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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<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.</p><h2>Freezing Conditions</h2><p>It's been chilly the last few mornings, and Monday morning will be no exception. Temperatures will once again drop into the lower 30s for many, so please cover exposed plants or bring them inside. Cold air could be harmful to plants that are already in the growing season, especially to agriculture.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture-1679876985443.JPG"></p><h2>Next Wave Monday - Wednesday</h2><p>Looking ahead to the work week, another round of wet weather is on the way. A Pacific low will move onshore, bringing more moisture to waterlogged California. There is confidence in meaningful snow for the Sierra, which will help creep up closer to the snowiest season on record. Winter weather alerts are in effect for the Sierra from Monday night into Wednesday with heavy snow anticipated over 3000 feet.</p><p>Our newly added winter storm warning (in pink) will be for 1-2 feet of snow between 4,000 to 6,000 feet, 2-3 feet above 6,000 feet, and 4 feet above 8,000 feet in elevation.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/winter alerts for ca-1679909560166.JPG"></p><h2>Forecast Accumulation</h2><p>As mentioned above, snowfall could amount to up to 1 to 4 feet depending on elevation.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/forecast acc-1679909591307.JPG">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 Slight risk for Excessive Rainfall on Tuesday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/ca excess rain-1679909641468.JPG"></p><h2>Forecast Timing</h2><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/ca rain-1679909695818.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>The extended pattern into the beginning of April remains active in the western U.S. with above-average rain and snow conditions expected.</p><p>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>

More Cold and Snow as Snowpack in California Creeps Closer to Top Spot

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<p>We have already had hail up to the size of golf balls, tennis balls, and even baseballs on Sunday! More severe storms are possible Monday and Tuesday with threats of large hail, damaging winds, isolated tornadoes, and flash flooding.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/1-1679881570445.jpg">  </p><h1>Monday Storms</h1><h3>Severe Outlook</h3><p>The Storm Prediction Center has issued a SLIGHT risk (Level 2 out of 5) for severe weather across the Gulf Coast states. Strong winds and large hail will be the main threats to watch out for throughout Monday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/severe3-1679908855888.JPG">Tornado potential is isolated but non-zero. The threat sits across portions of Georgia and South Carolina.</p><h3><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/severe2-1679908914028.JPG">Forecast Timing</h3><p>Storms will ride along the frontal boundary Monday with more chances for severe development on Tuesday. Though, by Tuesday severe storms will be more isolated.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/gulf severe-1679909092004.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h3>Flooding Threat</h3><p>Rainfall totals could top 3-6 inches where thunderstorms train over the same location, leading to flooding potential. 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.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/flood watch-1679909198894.JPG">The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has issued a Marginal to Slight risk of flood concerns for Monday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/flood risk-1679909215567.JPG"></p><h1>Tuesday Storms</h1><h3>Severe Outlook</h3><p>The risk is more isolated for severe storm development but will still be possible.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/severe4-1679909051404.JPG"></p><h3>Flooding Threat</h3><p>The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has issued a Marginal risk for flooding Tuesday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/flood2-1679909207347.JPG">Stay with WeatherNation for the latest in the severe weather and flood threat this weekend and early next week in the south.</p>

Severe Storms Across the Gulf Coast Monday & Tuesday

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<p>New winter weather alerts have been issued from Colorado through Nebraska for Monday snowfall. A few counties in Kansas and southeastern Wyoming will also see up to 2-5" of fresh snow.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/wssi-1679907494962.JPG"></p><p>A low-pressure system will organize out of Colorado Monday, yielding these winter weather alerts and expectations. This system will have the potential to bring additional heavy snow to parts of western Nebraska and northeastern Colorado throughout the day.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/co to ne-1679907578497.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>In addition to the accumulating snow, gusty winds could lead to drops in visibility and difficult driving conditions on I-80 in western Nebraska.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture-1679907607738.JPG">The impacted commutes will be on Interstate 25 in Wyoming and Colorado on Monday morning. Higher mountain passes and bridges/overpasses will be the slickest. Parts of Interstate 76 in northeast Colorado were shut down with the most recent snowstorm. It could happen again on Monday as wind and snow combine to create low visibility and tough driving conditions.</p><p></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/i 80-1679907750049.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Stay with WeatherNation for the latest on the snow threat your central regional forecast is always :30 past the hour.</p>

Snow Chances From Colorado Through the Plains

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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>A ridge of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexico is providing near record warmth and Gulf moisture in the Southeast, increasing the risk of severe weather as a cold front and surface low pressure system push through tonight. Severe storms are expected to continue Monday with the potential for damaging winds and tornadoes.</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/high-risk-of-flooding-across-the-southeast-into-monday"><strong><em>Related Story: High Risk of Flooding Across the Southeast Into Monday</em></strong></a></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/13-1679882268953.jpg"></p><p>Records did occur on Sunday across parts of the South with highs in the 80s and 90s. More records could be broken on Monday for cities in Florida.Everywhere there is a pink dot is an opportunity to tie or break records this week.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/14-1679882321246.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/15-1679882390614.jpg"></p><p>A little more detail provides insight to the hottest temperatures. Monday will be toasty in Florida, but then it will trend a little bit cooler for parts of the Gulf Coast region Tuesday and Wednesday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/16-1679882379270.jpg">The warmth will then 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!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/17-1679882437614.jpg"></p><p>Stay with WeatherNation for the latest on the temperature swings and severe concerns, streaming 24/7!</p>

Parts of the Southeast Stay Sunny and Sultry

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Dave Holder

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<p>Confidence is increasing in the threat of widespread strong to severe thunderstorms erupting across the southern Plains by Thursday afternoon. The threat will continue into Friday.</p><h1>Setup</h1><p>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. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture-1679855553414.JPG"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture2-1679855578170.JPG"></p><p>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><h1>Timing</h1><p>Although thunderstorm activity is expected by Thursday afternoon, the timing of formation along with the amount of storm coverage is yet to be determined. Confidence is higher in more widespread activity by Friday as the main upper-level energy swings through.</p><p>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/Capture3-1679855815540.JPG"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture4-1679855824268.JPG"></p><h1>Tis the Season</h1><p>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.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture5-1679855998222.JPG"></p><p>Stay with WeatherNation as we continue to update this developing situation! </p><p></p><p></p>

Strong Thunderstorms to Return to the Plains Thursday

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<p>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.</p><p><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.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Futurecast-1679773328966.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>We will see another 3-6" of snow in northern Maine and across far northern Michigan and the U.P..</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/1-1679773398794.jpg"></p><p><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!</p>

Heavy Snow for the Great Lakes and Northeast Tonight

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<p>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.</p><p><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"></p><p>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 <strong>moderate</strong> 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.</p><p><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.</p>

Flooding Turns Fatal in Missouri

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On Saturday, lightning struck a 32-year-old man at Sunken Meadow State Park. The man was pronounced dead at the hospital.

This death marks the 16<sup>th</sup> lightning fatality of 2018, matching the 2017 total. According to the 12-year average, approximately 32 people die every year from lightning strikes.

This also represents the first lightning fatality in New York since 2016 when four lightning fatalities occurred that August. Before 2016, the last lightning fatality was in 2013 when a 26-year-old man was struck standing under a tree.

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According to <a href="https://www.weather.gov/media/safety/06-17lightning_fatality_analysis.pdf">a study done by the National Weather Service</a>, men account for 80% of all lightning fatalities with more than 90% of them occurring during fishing, sports, and work activities.

While summer brings sunshine and warmth, it also brings an increased exposure to lightning. Fatalities peak during the summer months with over 70% of them occurring in June, July, or August.

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Unsurprisingly, outdoor and sporting events make up the majority of lightning deaths. Contrary to popular belief, golf is not the leading contributor. Instead, soccer ranks highest in lightning fatalities.

No matter the season, day, or activity, sheltering during thunderstorms is a sure way to avoid lightning. As the National Weather Service says, “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors”.