Maps Show Major Snow Storm, Flood This Week

UPDATE: We have our first 2-foot snow report! Here are the highest reports by state as of 7 PM Eastern:

Nederland, CO: 27.5" Meagher County, MT: 16.0" Freemont County, WY: 16.0" Alta, UT: 10.0" Dawes County, NE: 10.0"

Here are some impressive maps from the big story this week across the United States, which will consist of heavy rain and heavy snow. Our first major snowstorm is in progress over the Rockies and I will update this blog entry with new snowfall amounts as they become available. Here's our official forecast map as of this morning; you can read our news stories on the storm here and here.

The highest amounts by state that have been reported by snow spotters so far (updated 1 PM Eastern):

Jefferson County, CO: 19.2" Meagher County, MT: 16.0" Centennial, WY: 14.0" Alta, UT: 10.0"

Now the map above is generalized; the heaviest snow will fall on the mountains, less in the valleys. This map from our Pro site showing the High-Res 4-KM WRF snow amounts gives a better look at the elevational differences:

I have little doubt we'll see localized amounts considerably over two feet on the highest mountains. It's not unusual for a storm like this to drop 3 or 4 feet of snow. As we say in the news story, there may be roof collapses and major interstates may be shut down at higher elevations. Parts of I-70 are already looking dicey on the Colorado D.O.T. webcam page.

But heavy snow is not the only story this week -- heavy rain will fall from eastern Texas through southern Illinois; below are the latest model guesses (from our Pro site) and our official forecast for total rainfall by this weekend.

UPDATE: We now have a flood story with additional information.

If these maps come true, moderate to major flooding could hit these areas, especially considering that some rivers are at Moderate Flood Stage already in these areas. It looks like the biggest city in the crosshairs is Shreveport, LA.