Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 254 PM EST Fri Feb 17 2017 Valid 00Z Sat Feb 18 2017 - 00Z Mon Feb 20 2017 ...Heavy rain likely for southern California... ...Quieter weather pattern is expected over most of the nation... Nearly continuous onshore flow will keep California and portions of the Pacific Northwest in a very active, wet pattern this weekend. Rain and mountain snow is forecast for much of the western U.S. as a deep upper-level low and associated surface cold front pushes inland. Heavy rainfall is expected for the coastal areas and the nearby mountains, with some locations getting in excess of 4 inches of rainfall by Saturday morning. Intense rainfall, especially over areas with steep terrain or with recent burn scars, may lead to rapid runoff; resulting in flash flooding and/or mudslides/debris flows. Rivers and streams may also rise quickly in response to the significant rainfall. Additionally, warming temperatures could speed up snow melt across the region. Flood watches and warnings are in effect for southern California and central Arizona, as well as portions of the Pacific Northwest. Showers and a few thunderstorms will be possible across portions of the Lower Mississippi valley and Gulf Coast through the weekend with southerly flow from the Gulf. The higher elevations of New England could have snow Saturday morning as front moves through the area-- with a rain snow mix during the afternoon and evening hours. Light snow will linger into Sunday in the wake of the frontal passage. Otherwise, mild and dry conditions expected across most of the central and eastern U.S. this weekend. Campbell/Wix Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php