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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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<p>Confidence is increasing in the threat of strong to severe thunderstorms erupting across the Plains by Thursday afternoon, and continuing into Friday. In the upper levels, another potent trough will dig into the southwest from California. This upper-level energy will overspread a warm and unstable airmass, characterized by high humidity, transported on a southerly wind from the Gulf. Ample amounts of wind shear along with surface instability should result in vigorous thunderstorm development by the afternoon. All hazards of severe weather will be possible.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture2-1679855578170.JPG">Although thunderstorm activity is expected by Thursday afternoon, the timing of formation along with the amount of storm coverage is yet to be determined. There appear to be two areas of concern. The first is further north towards the surface low, where low-level shear may be sufficient for a multi-hazard threat. Further south, greater instability ahead of an advancing cold front will provide an opportunity for additional severe thunderstorm development.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture-1680029634073.JPG"></p><p>Confidence is higher in more widespread activity by Friday as the main upper-level energy swings through. The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted much of the southern Plains into the Midwest for severe weather potential by the end of the week.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture-1680029730896.JPG">We're still a few days out, so some details will need to be worked out. However, it is never too early to prepare, especially this time of year! Severe thunderstorms and all hazards will be possible as we head deeper into Spring. Historically, we see the most tornadoes during April, May, and June. This year we've had a particularly active February and March.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture5-1679855998222.JPG">Stay with WeatherNation as we continue to update this developing situation!</p>

Thursday & Friday Severe Weather Threat

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<p>CALIFORNIA - We have had an incredible snow season and forecast models are trending at another batch moving in as we head into the work week. Snowpack continues to rise in the Sierra and is inching closer to the snowiest year in history, that being 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. Another round of wet weather continues now through Thursday as a Pacific low moves onshore, bringing more moisture to waterlogged California.</p><h2>Alerts</h2><p>Winter weather alerts are in effect for the Sierra now through Thursday with heavy snow anticipated over 3,000'. Winter storm warnings (in pink) will be for 1-2' of snow between 4,000 - 6,000', 2-3' above 6,000', and 4' above 8,000' in elevation. For Southern California, the Winter Alerts go through Thursday. Heavy snow will be possible at about 5,000' in elevation.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-28_rsw_california alerts-1680046480283.JPG"></p><p>Winds will also be gusting to 50+ mph at times. In addition to snowfall, we expect heavy rain to be a concern along the coastline, prompting more flood alerts and the risk of mudslides &amp; debris flow. The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has issued a marginal risk (level 1 out of 4) for excessive rainfall on Wednesday, including more of southern California.</p><h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-27_wed cali-1680046510847.JPG">Forecast</h2><p>Snow continues to push along our cold front through Wednesday. An additional surface low will also help in the development of more rain showers and storms in lower elevations of California through Thursday early morning.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/carainandsnow-1680057726752.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>The heaviest of the snowfall will be in northern California, but we will still see the opportunity for 6-12" of snow for the San Gabriel's in southern California. Isolated spots over 7,500 feet could see upwards of a foot. Meanwhile, in the Sierra, widespread snowfall totals over 2 feet are expected with another 3 feet at the highest peaks. Travel will be difficult through HWY 50 and I-80.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-27_rsw_california snow-1680046626587.JPG">The extended pattern into the beginning of April remains active in the western U.S. with above-average rain and snow conditions expected. 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!</p>

Latest Storm Continues to Slam California With Rain and Snow

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<p>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.</p><p>Our next round of snow is headed into the Rockies this week, with the potential for mountain snowfall on Thursday in both Utah and Colorado. The National Weather Service has already issued winter storm watches for portions of Utah for up to 1 to 2 feet of new snowfall.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-27_utah winter alerts-1680047249521.JPG">Snow will begin with a weak system on Wednesday through Utah and become more widespread into Colorado through Wednesday night and 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.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-28_rsw_four corners wed-1680047378550.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>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.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/2023-03-28 13-56-14-1680034172693.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

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

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<p>The same storm system that is impacting California with heavy mountain snowfall and coastal rain is also bringing snow to the northwest. Winter weather advisories (purple) and winter storm warnings (pink) remain in effect for higher elevations.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-28_rnw_12z-1680048155377.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Generally, about 6-10" of snowfall is expected for the highest peaks of the Cascades and the Bitterroots. Those in the valleys will see rainfall, generally less than .5".</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-28_rnw_baron3k snow-1680048166155.JPG">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. More cold air is expected further east, for the Plains of Wyoming and Montana as the area of low pressure and snow impacts them Wednesday &amp; Thursday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-28_rnw_wed to fri-1680048170695.JPG">For more on this weather headline be sure to join us at :50 minutes past the hour for your western regional forecast.</p>

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

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<p>The last few days of March will feature an active pattern for the northern Plains - yet another area of low pressure pushes out of the Rockies Wednesday evening and into Thursday, prompting another round of winter conditions through the end of the week as well. This next wave looks to be a bit more potent, with more snow and wind for the north-central Plains. Snow will start on Wednesday night through the Dakotas and Minnesota along the warm front, becoming more widespread into the Great Lakes region on Thursday afternoon and evening. The warm front will be a focus for severe weather Thursday through Nebraska with large hail and strong winds expected. The following cold front and developing Colorado Low will be a point of focus for the severe weather threat in the central U.S. on Thursday and Friday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-28__new18z-1680050739571.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Early model indications put a swath of heavy snow through central South Dakota, Minnesota, and up into the U.P. of Michigan with lake-enhanced snowfall likely. We are still a few days out from the next round of snow but know it looks more intense compared to early this week. Planting season is right around the corner for many farmers in these areas, so more snow is not what we want to deal with into early April! The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has highlighted this swath of the high country with the risk of heavy snowfall on Friday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-28_rnc gfs-1680047479671.JPG"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-28_rnc baron model-1680047484057.JPG">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.</p>

Multiple Waves of Snow for the High Plains This Week

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<p>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.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/2023-03-28 13-42-09-1680032571310.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>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.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/GL snowfall-1680030279108.JPG"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/NE snowfall-1680030266591.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.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/3 day temps-1680030446698.JPG"></p><p>You can catch your eastern regional forecast, always :10 past the hour on WeatherNation for the latest on the Spring system.</p>

Snow Stretches From the Great Lakes to the Northeast

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<p>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.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-28_rse_spc wind hail-1680047002082.JPG"></p><p>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.</p><p><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.</p>

Flooding & Strong Storms in the Deep South

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With many fireworks shows cancelled this year, if you plan to and are able to legally put on your own fireworks display to celebrate the 4th of July, there are some very important safety tips to keep in mind.

Elliot Kaye, the chairman of the <a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Consumer Product Safety Commission</a> has a few tips to keep you and your community safer as we celebrate Independence Day.

“First, never relight a dud. If a firework doesn’t ignite the first time, leave it alone. Secondly, always have a water source nearby," Kaye said.  "And third once you’re done with the fireworks, douse them with that water, so you don’t have any trash fires.”

Kaye also shared surprising information about a firework that most of us played with as kids every July 4th:  sparklers.

“Sparklers burn as hot as a blowtorch," Kaye said.  "And if you’re not going to give your kid a blowtorch to run around with, and I hope you don’t, please don’t give them a sparkler!”

On average, 180 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday.  In 2019, CPSC staff received reports of 12 non-occupational, fireworks-related deaths with an estimated 10,000 injuries.

<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/2019-Fireworks-Annual-Report.pdf?La_ZzaoEeI_FXhMNJSoIyO8BhrBbcA4B" target="_blank" rel="noopener">READ FULL REPORT</a>

Many of those came from untrained consumers underestimating the power of professional fireworks and social media has been the outlet for many people to engage in riskier behaviors with fireworks.

“A consumer should know never to put one of these mortar shells on his or her body!” Kaye said.

As Chairman Kaye mentioned, beyond personal safety, it’s important to use fireworks in a safe place to prevent fires.  In many states, like California, there are legal and illegal fireworks.

“In California, illegal fireworks include those that explode, leave the ground, or move around the ground uncontrollably," said Daniel Berlant from CalFire.  "These include bottle rockets, skyrockets and roman candles."

“Every year we have fires started by fireworks, when not used correctly!” added Tonya Hoover, the California State Fire Marshall.

In 2016, the Table Rock fire near Boise, Idaho was started by careless use of illegal fireworks. It burned 2600 hundred acres and destroyed one home, but luckily no-one was injured.

“Our hope, to make a safe and fire-free 4th of July!” Berlant said.

https://youtu.be/t3GP5LQLm-g