Disruptive snow invading the northern Plains
Winter is making a comeback in the northern Plains as snow arrives from the northern Rockies. The snow threatens to cause slippery travel and power outages.
The steadiest snow will push from the border of Montana and Wyoming to the border of the Dakotas into tonight.
The heaviest snow will dump 6 to 12 inches on Wyoming's Big Horn Mountains, Montana's southeastern corner, and the western border of the Dakotas.
The heaviest snow will remain south of Interstate 94 from Billings to Fargo. One to three inches is still expected within this zone.
Outside of the mountains, the highest snow totals will be measured on elevated and grassy surfaces, but not roads.
Motorists should still prepare for roads to turn slushy and slippery, especially where the snow will be heaviest and steadiest.
Some roads that could be impacted include I-90 from Buffalo, Wyo., to Billings, Mont., and Highway 212 in southeastern Montana.
With temperatures near freezing, the snow will be heavy and wet in nature. The combination of the snow's weight and gusty winds could down tree limbs and power lines. Power outages could result.
The snow will spread to Minnesota and Wisconsin Friday, but warmer temperatures will cause accumulating snow to dwindle. Snow should still make an appearance in St. Cloud, Minn.
Friday night, snow should shift and whiten parts of northern Michigan and northern Wisconsin.
Over the weekend, residents of the Northeast's interior should not be surprised to see the return of snowflakes. Accumulating snow cannot be ruled out in the Adirondack, Green and White mountains.
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Daily U.S. Extremes
past 24 hours
| Extreme | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| High | 113° | Death Valley, CA |
| Low | 30° | Bellemont, AZ |
| Precip | 9.70" | Miami, FL |
WeatherWhys®
A large, horrific tornado struck the city of Joplin, Mo., last year on this date. The twister cut a deadly path across the south side of the city, leaving over 159 dead and at least 1,150 injured. The Joplin tornado currently ranks as the 7th deadliest tornado in U.S. history.
This Day In Weather History
New Hampshire (1814)
A tornado crossed Merrimac, Litchfield, Londonderry and North Chester. The same storm produced hailstones that had an 11-inch circumference and weighed 1/2 pound.
Northeast (1989)
More rain in an already wet month. Monthly totals topped 11 inches at New York City, 9 inches at Bridgeport, Conn., and 8 inches at Baltimore (all three totals set records for May).
Rough Weather
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