Homeland Security Threat Level: YELLOW (ELEVATED)
Significant National Weather
West:
Snow is likely across much of the interior West, with some valley locations seeing a mixture of rain and snow, from northern California to Montana. Wyoming and western Colorado will also see light rain and snow but precipitation totals will be light. This system will move eastward and reach the Great Plains midday Friday.
Midwest:
The system in the West will move south Friday afternoon with heavy snow possible in the upper Midwest and the upper Great Lakes. Portions of Minnesota may see from three to six inches of snow with locally higher amounts. Snow and freezing rain is forecast for parts of South Dakota and western Iowa. Lake-effect snow showers will continue east of Lake Michigan.
South:
The south will remain dry with moderate temperatures.
Northeast:
A band of rain and snow will move southward as warmer air from eastern Canada moves down into New England. This will move heavy lake-effect snow from northeastern New York south to the I-90 corridor. Temperatures in the Northeast will remain chilly through the weekend.
(NOAA and media sources)
Severe Weather Outbreak
Heavy lake effect snow, of one to two inches per hour, fell across parts of western New York State to the south and east of Buffalo on December 2, 2010, with snow accumulations of over two feet. Snow totals may reach over three feet by this morning.
Portions of Interstate 90 in New York remain closed due to white out conditions in Niagara and Erie Counties. Some motorists were stranded for more than sixteen hours by heavy snowfall along Interstate 90 in the Buffalo area but were eventually transported by bus to a nearby shelter. A local State of Emergency was declared for the Village of Portville and the Village of Allegany (Cattaraugus County, NY). No deaths or serious injuries were reported and there are no requests for FEMA assistance.
(NOAA, NWS, Region II)
Earthquake Activity
There was no significant earthquake activity in the United States or it territories.
(USGS)
Wildfire Update
Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)
No activity.
(HQ FEMA)
Disaster Declaration Activity
No activity.
(FEMA HQ)
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