation from the Gulf
Coast through the Appalachians and into the Northeast. Areas of snow were expected to develop to the north and behind this system, while rain and freezing rain showers develop along this system and to the south. New York
City may see up to 3 inches of snow, while the Washington, D.C., area may see early morning flurries and freezing rain showers.
Meanwhile, in the West, a low pressure system was expected to move from the West Coast into the
northern Rockies, Great Basin and central Rockies. However, strong onshore flow was expected to persist, pushing ample moisture in from the Pacific Ocean. Moderate to heavy snow showers were expected to move into Utah and Colorado, while lighter and more widespread showers persist in the Pacific Northwest,
northern Rockies and northern California. Snowfall accumulations were expected to range from 3 to 7 inches in northern Utah, while 6 to 12 inches were likely in the Colorado Rockies. Meanwhile, another 3 to 6 inches were likely in the Sierra Nevadas.
Between these two systems, a ridge of high pressure was expected to build over the Plains and Midwest. This system was expected to move into the Great Lakes and Midwest throughout the day, allowing for dry and calm weather to return. However, the backside of this system was expected to see strong winds as the high pressure moves to the east and low pressure approaches from the West.
Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Friday ranged from a morning low of
minus 25 degrees at Tomahawk, Wis., to a high of 89 degrees at Brady, Texas.
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