The Nation's Weather 04.17.09

By WEATHER UNDERGROUND

Heavy snowfall was expected Friday over parts of the Rockies and western High Plains.

Some of the heaviest accumulations, up to 2 feet, were expected west of Denver and Boulder, Colo. Strong winds gusting up to 30 mph were possible.

The same storm was to bring rain and thunderstorms across the Southern Plains, along with severe thunderstorms across eastern Texas and around the Oklahoma Panhandle. The worst was expected in the mid-afternoon to late evening, especially in eastern Texas. Gusty winds, large hail and tornadoes were possible.

The Northwest was to get a bit of rain, which was to subside into the evening. Warmer and drier was expected to move into the region into the weekend. California was expected to see temperatures well above normal through the weekend.

In the East, temperatures were also forecast to warm up, with clear skies anticipated.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Thursday ranged from a low of 12 degrees at Bryce Canyon, Utah, to a high of 93 degrees at Opa Locka, Fla.