Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 447 PM EDT Fri Oct 4 2013 Valid 00Z Sat Oct 5 2013 - 00Z Mon Oct 7 2013 ***Heavy snow and wind for the Northern Rockies and Dakotas*** ***Tropical Storm Karen is heading for the Central Gulf Coast*** ***Unseasonably warm and humid for the East Coast states*** ***Severe weather for parts of the Midwest and Ohio Valley*** The first significant winter storm of the season is hammering Wyoming and the western Dakotas. An anomalously deep upper level trough and strong jet stream aloft has allowed for the development of a strong surface low over Nebraska that will eventually track across the Upper Midwest this weekend. A plentiful supply of cold air on the northwest side of this system, interacting with the moisture advancing in from the east, will allow for major snowfall accumulations, with some places receiving over 12 inches. Given the strong pressure gradient on the northwest side of this storm system, blizzard conditions are expected for Friday night and into early Saturday for the western Dakotas. Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories are also in effect for much of this region. Over the Deep South states, attention is turning to Tropical Storm Karen and its track towards the Central Gulf Coast. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are likely close to where this system makes landfall. Heavy rainfall will likely advance northward into the southern Appalachian Mountains by early next week. The National Hurricane Center has additional information and recommended preparedness actions. Elsewhere, borderline hot conditions remain in the forecast for much of the Eastern U.S. for the weekend, especially by October standards. Highs in the middle 80s to near 90 degrees are likely for many areas along the East Coast before relief arrives early next week. Humidity levels will also be elevated, but are not expected to become oppressive. In the Pacific Northwest, a few showers may approach the Washington coastline on Saturday, with the vast majority of the rainfall remaining over British Columbia. Across the Midwest and Ohio Valley, there is a threat of severe weather through Saturday ahead of the cold front, and the Storm Prediction Center has additional information on that. D. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php