The Nation's Weather 12.12.09

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND (AP)

More active weather was forecast across the country on Saturday, with widespread rain and high elevation snow expected in the West and significant rain predicted in the Southeast and the Mississippi Valley.

The last of a storm that swept through the West Coast on Friday was forecast to produce morning rain and high elevation snow from California through the Great Basin. That storm was to give way to a more intense Pacific storm likely to renew heavy rain.

The new storm was predicted to slam the West Coast late in the morning and last throughout the day. Significant heavy rain and high elevation snow were forecast in California before moving into the Great Basin and Intermountain West by the end of the day.

Winter storm warnings were in effect for much of the West through Saturday and into Sunday. Strong winds also were expected to be an issue in the higher elevations and along mountain ridges. Drivers were advised to monitor local weather.

A storm also was forecast to spread through the Southeast from the Gulf Coast, bring widespread rain to the Southeast and lower Mississippi Valley. Freezing rain was expected to develop late in the day near the Appalachian Mountains.

The nation's midsection was predicted to stay dry.

The Northeast was forecast to rise into the 20s and 30s, while the Southeast was to see temperatures in the 30s, 40s and 50s. The Northern Plains were expected to rise into the 10s, 20s and 30s, while the Northwest was see temperatures in the 30s and 40s.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states on Friday ranged from a low of minus 29 degrees at Farson, Wyo., to a high of 84 degrees at Key West, Fla.