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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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 Wednesday as a Pacific low moves onshore, bringing more moisture to waterlogged California. Winter weather alerts are in effect for the Sierra from Monday night into Wednesday with heavy snow anticipated over 3000 feet. Winter storm warnings (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.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/cali-1679995995401.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.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/cali tuesday wpc-1679948066232.jpg">A Marginal risk of Excessive Rainfall has been extended into Wednesday, including more areas in Southern California.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/wed rain-1679996082900.JPG">We will see snow spread south into the central and southern Sierra on Tuesday morning. Our first batch of moisture continues throughout the day on Tuesday with high-elevation snow showers and low-elevation rainfall. Another frontal boundary pushes ashore Tuesday night and Wednesday with more rain and snowfall.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/032823-1679996188086.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>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!

More Snow & Rain as Snowpack in California Creeps Closer to Top Spot

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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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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. 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.<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. 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.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/thu svr-1679995876710.JPG"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/fri svr-1679995899929.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.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/Capture5-1679855998222.JPG">Stay with WeatherNation as we continue to update this developing situation!

Strong Thunderstorms to Return to the Plains Thursday

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We expect pockets of low visibility and difficult travel along I-90 and I-94. This same system then pushes into the High Plains of the Dakotas and Minnesota with the potential for snow and wind Tuesday and Wednesday. Widespread snowfall is not anticipated with the early week system, but pockets of 1-3" are likely. More widespread snow showers are expected through Michigan as the area of low pressure gets a boost from Gulf Moisture and lake-enhanced snowfall.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-27_rnc 18z-1679963847292.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-27_rnc_fcst snow-1679963895506.JPG">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.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/late week plains s ystem-1679932680809.JPG">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!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/gfs-1679963905940.JPG">Snow will start on Wednesday night through the Dakotas and Minnesota along the area warm front, becoming more widespread into the great Lakes region on Thursday afternoon and evening. 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.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-27_15k 18z new-1679963915395.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>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.

Snow System Moves From Montana to Minnesota This Week

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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 Monday and Tuesday with threats of large hail, damaging winds, isolated tornadoes, and flash flooding. 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. Tornado potential is isolated but non-zero. The threat sits across portions of Georgia and South Carolina.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/spc tor today-1679948210361.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/wind and hail today-1679948220496.jpg">As we head into the overnight hours, storms will continue to push along the cold front.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/03/03-27_18z rse rsc-1679964380569.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>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 & Tuesday

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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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After the Rhea Fire grew to 283,095 acres and only being 15% contained as of Thursday morning, Dewey County, among other counties in Oklahoma, is in desperate need for rain.

https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/videos/10156438188039874/

Lucky for them, there is some relief in sight.

<img class="size-large wp-image-90358" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2018/04/rain-for-ok-fires-728x408.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="408" /> Rain will fall Friday-Saturday for parts of OK and TX where fires have been growing rapidly

Rain is expected to fall Friday with better chances for rain on Saturday for parts of Oklahoma.

Because rain chances are not around until Friday, fire danger remains high to very high across a large portion of the state. The most significant fire danger is in the far western portion of the Oklahoma Panhandle.

Also as of Thursday morning, the 34 Complex fire located in Woodward County was burning 67,778 acres and estimated at 45% contained.

While the Laverne and Hooker Fire were once of concern, crews say that they are at 80% and 100% contained, respectively.

https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/videos/10156437525664874/

The Rhea Fire started on April 12 and authorities are still unsure of what caused the fire.