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<div>Lucy is originally from the Boston area but has spent the last four years forecasting and living in Colorado! She stayed in the northeast for her education, graduating Summa Cum Laude from SUNY Oswego with a B.S. in Meteorology. Just a few days after graduation, she made the cross country move to Colorado Springs, CO to begin her career at KKTV, the CBS affiliate. Lucy has covered historic blizzards, tornadoes, windstorms, the largest wildfires in Colorado state history and dust storms ... they truly "get it all" in Colorado! Lucy is excited to forecast on a national level and continue her passion of explaining the science behind the weather!</div>
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Lucy Bergemann

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The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has officially retired the names of two historic storms of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season: Ian and Fiona. The names will be replaced by Farrah (for F) and Idris (for I) the next time this list of hurricane names is used in 2028. Hurricane names are reused every 6 years by the WMO unless a storm is deadly and causes catastrophic damage. Other notable hurricane names to be retired have been Katrina, Rita, Wilma, Harvey, Laura, Ida. In all there have been 96 names retired since 1954 when the modern naming convention began. Names are used for continuity in tracking and alerting people to the storm and alternate male/female name every storm. The names rotate every 6 years and are the alphabet with the exception of Q, U, X, Y, and Z due to the fewer number of names starting with those letters. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/RETIRED NAMES-1680119790420.JPG"> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://wp.weathernationtv.com/news/hurricane-fiona/">Fiona</a> hit the Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Turks and Caicos in mid-September after an extremely quiet period of hurricane activity in the Atlantic Basin. It made landfall in Puerto Rico as a CAT 1 Hurricane, bringing widespread flooding from heavy rainfall. The storm then survived a long trip in the Atlantic to the north, making another landfall as a Post-Tropical Cyclone in Canada, becoming the costliest extreme weather event on record for Atlantic Canada. Fiona caused over $3 billion dollars in damage from the Caribbean Islands to Canada and caused 29 deaths. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/fiona-1680120091172.jpg"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/hurricane-ian-recovery-resources-in-florida">Ian</a> was one of the strongest hurricanes to ever hit Florida's west coast, making landfall as a CAT 4 in late September 2022. Ian had a devastating storm surge that slammed Naples to Fort Myers. Winds of over 150 mph destroyed homes and the surf ripped buildings to shreds. Many coastal communities were cut off from mainland Florida after Ian destroyed causeways and roads. Freshwater flooding in central Florida and the Carolinas along with coastal erosion caused major damage and weakened the shorelines for subsequent storm Nicole to cause damage along Florida's Atlantic coast in November. Ian caused $112 billion dollars in damage in the U.S. which makes it the third costliest storm in U.S. history (behind Katrina and Harvey) and the costliest in Florida's History. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/ian landfall-1680120084504.jpg">Atlantic Hurricane season is just over 2 months and begins on June 1 every year, running through November 30. We at WeatherNation want to keep you prepared and ready for the upcoming year. Below is a list of names for the 2023 season. We will bring the latest on the forecast for the for the 2023 season as it draws nearer. Remember, it only takes one storm to hit you, and it is important to stay weather aware. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/list of names-1680120139598.JPG">

"Ian" and "Fiona" Officially Retired from Hurricane Names List

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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It has been quite the weekend of severe weather in the South, and sadly, these storms have turned deadly. We had multiple, significant tornadoes and tornado warnings starting Friday when there was a MODERATE risk through Mississippi, then again on Sunday with another MODERATE risk in Alabama. Storm surveys are still being conducted but we wanted to round up some of the most notable tornadoes so far.<h2>Friday's Storms</h2>Storm surveys are still being conducted, but across Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, there were 11 confirmed tornadoes on Friday alone, 3 of which were EF-3 or greater. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/confirmed tornadoes-1679936183318.JPG">The Rolling Fork - Silver Spring tornado has been preliminarily rated an EF-4 by the National Weather Service Office in Jackson, MS. The team continues to comb through damage and data and will release further information on storm length, track and strength in the next few days. This storm is responsible for over 20 deaths as it leveled the town of Rolling Fork, tossing semi trucks like toys. The first tornado emergency of the night started at around 8 PM CT producing a tornado debris signature the size of the city of Rolling Fork. A tornado emergency is a higher level of a tornado warning, and used when there is a confirmed tornado on the ground that is known to have caused or will cause catastrophic damage.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1639645295133999105" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1639645295133999105"></div>The same cell then tracked across the state of Mississippi, with each extension of the tornado warning another tornado emergency for towns and cities in the path. When the storm reached northeast Mississippi south of Tupelo, the city of Amory took a direct hit from the tornado. While it moved across the state it "cycled" or lifted before reforming and dropping another tornado. There was a very clear "debris" signature on radar at the time the storm moved through Amory and then continued into northwest Alabama before the tornado dissipated north of Hamilton, AL. Below is a scan of the velocity as the storm moved through - the blinking pink and purple boxes are confirmed tornado warnings, meaning the storm had been observed and known to be on the ground. You can see the bright red and orange reflectivity returns on the radar right next to each other, signally how immensely strong this tornado was.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/2023-03-25 07-12-10-1679750038175.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/">Storm Prediction Center</a> issued a MODERATE (level 4 out of 5) risk for the day on Friday across the Mississippi delta. In addition to the risk of numerous tornadoes, the SPC was concerned about several strong tornadoes (brown region below) that may be long-lived, or on the ground for an extended period. EF-2-strength tornadoes have winds higher than 110 mph.<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/spc today-1679690761358.JPG">Sunday Storms</h2>Yet another MODERATE risk was issued Sunday across the Deep South as more storms developed and contained the large hail and damaging wind threat. Sadly, we saw strong tornadoes as well, this time in Georgia, when West Point, GA (north of Columbus along the AL/GA border) was hit early Sunday morning. The storm has not yet been rated as the area has seen numerous rounds of storms since Sunday.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1640103835338174466" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1640103835338174466"></div>Stay with WeatherNation for the latest on the severe weather and storm surveys as they happen.

Eleven Confirmed Tornadoes in the South - Count Likely to Increase

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<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r86ml60sArk" start="0"></iframe></div>Welcome to Spring! The Vernal Equinox is today, Monday March 20th, meaning equal amounts of daylight and darkness at all latitudes across the globe. It is the start of the Astronomical Spring, which continues into June. From this point onwards, those in the Northern Hemisphere will see an increase in the number of hours of daylight through the summer, when we hit our "longest daylight day of the year" on the Summer Solstice June 21st. Those in the Southern Hemisphere will loose daylight hours until the summer solstice and see the shortest amount of daylight on any given year day.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/spring headlines-1679340222150.png">So how much time will we gain through March? Well, those at higher latitudes will see the most daylight gained this month, over an hour and a half for our northern cities including Minneapolis, Green Bay, Seattle, Portland Oregon and Portland Maine. About an hour of daylight will be gained for southern California through central Texas and into the Carolinas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/daylight-1679340358443.png">But will it feel like Spring? For areas in the Southeast, it certainly will with confidence in warmer than average temperatures through the end of this month. In the western and central U.S., the below average temperature cool trend is expected to continue with chilly temps through the end of this month!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/temp outlook-1679340979177.png">

Welcome Spring: Vernal Equinox Today

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The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) has released its Spring outlook for the 2023 season to cover the months of April, May and June. The outlooks discusses temperature and precipitation along with anticipated drought improvements or worsening conditions. Additionally, we are increasingly concerned for flooding this Spring - 44% of the U.S. is at risk for flooding. <h2>Flood Outlook</h2>We want to key in on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/980e44cdf19c4e4886b2917e583c6a22">Northern Plains and Midwest flood outlook for this Spring</a>. A busy winter season and healthy snowpack could mean the worst flood potential along the Upper Mississippi River in over 20 years - from the Twin Cities through Southeast Iowa. The North Central River Forecast Center anticipates one of the worst floods for this area since 2019. The flood risk for the Mississippi River through Missouri and Illinois is limited as there is little to no snowpack in place so any flood would come from future rain and snow events. Think of the snowpack as a reservoir of frozen water, indications are that for most of northern Wisconsin and Minnesota we have 3-5" of water that will need to melt out into rivers, creeks and streams this Spring. Ideal conditions would be for a slow melt of the snowpack, to gradually release the water into the ground and river system, however if we see more drastic warmups rapid melting is likely leading to catastrophic flooding in the area. Forecast models call for nearly half of the points in the North Central River Forecast to h<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://water.weather.gov/ahps/region_long_range.php?rfc=ncrfc&amp;percent=50">ave a 50% or greater chance of moderate flooding this </a>Spring.<blockquote>"'Approximately 44% of the U.S. is at risk for flooding this spring,” said Ed Clark, director of NOAA’s National Water Center. “California’s historic snowpack, coupled with spring rain, is heightening the potential for spring floods.' Spring snowmelt will bring welcomed water supply benefits to much of California and the Great Basin. Reservoirs in the Colorado River Basin, such as Lake Powell and Lake Mead, are currently at record low water levels following years of drought."</blockquote><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/zoom flood outlook-1678983643550.JPG"><h2>Temperature Outlook</h2>The CPC has confidence in above average Spring temperatures in the southern tier of the country and along the eastern Seaboard. The darker colors correlate to the confidence in the forecast, not the extent of how above average we will be. This means that there is high confidence in above average temperatures for Texas, the I-10 and I-95 corridors with less confidence in above average temperatures through the Midwest and Lower Great Lakes. The CPC is also calling for below average temperatures in the Western U.S. (northern Nevada and Utah, southern Idaho, western Wyoming). There is also confidence in below average temperatures for the Dakotas and Minnesota in the Northern Plains over the next three months. The temperature outlook encompasses the seasonal average, but it is not saying that every day out of the next three months will be above or below average, but when taken all together, the trend of the season will depart from average. Everywhere we see the gray color is not anticipated to have temperatures stray too far from the norm.<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/temp outlook-1678975628647.JPG">Precipitation Outlook</h2>The Precipitation Outlook from the CPC is built the same way as the temperature outlook - darker colors indicate higher confidence in above or below average conditions. The CPC is calling for drier than average conditions in the Southwest and Northwest this Spring, which is a trend away from the active winter we've had in these regions from a rain &amp; snow perspective. Through the Midwest, Ohio Valley and Lower Great Lakes region, above average precipitation is anticipated this Spring.<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/precip outlook-1678976078047.JPG">Drought Outlook</h2>The current drought outlook (March 14) shows extreme and exceptional levels of drought through the Central Plains - Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma as well as central Texas. There are worsening drought conditions in the Southeast compared to earlier in the winter. While the western U.S. has seen improvements in the drought conditions, particularly in Utah, this winter, there are still areas of moderate, severe and extreme drought conditions.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/current drought-1678976227007.JPG">The Spring Drought Outlook calls for persistent drought for the Great Plains of eastern Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas with developing drought in New Mexico and the Northwest. This means we will likely see drought conditions expand through the central U.S. which follows the precipitation outlook of confidence in below average rain/snow this Spring. Drought should improve for Nebraska and the Dakotas along with Nevada and Utah where a wet pattern has already lead to vast improvements in the drought for the west (California) this winter season. Drought conditions should improve and be removed for Florida as a wetter forecast is expected through the Spring and eventually into the summer months.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/drought outlook-1678976337240.JPG">Outlooks are just that, outlooks, and day to day weather conditions will vary leading to short term hazards. Use these outlooks to help you plan ahead, especially if you live in the Northern Plains near rivers, creeks and streams or if you are in the South - plan for a warmer than average Spring. Stay with WeatherNation for the latest conditions and forecasts, always streaming 24/7.

Spring Outlook Released: 44% of the U.S. at Risk of Flooding this Spring

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Consistent La Nina is officially over! According to the Climate Prediction Center (CPC), the La Nina pattern has ended and we are now into an "ENSO-neutral phase" which is expected to last into spring and early summer of this year. You can see the slight trend upwards in the surface temperatures over the last month compared to below average temperatures in this region of the ocean from the spring of 2022 to now. For the past year and a half we have seen cooler than average ocean temperatures in the Pacific which define a La Nina phase, in fact much of the last three years has been a La Nina with very small and short pockets of warming in the Pacific.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/figure03-1678381661296.gif">Both of these are part of the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) global climate pattern, which is defined by temperatures in the equatorial pacific and the atmospheric interactions. Phases of ENSO have impacts on the jet stream and subsequent weather patterns in the United States. La Nina is defined by cooler than average temperatures in the Pacific which generally leads to a wetter NW, cooler central U.S. and drier than average Southeast in the United States winters. During the summer, La Nina contributes to an active Atlantic Hurricane season. The last three years have all been La Nina patterns.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/la nina setup-1678381907122.JPG">Scientists at the CPC have found that in the most recent measurements sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific are warming slowly above average. Additionally, the atmosphere is lagging behind the ocean waters, displaying a typical ENSO neutral phase. Forecast models however, are pointing towards an ENSO neutral transitioning into the El Nino phase late summer and fall. Confidence in these forecasts is not as high as predictions in the Spring are less accurate, according to the CPC. All the lines are various forecast models and their predictions into the end of the year. Most are trending in warmer than average sea surface temperatures, but there is a wide spread on how much that anomaly will be and when it kicks in.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/figure06-1678381670345.gif">What does ENSO neutral and El Nino mean for our weather in the U.S.? During an ENSO neutral we anticipate, well, neutral conditions, with no real bias on the track of weather patterns. However, these phases are most pronounced during the winter months, so this Spring we shouldn't feel too many impacts or changes as a result of ENSO-neutral. If we transition into fall and winter in the El Nino pattern we expect to see a less active Atlantic Hurricane season due to more shear in the environment. On the flip side, the Eastern Pacific hurricane season tends to be more active. In the winter months we usually see a warmer than average northcentral &amp; northwest U.S. with dry conditions into the Ohio and Mississippi valleys. El Nino leads to a more southern jet stream, bringing more storms into the Southwest/4 Corners and across the Deep South. Of course, these are historical trends, and not official forecasts as the weather depends greatly on additional global and smaller patterns. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/el nino-1678382391135.JPG">More information can be found through the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc.shtml">Climate Prediction Center</a> and the ENSO Blog on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.climate.gov/news-features/blogs/enso">climate .gov.</a> For the latest weather conditions, join WeatherNation streaming 24/7.

La Nina Pattern Officially Over - ENSO Neutral in Place this Spring

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This week is severe weather awareness week on WeatherNation, where we bring you a new topic each day surrounding severe weather and storms to keep you prepared and protected headed into the Spring.<h2>Sunday - Bonus!</h2>Surviving a storm can be terrifying and subsequent storms can cause fear and panic. Our meteorologist Jackie Brown spoke with a Clinical Social Worker about how you can cope with the disaster afterwards. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/PKG_030803_TRT 2.20_MENTAL HEALTH AND SEVERE STORMS COPING WITH DISASTER_JACKIE BROWN_NJ_E030823-1678462467249.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Saturday - Prep &amp; Safety</h2>Preparation ahead of the storm is essential for quick, safe response if a severe warning is issued for your area. Our Dr. Jim sat down with MinuteMan Disaster Response to talk about safe places to go in your home and what you need to have before a storm strikes. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/PKG_030723_TRT 3-48_DR JIM SIEBERT INTERVIEWS MATT PAYNE FROM MINUTEMAN DISASTER RESPONSE - FOCUSES ON TIPS TO SURVIVE DISASTERS_DR JIM SIEBERT_EM_E030823-1678462554761.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Friday - Forecasting</h2>La Nina is officially over and an "ENSO-neutral" pattern is expected for the Spring. The relationship between El Nino phases and hurricane season is well understood, but what about severe weather? Severe weather week continues looking at forecasting using global weather patterns.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/PKG_030123_TRT 1.41_ HOW ENSO AFFECTS SEVERE WEATHER_LUCY BERGEMANN_MT_e022823-1678462708368.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Thursday - Flooding</h2>Flooding can be just as dangerous as severe storms and historically is more deadly. We often use the "excessive rainfall outlooks" which break the flooding threat into categories &amp; risks based on the geography, soils and capability of a geographical region. For example a level 3 threat in California may be equivalent to a level 1 threat in Alabama due to the soil composition and terrain.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/PKG_030922_TRT 1.59_WPC EXPLAINER_TABAN SHARIFI_MR_E030922 FIXED-1678394535300.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Wednesday - Thunderstorms</h2>Not every storm reaches severe criteria, but thunderstorms can bring many hazards including flash flooding, lightning and strong winds. We spoke with a radar expert at Oklahoma State University about radar technology and how it can help us determine storm strength, size, severity and threats.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/PKG_TRT 2.34_PATRICK TALKS TO THE ADVANCED RADAR RESEARCH CENTER_KS_E030823-1678300781633.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Tuesday - Wind &amp; Hail</h2>Did you know that hail has to be 1" in diameter or greater and winds in excess of 58 mph for a storm to be considered "severe"? We can see winds stronger than that as well and hail up to 4" in diameter but these are the thresholds for what makes a storm severe (besides a tornado).<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/PKG_020123_TRT 1.43_HAIL DAMAGE BY THE NUMBERS_KIT CLONINGER_KC_E020123-1678204446422.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Monday - Tornadoes</h2>Monday's theme is tornadoes which are extremely dangerous and range from EF-0 to EF-5 with winds in excess of 250 mph! Even though mobile homes account for only 6% of the houses in the U.S., they account for over half of tornado deaths. More on how you can stay safe:<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/PKG_030223_TRT 2.16_MOBILE HOME TORNADO SAFETY_JESSE KELLEY-1678140477745.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Check back in with us each day for the latest on the threat of the Day

Severe Weather Awareness Week: March 6 -12

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In the southern Hemisphere, Cyclone "Freddy" is the equivalent of a CAT 2 hurricane yet again, after a full 31 days after the storm developed <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/NOAASatellites/status/1633149795635441664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1633149795635441664%7Ctwgr%5E1a084ebac56da0f60ba3e61479235a5694d31523%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fadmin.weathernationtv.com%2F%2Fnews">off the coast of Australia</a>. Freddy developed off the coast of Indonesia on February 5 according to NOAA. The storm has traveled over 5,000 miles and is now one of the longest lasting cyclone ever on Earth, tying Typhoon John in the Pacific Ocean from 1994 which survived 31 days. With further strengthening anticipated in the next few days, the storm will likely surpass Typhoon John's record. Additionally the storm is the strongest by measure of accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) in the southern Hemisphere, and second only to cyclone Ioke in 2006. <div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1632885572934201347" src="https://twitter.com/iCyclone/status/1632885572934201347"></div>The storm is now in the Mozambique channel after meandering the area for multiple days and bringing deadly impacts to the southern half of Africa. It made landfall as the equivalent of a CAT 3 hurricane in Madagascar on February 22. Freddy is lashing the countries with heavy rainfall and winds, as it intensifies yet again over the open waters. According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, "Freddy is forecast to continue Northwestward under the steering influence of a building str to the southwest. currently in a favorable environment characterized by warm sea surface temperatures, good outflow aloft and low vertical wind shear, TC 11S [Freddy] is forecast to continue its intensification trend as it progresses into the Mozambique channel".<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/cyclone freddy wide-1678226106264.JPG">Freddy reached the equivalent of CAT 5 Hurricane strength in the southern Indian Ocean before weakening to a CAT 3 and slamming into Madagascar. It is only one of four storms to travel the entire length of the Indian Ocean, and the first in over 20 years. During the journey, Cyclone Freddy rapidly intensified 4 times, meaning an increase of 30 kts (35 mph) in 24 hours. This is a sign of extreme strength of a storm. <div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1633182541300613122" src="https://twitter.com/zoom_earth/status/1633182541300613122"></div>Atlantic Hurricane Season is less than 3 months away - stay with WeatherNation for the latest on storms that will impact the U.S..

Cyclone "Freddy" Strikes a Record 31 Days in the Southern Hemisphere

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During the winter months the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducts monthly snow surveys, to determine snow depth and water content of the snowpack. 2023 has been a tremendous year so far for the surveys done in January and February - all above average. Recent snowfall in the Sierra (some spots saw over 10 feet in a WEEK) have continued to contribute meaningful moisture to the snowpack. Snowpack is significantly higher compared to the last 4 years and just behind the record year of 1982-83.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1631811277927641088" src="https://twitter.com/CA_DWR/status/1631811277927641088"></div>The monthly surveys are conducted at Philips Station, CA, near South Lake Tahoe. On March 3, DWR measured 116.5" of snow depth with a water equivalent of 41.5". This is 177% of average for this particular location. Statewide, the average is 192%! A closer look shows us that the southern Sierra is doing significantly better compared to the Northern Sierra in terms of percent of average. While both are above season to date and April 1 numbers (when snowpack typically peaks) there are larger reservoirs to fill in the northern Sierra. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/snow depth-1678126581494.JPG">Despite the recent snowfall, DWR says "groundwater basins are much slower to recover [than reservoirs and basins].&nbsp;Many rural areas are still experiencing water supply challenges, especially communities that rely on groundwater supplies which have been depleted due to prolonged drought. It will take more than a single wet year for groundwater levels to substantially improve at a statewide scale." Looking at the drought monitor for California, we still see pockets of severe drought in the valleys where hopefully runoff will improve groundwater conditions later this year.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/drught monitor cali-1678126612644.JPG">For more on the snowpack and current storm systems, join WeatherNation for the latest information in your western regional forecast always :50 past the hour.

March Update: Sierra Snowpack Remains Well Above Average this Spring

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Happy Meteorological Spring everyone! Unlike the astrological seasons, determined by the solstice and equinox and Earth's position around the sun the meteorological season begins on the first of the month. This helps with record keeping as the astrological season start data can change slightly each year. We gain a significant amount of daylight this month, partially to thank because of Daylight Saving Time beginning March 12 where we "spring forward"<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/daylight-1677692188139.JPG">Often times March is dubbed "in like a lion, out like a lamb" due to the fact that the weather patterns are quite active! March is the first of our busiest severe weather months. Tornadoes &amp; severe storms favor the central U.S.. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/march tors-1677692235684.JPG">It will certainly feel more like late spring for parts of the Southeast with widespread record temperatures possible from Texas through Florida and up into the Ohio Valley. This is week two of record heat in the South - hopefully the hot trend doesn't continue for too long!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/dots-1677692277670.JPG">

Meteorological Spring Begins Today!

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The severe weather threat is over for Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas following a long night of severe storms. There was a MODERATE risk of severe weather issued during the day to account for damaging winds and tornadoes. There was also the the possibility of a derecho - a long line of damaging winds from 80-110 mph and a few intense tornadoes embedded in the squall. We saw widespread wind reports on the order of 70-80 mph. Sadly we are hearing of injuries from Sunday night's tornado, but luckily no deaths. <div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1630357117386346496" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1630357117386346496"></div><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/wind reports-1677503776014.JPG"><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1630175664337833986" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1630175664337833986"></div>There was a tornado warning at the time for the storm - which showed a strong radar signature of rotation. The tornado moved through the OU campus south of the Oklahoma city metro.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1630045469908017154" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1630045469908017154/photo/1"></div>The storm prediction center issued a MODERATE risk with a bullseye through Oklahoma. Unfortunately this did verify with multiple tornado warnings issued for the area.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/02-26_OVERNIGHT WINDS-1677460539032.png">There was also the risk for strong tornadoes - significant storms. This includes the chance for a strong tornado for the 10% region in yellow (above), highlighted by the red region as well (below). Here, an EF2 to EF3+ tornado is possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/2-26-OVERNIGHT SIG TOR-1677460551324.png">For more on the storm damage and reports stay with WeatherNation for the latest.

At Least EF-2 Tornado Strikes Norman, OK Sunday Night

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Kit grew up in the Piedmont of North Carolina outside of Charlotte, spending most of his childhood in Belmont, an old mill town on the Catawba River now grown into a bustling suburb. He had a passion for mathematics and science through grade school, having ambitions to become an architect, engineer, theoretical/astrophysicist, or geologist, but eventually choosing to pursue Meteorology. He went to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to obtain his degree, taking all electives on atmospheric sensing, tropical, and mesoscale meteorology for a full, in-depth understanding of the atmosphere (though he maintains on every hike, he should have taken more geology classes!) He interned at WCNC in Charlotte, learning the craft of presenting off-script and how to tell a weather story. After Graduation, he worked in the Quad Cities at WHBF-TV and KLJB-TV, the CBS/Fox affiliates. From there, he moved to Grand Island, Nebraska at KSNB-TV, the NBC affiliate for Central Nebraska. The active winters and severe seasons kept him busy, experiencing a wide range of wild weather. He remembers the most impactful event in March of 2019, when a massive snowmelt, heavy rain, and blizzard all struck the state in 36 hours. Kit later moved to the Denver area taking a job as a Producer with WeatherNation. He was brought on as a full-time on-air meteorologist in June of 2022 and can now be seen with the rest of the team on WeatherNation! You can follow him on Facebook and Twitter @KitCwx.

Kit Thomas

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In the early morning hours of February 6, a Magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the province of Kahramanmaras in Southeast Turkey near the Syrian border. It struck at one of the worst times possible, around 4am local time, when most people were in their homes sleeping. As time wore on, more aftershocks reaching over Magnitude 6 continued to strike, bringing down buildings leaving many thousands of people trapped.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/VON_020623_INTL_Diyarbakir, Turkey _Heavy Damage Reported After Earthquake Rocks South-Eastern Turkey - 7.8 EARTHQUAKE WEST OF GAZIANTEP TURKEY_SF_avmevsimigs_EM_e020623-1675731262790.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The massive earthquake struck the war-torn region of Northwest Syria, where the city of Aleppo was heavily bombarded in 2016. Many buildings were damaged during the bombings, leaving weakened structures easily brought down by Monday's earthquake. Many other cities in Syria have sustained extreme damage, with entire housing complexes collapsing as also seen in Turkey.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/VO_020623_INTL_IDLIB, SYRIA_Drone Footage Shows Earthquake Damage_SF_SYRIA CIVIL DEFENCE_EM_e020623-1675731607003.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Nine hour later as aftershocks continued shaking the region, another large earthquake of Magnitude 7.5 struck around sixty miles north of the original epicenter. Seismologists are describing this quake an aftershock, despite its relatively similar strength to the initial quake. Scores of aftershocks over 4.0 have continued to rumble the region.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/Turkey Earthquakes-over 4.5-1675732229334.JPG">Hundreds of buildings in the region have collapsed, trapping people in the rubble. Syrian Civil Defense released video of the recovery effort underway, showing heavy equipment and hoards of people working quickly to rescue those trapped. In the city of Gaziantep, a castle considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to the Roman Empire, was severely damaged due to the violent shaking of the earthquake.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/VON_020623_INTL_HAREM, SYRIA_PART 2 OF Footage Captures Earthquake Damage_SF_SYRIAN CIVIL DEFENSE_EM_E020623-1675732825553.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>At this point, the death toll is constantly changing, but continues to rise through the thousands with the injury count in the tens of thousands. The Turkish Red Crescent has deployed to the province with relief efforts, quickly mobilizing materials and food to the province. <div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1622660509911683073" src="https://twitter.com/RedCrescent/status/1622660509911683073?s=20&amp;t=-5JjOJsYJV8mBZ8F-a16XQ"></div>The Biden Administration <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/02/06/statement-by-president-joe-biden-on-the-earthquakes-impacting-turkiye-and-syria/">issued a statement</a> of condolences and support to the NATO ally, directing assistance to be deployed to both Turkey and Syria.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/Biden Statement.-1675733465730.JPG">The forecast is not welcoming, as temperatures are dipping below freezing as many are left without power, or still trapped in the rubble exposed to the elements. Parts of the affected region could see rain and snow overnight as well.By coincidence, there was also an earthquake, though much smaller, in Buffalo, NY early Monday morning US time. You can read more about it <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.weathernationtv.com/news/buffalo-ny-hit-with-a-38-magnitude-earthquake-monday">here</a>.

Turkey Rocked by Massive Earthquakes

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Did you feel it? A 3.8 magnitude earthquake hit the Buffalo area early Monday morning, shaking homes! The quake happened at around 6:15 am local time. Thankfully, no major damage was reported as a result of the quake! This earthquake, although small was felt throughout western New York as reported by over 3,000 individuals. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/VON_020623_RNE_BUFFALO, NY_BABY SLEEPS THROUGH 3.8 EARTHQUAKE_TW_EMILIOCABALLEROKW_E020623-1675694658954.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/us6000jlqv_ciim_geo-1675694872192.jpg"> Western New York isn't necessarily known as a "hotspot" for earthquake activity but it is not totally uncommon. Per the USGS, <blockquote>This part of southern Ontario and western New York State has had moderately frequent earthquakes at least since the first one was reported in 1840. The largest (magnitude 4.9) caused moderate damage in 1929 near Attica, New York. Earthquakes too small to cause damage are felt roughly three or four times per decade, although only one was felt during the 1940s and eight were felt during the 1960s.Earthquakes east of the Rocky Mountains, although less frequent than in the west, are typically felt over a much broader region. East of the Rockies, an earthquake can be felt over an area as much as ten times larger than a similar magnitude earthquake on the west coast. A magnitude 4.0 eastern earthquake typically can be felt at many places as far as 100 km (60 mi) from where it occurred, and it infrequently causes damage near its source. A magnitude 5.5 eastern earthquake usually can be felt as far as 500 km (300 mi) from where it occurred, and sometimes causes damage as far away as 40 km (25 mi).</blockquote><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/moment-magnitude-richter-scale-what-are-different-magnitude-scales-and-why-are-there-so-many?qt-news_science_products=0#qt-news_science_products">Recent changes</a> from the USGS mean earthquakes are being measured in "Moment Magnitude" rather than the Richter scale. According to the USGS, <blockquote>"a new more uniformly applicable extension of the magnitude scale, known as moment magnitude, or Mw, was developed. In particular, for very large earthquakes, moment magnitude gives the most reliable estimate of earthquake size"</blockquote><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/VON_020623_RNE_BUFFALO, NY_DOG CRATE SHAKES IN 3.8 EARTHQUAKE_STORYFUL_PAULA FERRARO_KW_E020623-1675694964365.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Thankfully, due to the lower magnitude of this quake, no aftershocks are anticipated at this time.

Buffalo, NY Hit with a 3.8 Magnitude Earthquake Monday

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The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted their monthly winter snow survey in the Sierra Nevada on Wednesday. Thanks to an extremely active January, the snowpack at Philips Station is193% of normal for February 1st and this was the highest snow measurement on February 1 in 6 years at the station!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/percent of average-1675371863177.JPG">Statewide, the percent of average for February 1 is at 205%, mostly from a well above average snowpack through the southern Sierra. Snowfall over the three week period from late December through mid January was 20 feet at Mammoth mountain with many spots in the northern Sierra experiencing well over 9 feet of fresh snow. Snowpack is important to California's water supply, providing roughly 30% of the state's water needs.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/snow reports cali-1675371853570.JPG">Snowpack usually peaks on April 1, and at this point the state is at 129% meaning we have already hit our typical snowpack/snow depth seen in early April. In February 2022 we were only at 58% of what we should see by April 1. It is important to note that this is a marathon, not a sprint and despite the fast pace to the winter season so far, there is still time to go. According to DWR,<blockquote>"Every day it does not rain or snow, the conditions are drying. If California returns to dry conditions and the next two months lack additional precipitation, like what the state experienced last season, a significant snowpack early in the winter can quickly disappear. Periodic rain and snow over the next several months will be key to get the biggest water supply benefit from the state’s snowpack without posing additional flood risks."</blockquote><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1620915049585074176" src="https://twitter.com/CA_DWR/status/1620915049585074176"></div>Snow surveys are performed monthly, with the last survey on January 1, 2023 and another one set for March 1, 2023.

California Snowpack Update: Highest Snow Reading in 6 Years

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It's official: 6 more weeks of winter according to Punxsutawney Phil who saw his shadow this morning. With only a 40% accuracy rate, we will leave the official forecasting up to our team of meteorologists! Groundhog day is a tradition dating back to German settlers in the U.S. who brought over the Christian holiday of 'Candlemas Day' on February 2nd. According to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://groundhog.org">groundhog.org</a>, "according to German lore, the hedgehog saw his shadow on Candlemas Day there would be a “Second Winter” or 6 more weeks of bad weather". When settlers came to the U.S. hedgehogs were not as available as the groundhog, so a switch of animal occurred. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/01/groundhog-1675198180790.JPG">The first official groundhog day was on February 2, 1886, in Punxsutawney, PA. Looking back at the years, Phil has seen his shadow, and thus predicted 6 more weeks of winter the vast majority of the time - a whopping 85% of the time. Most recently, Phil saw his shadow in 2022 and 2023. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/01/phils stats-1675198118061.JPG">Regardless of the rodent forecast, WeatherNation will have the most up to date winter (and Spring) forecast information always streaming 24/7!

Groundhog Day 2023: 6 More Weeks of Winter

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The Storm Prediction Center has released a preliminary count on the number of tornadoes during the month of January 2023. So far, there have been 124 confirmed tornadoes in 16 states, which is the third most on record for the winter month. The tornadoes included 2 in northern California, during one of our many atmospheric river events at the beginning of the month. There was a tornado outbreak in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi on Thursday, January 12, killing 9 people.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1613702503266123787" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1613702503266123787"></div>Another tornado outbreak on January 24 produced a powerful EF-3 tornado in the Houston suburbs. <div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1618017281056931840" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1618017281056931840"></div>2023 is ranked third in most January tornadoes, after 1999 and 2017 which had 212 and 137 tornadoes, respectively. We also had numerous tornado watches issued, with a total of 25! This also ranks third for the most number of tornado watches in the month of January. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/Fn5PvxqagAAbplR-1675279384840.jpg">We had numerous days under the "ENHANCED" risk category by the SPC, which is a level 3 out of 5 threat. In total, there was an enhanced outlook 5 days: on the 2, 3, 12, 19 and 24 of the month. This is the most days in January since the enhanced category was added in 2014. Not only were there tornadoes, but also damaging wind and hail reports. According to the SPC, there were a total of 793 severe weather reports which is nearly double the January monthly average (10 year average). <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/Fn5QyXLaYAMg0BQ-1675279403599.jpg">For more on the severe weather potential in the forecast, join WeatherNation always streaming 24/7.

January 2023: Over 120 Confirmed Tornadoes

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Originally born in Spokane, Washington,  Jackie's Dad was in the Air Force which led her to a life of travel. She has lived in Wichita, Okinawa, Japan, Baltimore, New Jersey, Indiana and South Carolina.  After graduating from Kadena High School, in Okinawa Japan, she got a full basketball scholarship to Coppin State College. On the court she was a 4-year starter and reached over 1000 points in her basketball career. She was also named Athlete of the Year for the whole university in 2002. Off the court, she earned a degree in Broadcast Production/English.

After college, she landed a job as a radio personality. Jackie went on to have a successful career for 12 years working at KXLY broadcast center. While on the radio, she decided to change career. Jackie went back to school, graduating from the Mississippi State Meteorology Broadcast Program. From snow, to tornadoes, to hurricanes, she has had experience forecasting all these events.

Jackie Brown

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A multi-day severe weather threat will strike the central U.S., with a couple of areas of focus and trigger for storms. Isolated severe storms overnight are possible before more widespread severe storms with significant severe weather potential move in Friday. <h2>Overnight</h2>Isolated severe storms are possible overnight on the north side of the low-pressure system through northern Nebraska, Siouxland, and SW Minnesota. A few severe storms Thursday evening produced ping pong ball size hail in Nebraska, and an isolated storm or two could persist through the overnight hours as well. However as the storms run into much colder air toward I-90 they will transition into sleet and freezing rain.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/1-1680204670106.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/3-30 RNC fri 12 am-1680231244548.JPG"><h2>Friday</h2>On Friday the threat becomes much more widespread through the Midwest and Great Lakes. We have a MODERATE risk (level 4 out of 5) of severe weather through Iowa and western Illinois, and a separate Moderate Risk through eastern Arkansas, the bootheel of Missouri, and west Tennessee. Please have multiple ways to get alerts throughout the day on Friday as we expect widespread, strong storms with large hail and damaging winds possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/enhanced risk-1680174974283.jpg">The tornado threat is most elevated across eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois, where low level rotation near the surface is strongest. This is also where stronger, longer track tornadoes are possible during the afternoon and evening.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/2-1680204524408.jpg">Wind gusts could top 60-70 mph in the red and pink highlighted areas as well. Straight line wind can do just as much damage as a low-end tornado. Please take all weather warnings seriously and remove any outdoor items that could blow away or become damaged by severe storms.<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/wind potential-1680175936529.jpg"></h2><h2>SIGNIFICANT THREATS</h2>There is a significant tornado risk (in red below) for parts of Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. This means that the environment here is conducive for strong, longer track tornadoes. There is a significant risk for strong winds too (in blue). Wind gusts can reach over 75 mph, these are hurricane strength winds! Now is the time to have a plan in place in the event of severe weather, and make sure everyone in your household can get to your safe place quickly.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/sig tornado-1680176996834.jpg">Storms could be moving as fast as 60 miles per hour, so you may not get a lot of lead time when a warning is issued. This is why it's important to have a safety plan and know where to go in the event a warning is issued for your town.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/sigw wind-1680176523655.jpg">The approaching low-pressure system and cold front will generate showers and general thunderstorms through mid morning in the upper Mississippi River Valley. These move into the Midwest by lunchtime. With daytime heating, energy in the atmosphere will increase and storms will begin to develop early afternoon from Green Bay down to St. Louis. The early storms will have a better chance of producing tornadoes due to their individual nature, but all severe hazards will be possible with all storms at any point in time. As evening wears on, the severe threat will transition to primarily a gusty wind threat as the storms merge into a squall line with powerful winds. The line will continue to move east through cities like Detroit and Cincinnati in the overnight hours.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/forecast severe-1680176786524.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>You can plan and prepare for severe weather before it strikes. The day before, stock up on any essentials and charge electronics. Review your severe weather safety plan with your family. That plan should include knowing where your safe place is during a severe storm, and how to get there.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/6-1680216109391.jpg">The day of the event, stay up-to-date with the latest weather watches and warnings. Prepare to take action, if needed!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/5-1680216116418.jpg">Stay with WeatherNation on the latest severe weather threat in the central plains and Great Lakes region - the central regional forecast is :30 past the hour.

Multi-Day Severe Threat From the Plains to the Midwest

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Kara has always been passionate about weather and knew from an early age that she wanted to become a meteorologist. Living in different regions of the country and experiencing weather events ranging from ice storms to tornadoes drove her to pursue a bachelor's degree in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma. Throughout college, storm chasing became a regular event for Kara, where she saw first-hand the power of the atmosphere. Kara graduated cum laude from OU and decided to further her meteorology education with a Master's degree from Mississippi State University. The deadly April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak struck while Kara was studying at MSU; her first “Dixie Alley” tornado event and an up close glimpse into the destruction of the storms she so closely studied. Her broadcast career began in Elvis’ birthplace, Tupelo, Mississippi, where she earned her Certified Broadcast Meteorologist seal from the American Meteorological Society. Kara's career has included coverage of all types of severe weather including tornado events, flooding and tropical systems across multiple southern states. Recently she helped cover the 2020 Easter Sunday deadly tornado outbreak in southeast Mississippi. In her free time, you can find Kara outdoors exploring new areas with her mini poodle,Truffles. Kara is also an avid runner and frequently races in 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons. Say hi to Kara on <a href="https://twitter.com/wxkara">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/karajameswx">Facebook</a>!

Kara James

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Confidence is increasing in the threat of severe thunderstorms Friday into an area hard hit by severe storms the last few days (ABOVE).In the upper levels, a strong upper low will dig into the southwest from California. This upper-level energy will overspread warm, humid air at the surface, transported on a southerly wind from the Gulf. All severe weather ingredients will be in place for thunderstorm development by the afternoon, and all hazards of severe weather will be possible: damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. Overnight, a few isolated severe storms capable of producing large hail are possible in Oklahoma. Thursday evening, very isolated storms produced quarter to ping pong ball size hail. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/3-30 RSC OVN-1680231923900.JPG">Confidence is higher in widespread severe storms Friday as the main upper-level energy and cold front swing through. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Moderate Risk (red area, level 4 out of 5) Friday due to the confidence of significant severe storms. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/1-1680205194798.jpg">Damaging winds and tornadoes will be the primary concerns as the front moves through. Please remember to have a plan in place in case severe weather strikes, and during the event of a tornado move to a basement or interior room away from windows.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/2-1680205239074.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/1-1680205264471.jpg">There is a significant risk for tornadoes and damaging winds across the mid-South. Some of the cities included in this are Memphis, Little Rock, Paducah, Jackson, Tupelo and Memphis. With a significant tornado threat there is a chance for strong, long track tornadoes with windspeeds higher than 110 mph. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/3-1680205304553.JPG">With a significant wind, gusts can reach hurricane strength at over 75 mph. Straight line winds of that strength can do damage similar to an EF-0 tornado. Bring any items inside that could get damaged from severe storms, or are at risk of being blown away!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/sig wind-1680178761375.jpg"><h1>TIMING</h1>Showers and storms continue early Friday morning, leftover from overnight. As the cold front swings through the Deep South Friday more storms will develop with a pocket through Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The early storms that are individual supercells will have the highest chance to produce tornadoes. This will morph into a gusty wind threat as the individual supercells merge into a squall line with damaging winds through the late evening and overnight. Embedded tornadoes will still be possible with in the line of storms through the overnight hours. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/3-30 RSE stormz-1680232205782.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>You can plan and prepare for severe weather before it strikes. The day before, stock up on any essentials and charge electronics. Review your severe weather safety plan with your family. That plan should include knowing where your safe place is during a severe storm, and how to get there.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/6-1680216109391.jpg">The day of the event, stay up-to-date with the latest weather watches and warnings. Prepare to take action, if needed!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/5-1680216116418.jpg">Stay with WeatherNation as we continue to update this developing situation!

Significant Severe Weather Event for the South Friday

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The last day of March will feature an active pattern for the northern Plains, as yet another area of low pressure pushes out of the Rockies into Friday. The storm system is prompting another round of winter alerts INCLUDING BLIZZARD ALERTS for parts of South Dakota and Minnesota.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/3-1680215816593.jpg"> Snow will increase Friday as the low pressure system moves through. There will be a band of freezing rain changing over to snow through the Great Lakes, with mostly snow through the Dakotas. Eastern South Dakota will get ice as well, before snow moves in behind the initial band of ice.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Futurecast Now-1680222297749.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Model agreement has been improving in terms of the location of heaviest snow. Portions of eastern North and South Dakota, along with the UP of Michigan, could get some of the highest snow totals. Models are indicating swaths of a foot of snow or more through these areas. Northern Wisconsin and the UP of Michigan will also have potential for higher snow accumulation impacts. Totals could eclipse over two feet in spots!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/3-30 RNC snow accum-1680230507580.JPG">Blowing snow will make it difficult to drive as well, even in areas that don't receive the highest snow amounts. I-29 and I-90 in South Dakota will be most impacted, but anywhere where snow is falling or can be blown around by gusty winds will be at risk for dangerous driving conditions due to near zero visibility.Any amount of ice accumulation can be dangerous on bridges and overpasses, even a glaze. Ice is likely throughout eastern South Dakota and Minnesota, but the highest amounts of ice will be in central Wisconsin. Here, a quarter to even a half inch of ice is expected to build up over the course of this event. Windshields can become coated, and watch for slick spots on bridges and overpasses. Half an inch of ice is usually when tree limbs and power lines have a hard time supporting the weight of the ice, and damage and power outages become more concerning.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/3-30 RNC ice accum-1680230711669.JPG">Torrential downpours leading to isolated flooding will be possible with this event as well. Soils are saturated from previous events, and it may not take a whole lot of additional rain to start seeing rivers and creeks rise. Low-lying areas will be more prone to flooding.Stay with WeatherNation for the most up-to-date conditions on the winter that won't end in the Central U.S. - your central regional forecast is always :30 past the hour.

Blizzard Conditions, Ice and Snow for High Plains Friday

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Rob grew up in South Florida, where daily afternoon storms and hurricanes piqued his interest in meteorology early on. That interest was fostered by his teachers and his father, who one time brought him onto the roof of their home to watch a funnel cloud move through the Everglades several miles away. Years of filmmaking and tv production in high school gradually pushed him toward broadcast meteorology at Florida State University, where he joined and eventually led the student run daily weather show. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology, he began his career at KESQ in Palm Springs, California before heading to KFSN in Fresno and WLOS in Asheville, North Carolina. He has covered a diverse array of extreme weather events, including haboobs and flash flooding in the desert, extreme snow in the Sierra, hurricanes, and Appalachian ice storms. He also enjoys telling stories and reporting about weather issues.

Connect with Rob on <a href="https://twitter.com/WxRobBradley">Twitter</a>

Rob Bradley

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There is a high fire danger threat through the Southern Plains and eastern Four Corners this week as an area of low pressure develops in the Lee of the Rockies, producing gusty winds and dry conditions for much of Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma along with western Kansas.As a result, fire alerts are up for the area through the end of the week - please no outdoor burning (ABOVE). The Storm Prediction Center, which produces outlooks for severe weather, also produces fire outlooks; they have highlighted Thursday &amp; Friday as the most critical fire risk. Winds will be quite gusty, in the range of 20-30 mph with locally stronger gusts. Tie down anything that could blow away and be prepared for pockets of blowing dust and dirt.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-30 Fire Wind-1680196135500.JPG"><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/2023-03-30 11-08-22-1680196148687.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Areas of west Texas, central Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas are suffering under extreme and exceptional drought conditions. We will be concerned about any spark spreading quickly through dry brush and grass. Relative humidity values during the day will be in the single digits during the daytime hours, allowing flames to grow rather than dampen under the increased humidity of the atmosphere.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/drought-1680104472408.JPG">Here are some tips on preventing the spark of wildfires: Properly dispose of lit matches, cigarettes, or cigars. Avoid using equipment that causes a spark. Obey local burn bans by postponing any prescribed burns you may have had. If allowed to burn, make sure campfires are completely extinguished, cool to the touch!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/8-1680216396828.jpg">For the latest on the fire danger and wind in the Southern Plains, join WeatherNation, streaming 24/7.

Increased Fire Danger Threat in the Southern Plains

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The same storm system that is impacting California with heavy mountain snowfall and coastal rain is also bringing snow to the northwest. Winter alerts are now beginning to expire for the Northern Rockies. However, we have more alerts being issued out ahead of the next round of snow for the weekend. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Futurecast Now-1680231927041.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>As the area of low pressure pushes inland, more snow will arrive in the Bitterroots and northern Rockies. Heavy snow and gusty winds will make travel difficult at times. The second system arriving later on Friday brings a round of coastal and low elevation rain before the heavy mountain snow sets in.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/10-1680216526575.jpg">Generally, about 6-12" of snowfall is expected for the highest peaks of the Cascades and the Bitterroots. Those in the valleys and coast will get around an inch of rain, with higher totals possible in isolated spots.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/11-1680216556195.jpg">For Friday, temperatures during the day will be in the 40s and 50s for our major cities and the 30s in the mountains. This is slightly below average for this time of year. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/1-1680232052013.jpg">The grand snow totals through the weekend could top 2-4 feet on the highest peaks! For more on this weather headline be sure to join us at :50 minutes past the hour for your western regional forecast.

Winter Continues in the Western U.S. With Snow in the Rockies & Cascades

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Another area of low pressure is pushing onto the west coast bringing another batch of rain and heavy mountain snow. We have had an incredible snow season and snowpack continues to rise in the Sierra, inching closer to the snowiest year in recorded history, 1952-53. We are about 10 feet shy of the snow totals of that winter! Additionally, these systems have been creating isolated strong thunderstorms and very heavy rain.However, Mammoth Mountain has recorded its snowiest season ever! 695" is almost 58 FEET of snow!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/3-29 RSW mammoth-1680119668624.JPG"><h1>Alerts</h1>Winter weather alerts are in place through today. We have a winter weather advisory and a winter storm warning. We can see heavy snow for elevations 5,000 feet and higher. The winter storm warning is in place for the Eastern San Gabriel mountains, here you can see snow accumulations of up to a foot possible and winds gusting up to 45 mph. Travel can be impacted. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/today-1680177953830.jpg"><h2>Forecast</h2>A surface low will move through today and help in the development of more rain showers, for cities including Los Angeles. This low will also bring mountain snow. Things will taper off by tonight. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/cali forecast-1680178118526.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/additonal snowfall-1680177486748.jpg">Stay with WeatherNation for the latest in the snow amounts and timing for the Western U.S., the Western regional forecast is at :50 past the hour!

Latest Storm Continues to Slam California With Rain and Snow

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Are you headed into the High Country over the next few days? Be aware that the avalanche danger is considerable due to snowpack, melting, and weak slopes. Sadly, an avalanche in Utah, SW of Salt Lake City killed a snowmobiler on Monday. He was wearing an avalanche backpack and beacon that deployed an air bubble around him during the avalanche, but the snow and power of the slide were incredibly deep. With more snow on the way this week, the avalanche threat continues. Our next round of snow is headed into the Rockies tonight, with the potential for mountain snowfall on Thursday in both Utah and Colorado.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/winter warn 0330-1680185370887.JPG">Snow has begun with a weak system through Utah and becomes more widespread into Colorado overnight and into the first part of Thursday. A lot will depend on the timing of the system out of California, but we expect difficult travel on I-70 and I-80 starting Wednesday. Most snow showers will wind down by midday Thursday with just a few showers lingering into the overnight and first part of Friday in Colorado.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/4corn2-1680144187289.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Snowfall totals in the high country will be in the range of 3-6" with locally higher amounts based on elevation and our heaviest snow showers. Stay weather aware if you are traveling or headed into the mountains to ski as snow will reduce visibility and make roadways slick.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/skicast 0330-1680185453219.JPG"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/skicast 2 0330-1680185507035.JPG">Stay with WeatherNation for the latest system to impact the Rockies!

Avalanche Risk Remains Considerable Through the Rockies With More Snow This Week

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A quick-moving area of low pressure will sweep across the northern tier of the country this week, bringing a bit of snowy and rainy conditions to the Great Lakes and then onto the Northeast through Thursday. We don't have any winter alerts in place as snowfall totals will be generally less than 3" in many spots, but the wet weather reminds us that Mother Nature isn't done with winter just yet! A frontal boundary swinging through the Great Lakes will touch off snow showers Wednesday morning and throughout the day. We may see a few rain showers closer to central Indiana and Illinois, but the bottom line this is a messy system. Onto the Northeast by Wednesday evening and Thursday, the system will give us snow showers at our highest elevations and rain for the valleys and coast.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/2023-03-29 07-52-44-1680098029129.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>In terms of snowfall in the Great Lakes, don't expect much more than a couple of inches, right along the lake shore where we have lake enhancement. For the Northeast, the terrain will help to drive an additional 2-3" of snowfall for the season. Typically we see our last snowfall in April for the Great Lakes and Northeast, so this could be one of our last snow systems this year.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/NE precip-1680098196869.JPG">Temperatures will be warm ahead of the front on Wednesday before dropping down towards and below average on Thursday with the cold front's arrival. Spots along I-95 go from the 60s back into the 40s to round out the work week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/3 day temps-1680030446698.JPG">You can catch your eastern regional forecast, always :10 past the hour on WeatherNation for the latest on the Spring system.

Snow Stretches From the Great Lakes to the Northeast

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Lingering storms will continue to push along a frontal boundary as we head into the evening hours. The Storm Prediction Center has kept a marginal risk (level 1 out of 5) for strong to severe thunderstorms through tonight.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-28_rse_spc wind hail-1680047002082.JPG">The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has the region under a marginal to slight risk of excessive rainfall aa additional rainfall will be possible, overwhelming saturated soils already in the South.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-27_rse_tue wpc-1680047021708.JPG"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-28_rse_fcst raion-1680047025635.JPG">Stay with WeatherNation for the latest, your Southeast regional forecast is always :10 past the hour.

Flooding & Strong Storms in the Deep South

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A ridge of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexico is providing near record warmth and Gulf moisture in the Southeast as we get through the work week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/high-1679974580758.JPG">Records occurred on Monday across parts of the South with highs in the 80s and 90s. More records could be broken on Thursday through Saturday for cities in Florida. Everywhere there is a pink dot is an opportunity to tie or break records this week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/pot re corsds-1679974601046.JPG">The warmth will surge on Thursday and Friday for the final two days of March in the Southeast. After a very warm winter with record-early blooms, blossoms, and allergies the preview of hot summer weather will be in full force!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-27_rse_wed fri-1679974621287.JPG">Stay with WeatherNation for the latest on the temperature swings and severe concerns, streaming 24/7!

Parts of the Southeast Stay Sunny and Sultry

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This weekend was extremely active in terms of severe weather, with rounds of hail, wind and tornadoes throughout the South. Sadly, some of these storms were deadly. For more on the weekend's storms, please <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/eleven-confirmed-tornadoes-in-the-south-count-likely-to-increase">click here</a>. More severe storms are possible with threats of large hail, damaging winds, and flash flooding. An additional few inches is possible from now through Wednesday but keep in mind, a lot of these areas are already oversaturated from this weekend's rain. Flash flooding is an equally dangerous and deadly threat with severe storms, especially close to rivers, creeks, streams as well as urban communities. Please, turn around, don't drown.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/103-27_rsc rse 18z rain-1679964442241.JPG">Once again there is the risk of severe storms on Tuesday but the risk is more isolated and smaller compared to Monday. Folks along the Gulf Coast are most at risk for damaging winds, along with a waterspout.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/spc tues-1679938136804.jpg">Stay with WeatherNation for the latest in the severe weather and flood threat this weekend and early next week in the south.

Severe Storms Across the Gulf Coast Monday

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Taban Sharifi grew up in Southern California between Los Angeles and San Diego. She is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) with the American Meteorological Society (AMS). She has a B.S. in Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Environmental Sciences with a minor in Environmental Systems and Society from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Go Bruins! While in school, Taban was a meteorology intern with NBC LA. There she helped forecast daily weather for the greater Los Angeles region and created a playbook to deploy weather sensors for NBC owned-and-operated stations across the country. Her first on-air job took her to San Angelo, Texas, where she was a morning meteorologist and co-anchor. Working in West Texas gave her knowledge and experience covering severe storms. From there, she moved to Palm Springs, California. People think forecasting in California is sunshine all the time, but with temperatures in the 120’s, wildfires, damaging winds, floodings, and earthquakes, the forecasting kept her very busy! She also worked there as a general assignment reporter and told community stories. Taban is excited for the challenge and opportunity to forecast nationally with WeatherNation. She also looks forward to exploring all that Colorado has to offer!

Taban Sharifi

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After a wintery weekend in Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas, more winter weather has hit the area this morning. We will see snow continue into the rest of the day along I-70 and I-80 with the potential for low visibility and difficult travel. Be prepared for slow going conditions through the Plains. Winter alerts continue today for an additional 2-5" of snowfall.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/co alerts-1679942991761.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/wssi-1679907494962.JPG">A low-pressure system will organize out of Colorado today, yielding these winter weather alerts. This system will have the potential to bring additional heavy snow to parts of western Nebraska and northeastern Colorado throughout the day. In addition to the accumulating snow, gusty winds could lead to drops in visibility and difficult driving conditions on I-80 in western Nebraska.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/2023-03-27 08-25-47-1679927234528.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/plains rockies new snow-1679927200187.JPG">Stay with WeatherNation for the latest on the snow threat your central regional forecast is always :30 past the hour.

Half a Foot of Snow in the Denver Area This Morning Causes Traffic Trouble

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Patrick Crawford has always been a huge weather buff! He grew up in Plano, Texas, and it was there that he experienced what Mother Nature was capable of doing. He would always turn on the television to see what local meteorologists were saying about the weather. That's when he realized he wanted to be a meteorologist.

Patrick graduated from Northern Illinois University (’04) with a degree in Meteorology and a double minor in Mathematics and Geography. Broadcast Meteorology has been great to him and he has been able to work in television markets all across the country. Some of his stops have included New Orleans, Green Bay and even Yuma, Arizona. He is so excited to be part of the WeatherNation team.

He has been awarded the prestigious CBM (Certified Broadcast Meteorologist) weather seal from the American Meteorological Society.

Feel free to catch up with Patrick Crawford on his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MeteorologistPC/">Facebook</a> and on <a href="https://twitter.com/MeteorologistPC">Twitter</a> pages.

Patrick Crawford

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With the jet stream focused over the Midwest, the weather has been active across Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. We have seen snowy conditions along with widespread severe weather. Wind reports in Pennsylvania and Ohio have been upwards of 60-70 mph on Saturday! Another quick-moving low-pressure system will help spark a few more storms Sunday through the Midwest. Damaging winds are our primary threat but we can't rule out an isolated tornado either.Another round of storms develops around an area cold front and low-pressure system, focused more into Indiana and Illinois with all modes of severe weather possible once again. Even if a storm does not reach severe criteria, heavy rain will still be a factor, along with gusty straight-line winds.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture-1679854701502.JPG"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/CaptureJPG-1679854122466.jpeg"><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/indy-1679854824677.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>With multiple rounds of heavy rain expected, there is growing concern for flash flooding. As soils become more saturated, expect flash flooding to become possible around the Ohio River with 1-2 inches of rain. This additional rain, combined with already saturated soils, is what's prompting the elevated flood threat.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/3-25 RNC accum-1679800118670.JPG">A Marginal (level 1 out of 4) risk of Excessive Rainfall has been added for areas of MO, IL, and IN.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture-1679849875165.JPG">Stay with WeatherNation for the latest in the Severe and Rain forecast streaming 24/7.

Strong Storms Target the Midwest Sunday

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Another low-pressure system moving through the central U.S. will encounter cold air in our atmosphere and has been producing heavy snow and wind in the northern tier of the country. Snow alerts continue in northern Michigan and northern Maine tonight. Winter weather alerts continue Sunday with snow up to 10 inches and sleet up to .25". The winter storm warning is where we can see the highest snowfall totals. Rainfall totals of up to an inch are possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/1-1679774540321.jpg"> <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/1-1679739436162.JPG">Steady snow will continue through New England while tapering in the Great Lakes region as cold air and snow wrap around the back side of the low-pressure system Saturday before tapering down early Sunday morning. Snow totals will be heaviest through northern New England where locally up to 6" may be possible. Most in the mountains will see light accumulations though.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Futurecast-1679773328966.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>We will see another 3-6" of snow in northern Maine and across far northern Michigan and the U.P..<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/1-1679773398794.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/2-1679774483509.jpg">Looking deeper into the forecast, there is another round of winter precipitation for next Tuesday and Wednesday. There is still a bit of uncertainty in the forecast, especially when it comes to temperature profiles, which determines if we get wet, heavy snow, or sleet and freezing rain. Typically the last snow of the season in the Northeast is in early April. Stay with WeatherNation for the latest in the northeast winter forecast!

Heavy Snow for the Great Lakes and Northeast Tonight

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Heavy rain brought on by torrential downpours and severe weather has create widespread flooding issues through the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys and iwll continue into the nex few days. Sadly, the flooding has turned deadly in central Mississippi where a car was swept off the roadway and into a creek overnight Thursday into Friday, killing two. Please, turn around, don't drown, especially at night when the water and roadways are hard to see. Flood watches are in effect into Saturday from Oklahoma through Pennsylvania. Total rainfall amounts of 2 to 3 inches can be expected with locally higher amounts of up to 4 to 5 inches possible. Soaking rain is expected to extend from Oklahoma through the mid-south and into the midwestern states of Ohio, Indiana, and even through Pennsylvania. Storms had already produced rain totals of 1-3" Thursday into Friday across parts of the region, including Illinois, Indiana and Oklahoma. Storms are expected to continue along a frontal boundary with heavy soaking rainfall. Storms will "train" over the same areas, meaning repeated rounds of rain over the same areas, overwhelming the soils.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/rain reports-1679676536621.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/flood alerts-1679691390226.jpg">The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/#page=ero">Weather Prediction Center</a> has issued an excessive rainfall outlook for much of the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys Friday due to the incoming heavy rainfall. A moderate risk (level 3 out of 4) for heavy rainfall has been issued. This means flooding is likely in the area as streams, creeks and low-lying areas fill up with water. Driving conditions can change quickly, so make sure to be weather aware and always turn around if you come across a flooded roadway.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/0324FriSatRainJPG-1679660245895.jpeg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-24 WPC Fri-1679660276540.JPG">If you feel like it has been a rainy year through the central and southern Plains, it certainly has been in Little Rock - the city is now at its 3rd rainiest in history. Tune in to Weather Nation throughout the hour for all your top weather headlines.