Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 221 PM EST Sat Jan 14 2017 Valid 00Z Sun Jan 15 2017 - 00Z Tue Jan 17 2017 ...Major winter storm affecting parts of the central U.S. and Mid-Atlantic region this weekend... Widespread freezing rain is falling over portions of the Southern and Central Plains, Midwest, Ohio valley and northern portions of the Mid-Atlantic. A steadily stream of warm moist air overriding sub-freezing temperature at the surface is forecast to continue through the weekend. Numerous ice storm warnings, freezing rain advisories and winter weather advisories are in effect from northern Texas to Pennsylvania/Maryland. Winter storm watches and warnings are in effect for the northern edge periphery of the, spanning from eastern Colorado to Minnesota/Iowa - where a mix of snow and sleet will be possible. Another system will move through the Southern Plains toward the Central Plains bringing another round of widespread precipitation. Periods of heavy rain are likely across central and southern Texas and flash flooding may occur. Please refer to the WPC excessive rainfall outlooks. Colder temperatures have returned to the much of the eastern states - below normal temperatures and widespread cloudiness will be common in the wake of the cold front with periods of light rain and wintry mix across the Mid-Atlantic region. Much of the West Coast is recovering from the recent very wet period. High pressure over the next few days will keep this region mainly dry and mild. Campbell Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php