The Nation's Weather 12.22.08

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND

Winter storm systems were swirling over the West and Northeast on Monday.

Snow showers were forecast for the Intermountain West, with rain showers across northern and central California. The heaviest snow accumulations was expected to occur across the higher terrains of Utah and Wyoming. Heavy, widespread snow was expected to taper off by the evening. The southern mountains were expecting snow totals between 4 to 8 inches, while Colorado was to see between 10 to 15 inches by the end of the day.

To the east, the Midwest and Northeast were to continue experiencing frigid temperatures with scattered snowfall on Monday. Lake-effect snow showers was to blanket the Great Lakes with isolated snow showers throughout the morning. Gusty, northwest winds were to cause episodes of blowing snow in the morning, and to keep temperatures in the lower single digits to below 0.

Meanwhile, light to moderate snow showers were expected in northern New England, with strong winds creating periods of blowing snow. Blizzard conditions were expected to persist across northern Maine.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states ranged from minus 36 degrees at Clayton Lake, Maine, to 81 degrees at Fort Lauderdale, Fla.