Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 343 AM EDT Sat Mar 27 2021 Valid 12Z Sat Mar 27 2021 - 12Z Mon Mar 29 2021 ...Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding likely from southern Arkansas to Middle Tennessee today... ...Severe weather threat shifts east into the Mid-Atlantic on Sunday... ...Strong cold front to bring gusty winds and heavy mountain snow across the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies beginning Sunday afternoon... Active spring weather is set to continue this weekend with more chances for severe thunderstorms and flash flooding. Starting with today, severe weather and heavy rain is likely from southern Arkansas to Middle Tennessee. An approaching cold front combined with a lifting warm front out of the Gulf Coast States will spark showers and thunderstorms from the Lower Mississippi to Tennessee valleys this morning and last throughout much of the day. The Storm Prediction Center has issued an Enhanced Risk of severe weather that includes southern Arkansas, northern Mississippi and Alabama, as well as western and middle Tennessee. A few storms could turn severe as far north as central Illinois. Damaging wind gusts, large hail, and tornadoes are all possible across the area today. Multiple downpours will also lead to the likelihood of flash flooding across similar areas. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches, combined with saturated soils, could lead to rapid rises in rivers and streams throughout parts of the Mid-South and Tennessee Valley. Flash Flood Watches have been issued for much of Tennessee and northern Alabama. WPC has also issued a Moderate Risk of Excessive Rainfall from southeast Arkansas to Middle Tennessee. By Sunday, a low pressure system is forecast to strengthen across southeast Canada with a trailing cold front set to swing across the eastern United States. Rain is likely to accompany the cold front up and down the East Coast, with a few inches of snow found across northern Maine. Thunderstorms could turn severe along the front across the Mid-Atlantic. SPC has issued a Slight Risk of severe thunderstorms on Sunday from northern Georgia to Maryland. Behind the cold front, chilly temperatures and gusty winds will enter the region Sunday night. Meanwhile, this weekend will start out quite tranquil across the Northwest and Northern Rockies before a potent storm system enters on Sunday. A strong cold front associated with a deepening area of low pressure in south-central Canada will bring the threat of damaging wind gusts and heavy mountain snow. Snowfall amounts are expected to exceed one foot across the Cascade Mountains in Washington. Winter Storm Watches and Winter Weather Advisories have been posted. The most widespread hazard beginning Sunday will be from gusty winds that extend from the Pacific Northwest through the northern Great Basin/Rockies and into the northern High Plains. High Wind Watches have been issued due to potential for wind gusts to top 60 mph. This could lead to downed trees and power lines, as well as difficult travel for high profile vehicles. Snell Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php