The Nation's Weather 03.02.09

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND

Powerful winter storms stretched across both coasts and heavy snow fell over the Sierra-Nevada early Monday, while the Midwest and the South enjoyed warm weather.

As the Eastern storm system treks northeastward along the New England coast, heavy amounts of mixed precipitation and significant snow accumulations from the mid-Atlantic through Maine were forecast.

Snowfall rates are expected to reach up to 3 inches per hour in some areas. Isolated thunderstorms and strong winds will accompany the snow.

Snow totals across the Northeast are expected to range from 6 to 12 inches. The East Coast will remain under a Winter Storm Warning throughout the afternoon.

In the West, a cold front associated with a strong storm system over the Eastern Pacific will produce more wet weather as it pushes across the West Coast.

Strong winds will accompany light to moderate snowfall and may produce lowered visibilities. Periods of heavy rainfall across the lower elevations of northern and central California may lead to possible flooding.

The remainder of the nation will see predominantly fair conditions as high pressure builds over the central United States.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states on Sunday ranged from a low of minus 27 degrees at International Falls, Minn., to a high of 89 degrees at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz.