Thursday, December 18, 2008

Transcontinental Express

Developing at the base of a deep, western trough, the latest winter storm brought heavy snows to the Southern California Mountains, southern Nevada desert and Mogollon Rim yesterday. This morning, the storm is moving toward the Four Corners, spreading snow across the Colorado Plateau and Southern Rockies.

By this afternoon, the storm will hitch a ride on the jet stream and move across the Central Plains. Rain, sleet and freezing rain will develop along its path (Kansas-Missouri-Illinois) and heavy snow is forecast for the Upper Midwest. Moving on through the night, this weather system will be in New England by tomorrow morning, ensuring a White Christmas for much of that region.

Of course, most North American storm systems move from west to east, governed by the prevailing winds. The speed of their movement is generally related to their proximity to the jet stream and this one is taking the Transcontinental Express!