Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 258 PM EST Fri Feb 24 2017 Valid 00Z Sat Feb 25 2017 - 00Z Mon Feb 27 2017 ...Strong storm system to affect the eastern U.S. through Saturday... ...More precipitation expected for the Pacific Northwest and West Coast this weekend... The strong surface low that led to a widespread winter storm from the Rockies to the central Plains today and yesterday, will continue its track northeastward across the Great Lakes this evening and overnight, pulling northward into eastern Canada on Saturday. As snow tapers off on the back edge of the low overnight, the main concern then turns to the heavy rain and the potential for thunderstorms just east of the Mississippi River overnight. Rain and thunderstorms will continue into the Middle Atlantic and New England, as well as portions of the Southeast through the day Saturday. The Storm Prediction Center has an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms from Lower Michigan southward into Tennessee for this evening through the overnight, due to favorable sheer and instability just ahead of the approaching surface cold front. Please refer to the Storm Prediction Center's website for further details. A few severe storms cannot be ruled out for portions of the Lower Great Lakes and Mid Atlantic on Saturday as well. Light to moderate rain and snow has returned to portions of the West Coast as a weak disturbance traverses southward along the coast, but should be winding down throughout the evening/overnight. Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are in effect, with some continuing into the overnight to account for additional light snow accumulations. Scattered snow showers will also occur in the central and northern Rockies through much of the weekend with mainly light amounts expected. Another low pressure system is poised to impact the Pacific Northwest late in the weekend/beginning of the work week, bringing yet another round of moderate rain and snow to the region. The Desert Southwest and the southern Plains should remain sunny to partly cloudy through Saturday. Hamrick/Wix Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php