The Nation's Weather 03.31.09

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND

A major storm system swirling over the central U.S. was expected to produce blizzard conditions across the region on Tuesday.

Significant snowfall of up to a foot and more was forecast in the Plains, Upper Mississippi Valley and the Northern Rockies as it tracked eastward through Tuesday evening.

Strong winds of up to 50 mph were expected with heavy snowfall to create periods of blowing snow with lowered visibility and very dangerous traveling conditions.

Warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico was expected to trigger rain and thunderstorms as it spreads across the Lower and Mid-Mississippi Valleys.

In the West, Northern California was expecting milder and breezy conditions, while areas along the southern California coast would be cooler.

To the north, the Pacific Northwest was forecast to see a mix of rain and high-elevation snow showers as a cold front sweeps through the region.