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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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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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. Instability along the front (above) is growing on Thursday and we will see the potential for large hail before more widespread storms move in on Friday.<h2>Thursday Night</h2>There is a marginal risk of severe weather on the north side of the low-pressure system through northern Nebraska, Siouxland, and SW Minnesota. Our primary threat will be large hail as we see enough cold air in our upper atmosphere to support ice development. The risk for damaging winds and tornadoes is low, but not zero. Storms develop during the evening along the warm front. In fact, some of the storms will then transition from severe into an ice/sleet threat.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/1-1680204670106.jpg"><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Futurecast Now-1680204659032.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Friday</h2>On Friday the threat becomes much more widespread through the Midwest and Great Lakes. We have a MODERATE risk of severe weather through Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, and into western Kentucky and Indiana. 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 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"><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 as this system moves through strong, long track tornadoes will be possible. 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. If you have anything outdoors that has the potential to be blown away, now is the time to move any of those items indoors.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/sig tornado-1680176996834.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/sigw wind-1680176523655.jpg">The approaching low-pressure system and cold front will touch off severe storms early Friday morning through the upper Mississippi River Valley, pushing into the Midwest by lunchtime. With daytime heating the instability will increase and storms will begin to develop early afternoon from Green Bay down to St. Louis. This line will continue to push east reaching Chicago by early evening and will move out by about nine or ten pm. 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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Confidence is increasing in the threat of strong to severe thunderstorms erupting across the southern Plains by this afternoon, and continuing into 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. There are two areas of concern on Thursday: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/multi-day-severe-threat-from-the-plains-to-the-midwest">the first is further north</a> towards the surface low, where low-level shear may be sufficient for supercells capable of strong winds and large hail.For today, instability ahead of an advancing cold front will provide an opportunity for additional severe thunderstorm development in Kansas, Oklahoma, and the Red River Valley. Here we will be concerned about damaging wind, hail, and the threat for isolated tornadoes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/1-1680204974938.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/2-1680205012764.jpg">Confidence is higher in more widespread severe storms Friday as the main upper-level energy swings through. The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Moderate Risk (red area, level 4 out of 5) for Friday due to the confidence of significant severe storms. 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/2023/03/1-1680205194798.jpg"><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. Some of the cities included in this are Memphis, Little Rock, Paducah, Jackson, and Memphis. With a significant tornado threat there is a chance for very strong, long tracking tornadoes. With a significant wind, gusts can reach hurricane strength at over 75 mph.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/3-1680205304553.JPG"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/sig wind-1680178761375.jpg"><h1>TIMING</h1>The low pressure and frontal boundaries push out of the Rockies during the day on Thursday, touching off showers and storms along the dryline and cold front through the afternoon. Some of the early convection could be severe but better chances will be heading into overnight. Showers and storms continue early Friday morning, leftover from Thursday. As the cold front swings through the Deep South Friday more storms will develop with a pocket through Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Storms will continue ahead of the front through the first part of the overnight, as the cold front approaches the Gulf Coast and East Coast.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Futurecast Now-1680205472253.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!

Severe Weather Threat for the Hard Hit Deep South Once Again Today & 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 weather alerts remain in effect for higher elevations for Thursday and Fridays system, along with the next system into the weekend.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/222-1680216501943.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">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 this area through Thursday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-30 NW Snow Longer-1680197434307.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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<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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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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Welcome moisture chances in the Southwest and heat for much of the country are the highlights from the <a href="http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/long_range/lead14/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">new July outlook</a> issued from NOAA's <a href="http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Climate Prediction Center</a>. Warmer than normal temperatures are expected over much of the nation, especially in the West. Wetter than average weather is anticipated in the Southwest, as an active monsoonal season and added tropical moisture is in the forecast. Below normal precipitation is the outlook for the Northeast, Northwest, and along the Gulf of Mexico coastline in Texas and Louisiana.

The Climate Prediction Center <a href="http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/long_range/fxus07.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">states</a> that the primary forecast tools for this outlook were model forecasts, statistical tools, soil moisture conditions, and variability in the tropics. With neutral water temperature conditions being observed in the Pacific Ocean, no influence is expected in July from La Nina or El Nino.

https://twitter.com/NWSCPC/status/1009778771254181889

Soil moisture conditions and current trends favor warmer than average conditions in the West, central Plains and Northeast. Model forecasts also support above average temperatures.

For precipitation, many models indicate an active start to the monsoons in the West, along with wet signals in the tropical Pacific. This leads to the above average rainfall forecast for the Southwest. A drier trend is shown in the models for the Caribbean over the upcoming month, highlighting below average precipitation in Deep South.

For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels