Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 237 PM EST Sun Jan 15 2017 Valid 00Z Mon Jan 16 2017 - 00Z Wed Jan 18 2017 ...Major winter storm affecting parts of the central U.S. and Upper Midwest through Monday... A winter storm system is impacting much of the central U.S. this weekend. Widespread freezing rain will persist for much of western Oklahoma, Kansas, northern Missouri and western Iowa tonight as warm advection aloft overrides sub-freezing temperatures at the surface. Ice storm warnings, freezing rain advisories, winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories in effect from northern New Mexico to southern Minnesota/western Wisconsin. The northern edge of the precipitation shield, spanning from eastern Colorado to southern Minnesota, will likely have significant accumulations of snow and sleet with this system. Portions of the Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi valley will have periods of heavy rain, which may increase the threat for rapid runoff. Flash flooding will be possible for Texas, Arkansas and northwest Louisiana through Tuesday. Rain and mountain snow is forecast for portions of the Pacific Northwest by Monday night as strong onshore flow from the next approaching storm system. Strong high pressure over the Great Basin/Interior West will keep conditions mainly dry and mild. Once the current system over the central U.S. moves eastward, rain and possibly a few thunderstorms will arrive to the eastern states by Tuesday morning. Campbell Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php