More Snow Across The Intermountain West
The Pacific storm that has already dumped a significant amount of snow in the Sierra and blasted colder air across the West this week will continue moving eastward over the next couple of days.
More snow and gusty winds will disrupt travel through the mountains of the West through the end of the week, while temperatures drop well below normal.
Snow Impacts
The heaviest now in the Sierra began to wind down on Wednesday, but as this system moves east, snow will spread to other mountain ranges across the region.
Snowfall totals in the higher elevations of Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado and Wyoming could reach 3 to 6 inches or more. While little is expected to accumulate in Flagstaff, some snow will also make an appearance there.
People traveling along Interstate 80 from the Sierra of California to Utah through Thursday should be prepared for slippery spots along the way and occasional slowdowns. Anyone traveling through any of the passes should have tire chains handy.
Travel along Interstate 70 from Utah into Colorado could also be slow in spots as snow develops today into the weekend.
Gusty winds will further complicate travel as they blow the snow around, creating reduced visibility. The wind alone will be problematic for high profile vehicles, as crosswinds can cause drivers to lose control and trucks to tip over.
Plummeting Temperatures
Colder air has already taken hold of a large portion of the West since the storm first pushed inland early Tuesday. High temperatures in places like Fresno and Sacramento, Calif., have dropped from the low 80s Monday to the low 60s Tuesday.
Temperatures will continue on the cool side today as a few showers will linger at least through the morning.
Similar drops in temperatures can be expected farther south and east into places like Salt Lake City and Phoenix.
Phoenix started the week with high temperatures in the upper 80s. Today, temperatures will have a tough time reaching 70 degrees, which is almost 20 degrees below normal and more typical of February.
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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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