Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 255 AM EST Thu Jan 26 2017 Valid 12Z Thu Jan 26 2017 - 12Z Sat Jan 28 2017 ...Active weather continues today across the eastern U.S. before transitioning to a quiet pattern nationwide by the weekend... A low pressure system will continue tracking across the Appalachians, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast today while spreading rain, rain/snow mix and snow from the Great Lakes/Ohio valley to the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast. Precipitation, mainly snow, will linger into the weekend as another shot of cold air surges southward from Canada on Saturday. Areas downwind of Lakes Ontario and Erie are forecast to have lake enhanced heavy snowfall - lake effect now warnings are in effect. High pressure will expand over the western half of the country over the next few days. Approaching northern Pacific weather systems should be deflected northward before reaching the West Coast given the strong high pressure ridge that will be in place. Only isolated rain or snow showers are possible across portions of California, Oregon and Washington through the day today. Campbell Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php