US National Weather Summary for October 18,2012

Here's the US National Weather Summary for Thursday,October 18,2012,as of 8:30PM,EDT/ 5:30PM,PDT,October 18,2012,from weatherunderground.com,enjoy:








Active weather spread across the center of the nation on Thursday as a strong low pressure system moved over the Upper Midwest. Strong winds developed across the Northern and Central Plains as the strong low pressure system advanced eastward toward the Great Lakes throughout the day. The back side of this system created showers and thunderstorms across the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Iowa. Heaviest rainfall associated with this system was reported in Rolla, North Dakota with a mid-day total of 1.23 inches of rain. High wind advisories were issued for most of the Plains as strong winds ranged from 20 to 30 mph, with strong wind gusts over 70 mph. Strongest wind gusts were reported in Winner, South Dakota at 71 mph. At the same time, the leading edge of this strong low pressure system created a cold front that extended across the Great Lakes, down the Eastern Valleys, and into the Gulf of Mexico. Moisture from the Gulf of Mexico poured in ahead of the front and triggered periods of heavy rains and strong thunderstorms as it moved toward the East Coast. Severe storms have not yet developed along this cold front, but strong winds and heavy rainfall has been reported. Heaviest rainfall developed along the southern side of the front with a mid-day total of 2.28 inches of rain.

Meanwhile, out West, a trough of low pressure over British Columbia pushed a cold front toward the Pacific Northwest. This kicked up heavy rain showers that moved into far northwestern Washington into the afternoon and evening hours.