The Nation's Weather 12.10.09

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND (AP)

A strong winter storm was forecast to continue to bring snow and cold air to the Central U.S. on Thursday.

An intense low pressure system was expected to move from the Great Lakes into the Northeast, allowing it to obtain additional moisture and bring another snowy day to the region.

Snowfall was expected to diminish over the Upper Great Lakes, but 3 to 5 inches were expected over the Northeast and New England. Strong flow from the west could allow for snow to develop along the eastern shores of the Great Lakes and create periods of heavy snowfall.

Behind this system, cold air was expected to pour in from Canada as a high pressure built over the Plains. Highs of 20 degrees below normal were expected in the Plains, while the Appalachians could see highs of 10 degrees below normal. The Upper Midwest could see wind chills between negative 10 and negative 20.

Blizzard conditions were no longer anticipated over the Upper and Mid-Mississippi River Valley, but the region was expected to continue seeing strong winds cause blowing snow and dangerous traveling conditions.

To the South, high pressure was expected to build and bring a cold and sunny day to the region. Highs temperatures were expected to remain in the 40s and 50s.

Out West, a low pressure system spinning off the coast of California was forecast to push closer to land and bring another cloudy day with cool temperatures. Highs were expected to remain in the 40s and 50s, but precipitation could off until Friday.

On Wednesday, temperatures in the Lower 48 states ranged from a low of -37 degrees at Sixth Crossing, Wyo. to a high of 87 degrees at Pampano Beach, Fla.