Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 252 PM EST Sun Feb 12 2017 Valid 00Z Mon Feb 13 2017 - 00Z Wed Feb 15 2017 ...Major winter storm expected to hammer the Northeast U.S. and heavy rain is likely over parts of Texas and the southern Rockies... The low pressure system lifting through the Appalachians today is forecast to undergo rapid intensification tonight and into Monday once it exits the New England coast -- likely becoming a powerful nor'easter with blizzard conditions expected for parts of Maine as the winds ramp up. High wind warnings are in effect along the Appalachians from North Carolina to West Virginia and across portions of Maryland and New Jersey. Much of the Northeast has winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories in effect -- snowfall amounts of 8 to 16 inches are likely with isolated higher amounts. Blizzard warnings are in place across southeast Maine. Strong to very intense wind speeds are expected along the eastern Seaboard. The outer waters of the Mid-Atlantic will have gale strength winds; increasing to hurricane force from Massachusetts to Maine. Coastal flooding may occur for this region. A deep upper-level low digging across the Southwest/Mexico will help maintain a wet and unsettled pattern for this region. Rain and mountain snow will continue to fall across the New Four Corners region tonight and is forecast to spread eastward into the southern High Plains Monday. Strong winds will likely be observed over the northern half of Texas and into southern Oklahoma. With the recent hot streak, the strong winds will increase the risk for wildfires for portions of the Central/Southern Plains. Heavy snowfall is forecast across the higher terrain of the central and southern Rockies. West-central Texas may have some the of higher rainfall amounts, with 1 to 3+ inches of rain possible by Wednesday evening. This area has been highlighted as having a slight risk for excessive rainfall; which may lead to flash flooding. Campbell Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php