West
An arctic front will move across the Northwest changing rain to snow in the lower elevations of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. The Olympic and Cascade Mountains could get up to two feet of snow today. Winter Storm and Blizzard Warnings are in effect for much of the Northwest for strong winds and heavy, blowing snow. A High Wind Warning is in effect for south central California and western Nevada. A Red Flag Warning will be in effect this afternoon for portions of southeast New Mexico for dry and windy conditions along with high fire danger.
Midwest
An arctic front moving across the Northwest will continue to push down through North Dakota, northern South Dakota and northern Minnesota bringing snow and strong winds to the region. Winter Storm and Blizzard Warnings are in effect for portions of North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota for heavy snow and winds up to 35 mph. A Red Flag Warning has been issued for portions of south-central Kansas. The combination of very strong southerly winds, fully cured grasses and warm temperatures will cause extreme grassland fire danger this afternoon. A Flood Warning is in effect for the Rock River near Joslin, IL for flooding caused by ice jams.
South
Much of the Southeast will be sunny and chilly. Across Texas and the southern Plains, winds up to 40 mph are expected with mild temperatures. Flood Warnings are in effect for numerous rivers throughout the region. A Red Flag Warning will be in effect this afternoon for portions of northwest Texas for dry and windy conditions along with high fire danger. Winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, are expected to develop today with minimum humidity of 12 to 15 percent.
Northeast
Cold and dry weather is forecasted for most of the Northeast today. Flood Warnings are in effect for rivers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. (NOAA, National Weather Service and Various Media Sources)
The Governors of Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts have declared States of Emergency due to a major ice storm. Central and Western Massachusettes, New Hampshire and Maine are the most seriously impacted areas. Priorities for impacted areas are sheltering, communication and power restoration.
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Vermont
Connecticut
Rhode Island
New York
New Jersey
No activity. (FEMA HQ)
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
No new activity (FEMA HQ)
On December 12, 2008, the President signed Major Disaster Declaration (FEMA-1811-DR) for the State of South Dakota in response to Severe Winter Storm with Record and Near Record Snow that occurred November 5-7, 2008. The declaration designates Public Assistance for thirteen counties and four reservations, or parts thereof, and protective measures (Category B), and Hazard Mitigation statewide. (FEMA HQ)
Last Modified: Monday, 15-Dec-2008 08:14:14 EST