Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 359 AM EDT Wed Oct 05 2016 Valid 12Z Wed Oct 05 2016 - 12Z Fri Oct 07 2016 ...Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain possible for portions of the Plains... ...Snow expected for the higher terrain of the Rockies... ...Hurricane Matthew expected to move into the Bahamas today and Thursday, possible impacts in Florida by Thursday... Scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast for portions of the Plains, Midwest and Upper Mississippi/Great Lakes as a cold front advances through the central U.S. Strong to severe thunderstorms will likely develop over the eastern reaches of the Plains today, possibly producing heavy rainfall as well. The Storm Prediction Center is forecasting a slight risk of severe thunderstorms from eastern Oklahoma to western Iowa through Thursday morning. The southern flank of the frontal boundary is expected to become stationary across the southern and central plains today - this will provide a focus for continuing convection over the area. Another round of showers and thunderstorms will roll through the Plains on Thursday as another wave of low pressure develops along the front in the central Plains. 2 to 3+ inches will be possible from eastern Kansas to southeast Iowa by Saturday morning. An upper-level low approaching the Pacific Northwest will bring widespread rain showers and cooler temperatures as it moves inland. The precipitation will spread east to the Rockies by Thursday. Snow is forecast for the higher elevations and the snow-levels will begin to lower as cooler air infiltrates the region. 1 to 3 inches of liquids precipitation, with isolated areas of 4+ inches, is forecast for the Cascades. The northern Rockies of Idaho and Montana could see 1.5 to 2 inches by Saturday morning. Hurricane Matthew is forecast to track north-northwest from Cuba toward the eastern side of Florida. Hurricane and tropical storm warnings have been issued by the National Hurricane Center for portions the central and southern Atlantic coast of Florida. Hurricane and/or tropical storm conditions are possible in these areas by Thursday. Additionally, showers and thunderstorms will become more numerous across the Florida Peninsula tonight in advance of Matthew. Please refer to the latest products issued by the National Hurricane Center for the latest details and forecast track for Hurricane Matthew; and refer to products issued by your local NWS Forecast Office for details and impacts specific to your area. Campbell Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php