Snow is expected across the Northern Rockies on Thursday as an area of low pressure develops. As the system intensifies and moves east, snow will continue to move eastward across the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and Great Lakes through Sunday.

• Snow for the Northern Rockies and Plains on Thursday
• Freezing Rain and Snow Friday for the Northern Plains
• Thunderstorms for East Texas on Friday
• Potential for Thunderstorms on Firday from Iowa into Eastern Oklahoma and Central Arkansas
• Excessive Rainfall for the Arklatex on Friday
• Wintry Mix Friday through Sunday for the Great Lakes 

US Hazards

Snow for the Northern Rockies and Plains on Thursday
A spring snow storm is expected to begin across the Northern Plains on Thursday. Snow should begin during the mid morning across eastern Montana and move eastward through Friday evening. Snowfall amounts of 4-8 inches with locally higher amounts in excess of a foot are forecast in the lower elevations. In the higher elevations, 15-18 inches are expected, Winds will become northeasterly at 15-20 mph with gusts in excess of 25 mph, allowing for low visibilities due to blowing snow and low wind chills. 

Major Cities in Region: Great Falls, MT, Billings, MT, Glendive, MT, Dickinson, ND

Snow Accumulation for Thursday

Freezing Rain and Snow Friday for the Northern Plains
By Friday, an area of low pressure will intensify in the lee of the Rockies. Wintry precipitation is forecast to develop to the north of the associated warm front. The heaviest snow will be across South Dakota where 6-12 inches of snow are expected with locally higher amounts in excess of 18 inches. Winds to the north of the low will range 15-25 mph with gusts in excess of 35 mph. In addition to the snow, freezing rain accumulations will range 0.1-0.25 inch.

Major Cities in Region: Rapid City, SD, Pierre, SD, Sioux Falls, SD, Minneapolis, MN

Freezing Rain and Snow Accumulation for Friday

Thunderstorms for East Texas on Friday
As a strong area of low pressure moves eastward across the Plains on Friday, southerly flow will bring moisture northward. This moisture, combined with warming temperatures, will allow for destabilization. As a dryline moves into the region, widespread strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop. Large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes will all be potential hazards.

Major Cities in Region: Tyler, TX, Houston, TX

SPC Convective Outlook for Friday

Potential for Thunderstorms from Iowa Friday into Eastern Oklahoma and Central Arkansas
As the area of low pressure across the Northern Plains described above continues to move eastward, the associated cold front will extend southward into Texas. A strong upper level trough will provide the forcing for the development of strong to severe thunderstorms. Large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes will all be potential hazards with these storms. 

Major Cities in Region: Kansas City, MO, Des Moines, IA, Little Rock, AR

SPC Convective Outlook for Friday

Excessive Rainfall for the Arklatex on Friday
Thunderstorms are forecast to develop across the Arklatex region on Friday ahead of a slow moving cold front as instability builds throughout the day. These thunderstorms will have the potential to produce very heavy rainfall. Rainfall accumulations of 2-4 inches with locally heavier amounts in excess of 5 inches are forecast. This may lead to a risk for flash flooding.

Major Cities in Region: Tyler, TX, Shreveport, LA, Monroe, LA

Rainfall Accumulation for Friday

Wintry Mix Friday through Sunday for the Great Lakes
As the area of low pressure moving across the Northern Plains moves into the Great Lakes on Friday, freezing rain and snow will begin across portions of Wisconsin. Snow accumulations will range 10-15 inches with locally higher amounts in excess of 18 inches. Winds 15-20 mph with gusts in excess of 30 mph will allow for visibilities less than half a mile and wind chills in the teens. Freezing rain accumulations could range 0.10-0.25 inch with locally higher amounts in excess of a half an inch. Across Michigan, freezing rain, sleet, and snow will all be possible Saturday into Sunday.

Major Cities in Region: Wausau, WI, Green Bay, WI, Marquette, MI, Lansing, MI, Sault St. Marie, MI

Snowfall Accumulation through Monday

A Look Ahead
As the area of low pressure moving through the Plains continues to move into the Ohio Valley on Saturday, thunderstorms may develop across the Ohio Valley and Southeast. This activity will move into the Mid Atlantic on Sunday. By Monday, rain and snow are forecast to move into the Northeast.

This is just a brief look at current weather hazards. We can provide you site-specific weather forecast information for the purpose of protecting your personnel and assets and to assess your weather risk. Try a 7-day demo right away and learn how timely precision weather information can enhance your bottom line.