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

KaraJamesjpg-1675177296077.jpeg

After a few dry weeks in California, we are gearing up for another storm system to impact the western U.S. and bring heavy snow back to the Sierra Nevada. This comes after a February 1 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/california-snowpack-update-highest-snow-reading-in-6-years">snowpack reading at the highest levels in 6 years</a> by the California Department of Public Resources.A quick-moving cold front pushed through northern California on Friday with an inch of rain for some areas and several inches of snow in the Sierra. Now winter alerts are in place for the Sierra Nevada and eastern Nevada through Sunday for incoming heavy snow from a second system (ABOVE).Expect 6 to 15" of snow above 4000 feet, with 15 to 28" above 6000 feet. Wind gusts will be in the range of 50-60mph with gusts of 100 mph possible over the highest mountain peaks! Impacts from heavy snow and gusty winds will be felt the most near Reno, Bridgeport, Bishop and Lone Pine. This includes difficult travel over the Donner Pass, near Truckee along I-80 and the Hwy. 50 corridor west of South Lake Tahoe.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/02-04 CA WSSI-1675514643268.JPG">While the system moves onshore there is the chance for strong thunderstorms through the foothills and coastline of California. Although widespread severe storms are not likely, a few storms could produce gusty downdraft winds.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/02-04 SPC CA 1-1675514689092.JPG"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/02-04 SPC CA 2-1675514824087.JPG">The next round of heavier precipitation and gusty winds continues overnight, increasing in intensity. The worst conditions over the mountain passes are expected from around midnight to 4 am Sunday. Rain and snow will remain scattered on Sunday behind the front, gradually tapering Sunday evening.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/2-4 RSW Wknd Precip-1675567304954.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Model indications are for over 3' of snow through the highest peaks through Sunday night. Although the highest snowfall totals will be in California, accumulating snow is possible all the way into the northern Four Corners. Totals in Utah could reach over six inches through Sunday evening.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/Capture-1675534999685.JPG">Stay with WeatherNation for the latest on the forecast and for your Western-specific regional forecast, always join us at :50 past the hour.

Heavy Sierra Snow Expected This Weekend

24RSWWWAJPG-1675551523175.jpeg

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

RobBradleyjpg-1675177268467.jpeg

A wet Pacific system is moving across California and the Great Basin this weekend, bringing rain and snow to the Four Corners Sunday into Monday. Travel impacts will primarily be limited to higher elevations, with over a foot of snow expected in some areas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/02-04 4 Corn WSSI-1675516756512.JPG">Winter alerts have been issued for the I-15 and I-70 corridors in Utah for 8-18" of snow and gusty winds.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/2-4 RNW WWA-1675552089922.JPG">Rain and snow are expected to move into Utah Sunday morning, increasing in intensity during the afternoon. Snow also expands into Colorado Sunday afternoon, with snow showers continuing into Monday around the Front Range.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/2-4 4 Cornz Wknd-1675567773834.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The heaviest snow though Monday will likely be in the Wasatch and Uinta mountains of northern Utah. The San Juans and areas around Steamboat Springs in Colorado could also see accumulations top a foot in the highest elevations.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/02-04 4 Corner Snow-1675517647244.JPG">Travel along the mountain passes may be tricky at times, for example around the Vail area on I-70 for Sunday. Make sure you check road conditions before heading out!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/Capture-1675534575041.JPG">Temperatures will mostly be above average before the front passes, but then drop 5-10 degrees to start the week as cold air drains in behind the front.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/2-4 RSW 3 day-1675552162120.JPG">For the latest forecast in the Four Corners, tune into the Western Regional, airing at :50 past each hour.

Next Round of Snow in the Four Corners Sunday Into Monday

0204COSnowDepthJPG-1675516724353.jpeg

On Friday, we had a few record highs in South Florida. From Miami to Fort Lauderdale, temperatures made it up into the middle and upper 80s. The front will still be lingering around in South Florida for thunderstorms this weekend, with more widespread rain and storms for eastern Florida on Sunday as a low develops near the coast. The best chances for heavy rain developing is late Saturday into Sunday afternoon. These showers could produce heavy enough rainfall rates to lead to an urban flooding threat (ABOVE).There is enough warm air and moisture to have a few thunderstorms the rest of the weekend. Severe storms are not expected.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/02-04 SPC Sat FL-1675513827523.JPG">Thunderstorm chances are primarily confined to southeast Florida on Saturday before expanding to the north on Sunday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/02-04 Sun FL SPC-1675513836825.JPG">Isolated to scattered showers are expected to increase in coverage and intensity overnight Saturday into Sunday. Most of the shower activity will move into the Gulf Stream by Monday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/2-4 RSE FL Rain-1675552943557.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Pockets of 1-3" of rain are expected, but isolated totals could surpass 4-5", leading to the potential for isolated urban flooding.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/02-04 FL Rain-1675514039875.JPG">The rainfall is needed for south Florida, which has been particularly dry over the last month.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/02-03 Shriveled FL-1675431280882.JPG">Join WeatherNation for the Eastern Regional Forecast always:10 past the hour for more details on the weekend forecast and the potential for wet weather.

Showers For the Southeast, Rain Lingers in Florida

1-1675485118883.jpg

Dave Holder

DaveHolderEditjpg-1675176383391.jpeg

There has been a quieter streak across the Pacific Northwest recently, but more active weather is here for the weekend. Rounds of rain and snow will work through the Northwest as moisture-laden systems come out of the Pacific. Heavy downpours will fall in valleys and along the coast, with heavy snow in the mountains.Winter alerts are in place for parts of the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies for heavy snow and gusty winds, through Monday. Heavy snow could amount to more than 10" here, and blowing snow and tricky travel is possible due to the gusty winds as well.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/2-4 RNW WWA-1675567393331.JPG">The rain and snow will continue today bringing pockets of heavy snow in the higher elevations, rain and mixed precipitation will be possible where temps are above freezing. Sunday as the low moves inland, expect widespread snow through Idaho, and portions of Montana.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/2-4 RNW Wknd Precip-1675567565607.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Snowfall totals can reach up to a foot in the Cascades. Those who see warmer temps, and a rain event, can expect those rainfall totals of around an inch with isolated higher amounts. Lower snow totals of 3-8" are expected through the northern Rockies and Blue Mountains in Oregon.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/2-4 RNW accum-1675550869398.JPG">The I-90 corridor from the Snowqualmie Pass to Billings will be a little slippery in spots Sunday as the snow moves inland.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/2-4 RNW i-90-1675551047946.JPG">Highs along the coast remain in the upper 40s and low 50s through early next week while inland communities drop to the 30s and 40s. It won't be nearly as chilly compared to last weekend.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/2-4 RNW 3 day-1675550946217.JPG">More details can be found :50 past the hour in your Western regional forecast, on WeatherNation.

Active Weather Returns to the Northwest

nwsetupJPG-1675375516034.jpeg

Even though we just kicked a system out of the Northeast along with some brutally cold air, another area of low pressure will move in from the west Sunday into Monday, bringing scattered rain and snow showers.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/ANOTHER LOW-1675518132804.jpg">Fast-moving clipper systems don't usually produce hefty snow amounts, and with this system, some of the higher totals will be around 3 to 5 inches. The best timing for this will be Sunday morning into Monday morning.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/2-4 RNE Clipper-1675552508750.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Where we see the higher snowfall accumulation, we can see some slick conditions for your Monday morning commute. The highest snowfall totals look to be in Northern Maine. Light rain is also expected in eastern Massachusetts, along with Rhode Island and Long Island. This comes from a coastal low that will brush the shore.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/2-4 RNE accum-1675552565696.JPG">Look for a break on Monday, but precipitation chances will return as we head into Tuesday, along with warmer air in from the west.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/2-4 RNE 3 day-1675552654840.JPG">For more on the changing forecast ahead for the Northeast and Great Lakes, join us for your top headlines and our eastern regional forecast, always :10 past the hour.

Clipper System to Bring Snow to the Northeast

ANOTHERLOWjpg-1675519014222.jpeg

Although the snow has cleared out, blowing snow has been causing difficult travel and limited visibility in Maine. A blizzard warning is in place for Northern Maine to account for this. In addition, wind chills will also be extremely dangerous.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/BLIZZARD WINTER ALERTS-1675526010059.jpg">We spoke to James Sinko from the National Weather Service in Caribou, Maine. Here he explains what makes this blizzard different.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/SOT_020323_TRT 0.51_WHAT MAKES THIS BLIZZARD SO DIFFERENT THAN OTHERS_RNE_CARIBOU, ME_KS_E020323-1675525880216.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Gusty winds and dangerous wind chills will be around today. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph will be possible with wind chills reaching as low as 60 degrees below zero at times! In these conditions, frostbite is possible in minutes. This alert is in place until 7 pm this evening. Please use caution if going outside.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/Capture-1675533906550.JPG"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/wind chilllls-1675522258767.jpg">Blowing snow can cause whiteout conditions making travel very difficult to dangerous. Power outages will also be possible. If you must travel, please have a winter survival kit with you. Gusty conditions are forecast for today, with isolated gusts reaching 50 mph.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/BLIZZARD GUSTS-1675522031264.jpg">For more info on this blizzard and more on the Northeast tune in :10 past the hour on WeatherNation.

Blizzard Impacts For Northern Maine

BLIZZARDCRITERIAjpg-1675522290309.jpeg

The Northeast continues to experience some of the coldest temperatures on record for the region. Temperatures will be well below zero throughout New York and New England into Saturday afternoon, leading to the risk of damage from the cold (frozen pipes, burst pipes) and danger to people and pets. Wind chills have dropped to -39 in Boston and below -60 in parts of Maine.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/02-04 ME WCs-1675523505704.JPG">Check out some of the wind chills Friday through the Northeast (TOP OF PAGE), anywhere from the -30s to -60s. Mt. Washington, NH experienced a minimum wind chill of -108° Friday afternoon, unofficially the coldest on record in the country! Temperatures were in the -40s with winds 100+ mph at the time.With wind chills around -30 to -50 Saturday morning, frostbite can set in as quickly as 5 or 10 minutes on any exposed skin. Cover up any exposed skin before you venture outside, especially if you have to work outside, and try and limit time outdoors if possible. Layers, layers, and more layers!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/02-02 NE Wind Chill-1675428847747.JPG">It's not just wind chills, air temperatures are well below zero as well, with records already broken and more likely to fall throughout the day.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/Capture-1675296330965.JPG">Boston's record low of -2° was set in 1886. Brr!! To the north closer to the Adirondacks of New York, temperatures of -25 degrees could rival records as well.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/2-3 RNE rec low list-1675483047098.JPG">Highs on Saturday will be in the teens and single digits with gusty winds continuing to make those temperatures feel even colder.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/sat highs-1675459094284.JPG">In addition to starting the day Saturday with record cold lows, record cold high temperatures are also possible Saturday afternoon from Bangor, Maine south through Westfield, Massachusetts.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/02/2-3 RNE rec cold high list-1675483200541.JPG">The worst of the cold is through Saturday. The cold air moderates signifcantly on Sunday, thanks to southerly flow bringing up warmer air.Stay with WeatherNation for the latest on the cold in your Eastern Regional Forecast, always :10 past the hour.

Life Threatening Cold in the Northeast Continues Saturday

0204NEWCsJPG-1675523494062.jpeg

Blizzard Warnings have been issues from eastern Colorado through Kansas, Nebraska, and into the border if Iowa and Minnesota for late Sunday into Monday.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-86541" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/01/blizzard-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" />

https://twitter.com/NWSNorthPlatte/status/955030091955888128

What does a Blizzard Warning mean exactly?

The National Weather Service says that a Blizzard Warning means, "A blizzard event is imminent or expected in the next 12 to 36 hours. Sustained wind or frequent gusts greater than or equal to 35 mph will accompany falling and/or blowing snow to frequently reduce visibility to less than 1/4 mile for three or more hours.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-86542" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/01/blizzard-5-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" />

As the low pressure system continues eastward, it will deepen. Winds will increase and so will snowfall rates. Blizzard conditions will be widespread near the low pressure system.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-86538" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/01/blizzard-4-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" />

Winds will be sustained around 20 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph tonight into tomorrow.

<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-86540" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/01/blizzard-2-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" />

Travel may be very dangerous come Monday morning across Kansas and Nebraska. If you do not have to go onto the roads, stay safe at home.

For WeatherNation, Meteorologist Kate Mantych.