Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 250 AM EST Sat Feb 25 2017 Valid 12Z Sat Feb 25 2017 - 12Z 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 over the past couple of days, will continue its track northeastward across southern Canada this afternoon and evening. The main concern is now heavy rain and the potential for strong thunderstorms along and east of the Appalachians, ahead of the cold front. The greatest concern for any run-off or flooding problems is from northern Pennsylvania to northern New England. A few severe storms are possible for portions of the Mid Atlantic region on Saturday. This front will bring a return to more seasonal temperatures by February standards for a few days. Light to moderate rain and snow has returned to the California coast as a weak disturbance traverses southward along the coast, but should be weakening. Scattered snow showers will also occur in the central and northern Rockies through much of the weekend with mainly light amounts expected. Another stronger low pressure system is poised to impact the Pacific Northwest by Sunday, bringing yet another round of moderate rain and mountain snow to the region. The Desert Southwest and the southern Plains should remain sunny to partly cloudy through Saturday. By Sunday afternoon, return flow from the Gulf of Mexico will advect enough moisture northward to generate scattered showers and storms from eastern Texas to the Deep South. Hamrick/Wix Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php