Winter arrives in the United States

By M&C US News Dec 1, 2007, 18:32 GMT

EPA/JUSTIN LANE

The major winter storm that will dump significant snow and treacherous ice east of the Rockies this weekend into Monday is underway.

The National Weather Advisory has issued warnings, watches and advisories for the icy weather to blanket places from the northern and central Plains to the Northeast, as well as the Four Corners.

The Pacific storm that delivered welcome rain to Southern California Friday is causing the havoc as it moves east.

As snow continues to pile up in the mountains across the Four Corners, the Midwest Regional News story reports the storm will begin to create widespread winter woes east of the Rockies today. Snow will blanket the county's far northern midsection. Snow will either fall as or mix with dangerous ice from Nebraska to southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, including Chicago and Minneapolis.

The Winter Weather Center reports the heaviest snow this weekend, ranging between 6 to 12 inches, will blanket areas from southern Minnesota to northern Michigan.

New England coast and inland will see snow exceed a foot in parts of New Hampshire, Maine and New Brunswick starting on Sunday night.

The storm's significant snow and treacherous ice will impact this weekend's travel. Drivers should be advised that roadways will become hazardous and visibility will be poor. Early this morning, freezing rain in southeastern Nebraska was responsible for an accident involving a semi-truck on Highway 81.

Flight delays are expected in the worst areas.

Those living in areas forecast to receive ice are also being advised of not only hazardous travel, but also downed tree branches and power lines from the weight of the ice. Power outages would result.

Rain will be found to the south of the storm's snow and ice this weekend. The soaking rain, however, will not spread over the southern Plains or the Southeast. When the storm's cold front arrives over the Southeast on Sunday night, the South Regional News story reports limited showers will hardly put a dent in the drought.

A major lake-effect snow event will get underway from west to east Sunday through Tuesday in the Great Lakes area.

A Pacific storm system will cause snow to not only fall in the Cascade Mountains, but also in the lower elevations towards the coast, including Seattle, through tonight.

Today's storm in the Northwest will be followed by a series of more potent storms on Sunday into Monday. Strong winds will blast the coastline each day with heavy rain and rising snow levels from the Cascade Mountains westward. The interior will also have some rain, snow and gusty winds.

The Severe Weather Center displays the watches and warnings pertaining to the parade of storm systems in store for the Northwest. An Avalanche Watch is also in effect for the Olympics, Washington Cascades and Mount Hood area.