Major storm to bring feet of snow, heavy rain and possible tornadoes

An atmospheric river event, bringing ample amounts of moisture to the West this weekend, will gradually move across the country and bring hazardous weather to millions.

The blockbuster storm will begin in the West with heavy snow, gusty winds, and coastal flooding, then move eastward, threatening potential blizzard conditions in the Midwest and tornadoes in the South.

“Extreme snowfall is likely across the Sierra and northern California ranges,” on Saturday the Weather Prediction Center said. Adding that, “prolific snowfall rates of 3 inches per hour are expected in the Sierra Nevada accumulating to more than 5 feet through Sunday in some areas.”

More than a dozen western states are under winter weather alerts this weekend as the potent storm system moves across the region.

Snow will be measured in feet across the Sierras, Rockies, and Cascades. Heavy rain will also be notable up and down the West Coast, particularly in California, where flooding concerns exist through Sunday.

An atmospheric river is a plume of moisture which streams in off the Pacific Ocean. Similar to a fire hose, it shoots moisture into one area for an extended period of time, resulting in very heavy rain or snow.

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Potential blizzard conditions for the Plains and Midwest

For the northern Plains and Midwest, the threat for blizzard conditions is increasing, as significant snow, strong winds, ice and freezing rain will all be possible early next week from Colorado through Wisconsin.

CNN Weather

“A winter storm is expected to impact the Northern Plains Monday night through Thursday,” the National Weather Service office in Bismarck, North Dakota said. “Difficult travel conditions are expected Monday night through Wednesday night from heavy snow, reduced visibility, and drifting snow.”

R&I – TxPAT