Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 202 AM EST Thu Jan 19 2017 Valid 12Z Thu Jan 19 2017 - 12Z Sat Jan 21 2017 ...Rain and mountain snow continues for the western U.S., and heavy rain remains likely for the Deep South... The weather pattern across the western U.S. has become quite active again with periods of moderate to heavy rain and mountain snow, compliments of multiple low pressure systems affecting the West Coast. This weather pattern will also provide central and southern California with badly needed precipitation, with the heaviest rain expected for the coastal mountain ranges, and the heaviest snow over the Sierra Nevada mountains. Numerous winter weather advisories and winter storm warnings are in effect across interior portions of the West. Strong and gusty winds are also likely near the coast and for the higher elevations. Heavy rain and thunderstorms will remain in the forecast across the Deep South through the end of the week as a new surface low develops along the front and slowly lifts northward. The highest rainfall totals are anticipated from southern Louisiana to Tennessee, and also the Florida peninsula where a couple inches of additional rainfall is possible. Some strong thunderstorms are also likely and could produce localized flooding. Some of this moisture will also make it to the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic region to close out the work week. D. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php