2015 Hurricane Season in Review: 11 Things We Will Remember

Chris Dolce and Quincy Vagell
Published: November 30,2015
The 2015 hurricane season has officially come to a close in both the Atlantic and eastern/central Pacific basins. November 30 is the final day of the season each year, though occasionally a named storm may occur beyond that date.
Here are 11 things we'll remember from the 2015 hurricane season.

1.) Another Hyperactive Pacific Season; Atlantic Slightly Below Average

Tracks of all the Atlantic tropical cyclones in 2015.

Tracks of all the central and eastern Pacific tropical cyclones in 2015.

For the second year in a row, the Pacific was much more active than the Atlantic.
The eastern Pacific had 18 named storms plus four additional tropical depressions for a total of 22 tropical cyclones. In the Atlantic, we saw 11 named storms and one additional tropical depression, bringing the number of tropical cyclones in that basin this season to 12.
Though several of them were short-lived, the 11 named storms in the Atlantic was just short of the 30-year average (1981-2010) of 12 named storms per season. Four of those named storms became hurricanes, which is below the average of six hurricanes during the same 30-year period.
Meanwhile, the eastern Pacific's 18 named storms was above the 30-year average of 15 per season. Of those 18 named storms, 13 went on to become hurricanes, which is well above the average of 8 per season.
The central Pacific was also unusually active in 2015 with a record eight tropical cyclones forming in the basin. An additional seven originated in the eastern Pacific, later crossing into the central Pacific for a total of 15 tropical cyclones in the central Pacific basin this season.
The previous record for the number of cyclones passing through the central Pacific basin in one year was 11 tropical cyclones in 1992 and 1994. The previous record number of cyclones originating in the central Pacific was just four in 1982 – which like 2015 was the beginning of a strong El Niño.

2.) El Niño Likely Played a Role in the 2015 Hurricane Season

This track line shows how Hurricane Danny reached Category 3 strength in the Atlantic, but then degenerated into an elongated area of low pressure as it approached the Caribbean. This weakening was due to a "wall of wind shear" near the Caribbean. Wind shear is common in this area during El Nino events.

El Niño likely helped to shape the outcome of the 2015 hurricane season.
As mentioned before, a record number of named storms developed during the central Pacific hurricane season. This is a basin where we typically see an uptick in tropical activity during El Niño.
We also saw strong wind shear near the Caribbean Sea and other parts of the Atlantic Basin, contributing to the demise of Hurricane Danny, Tropical Storm Erika, Hurricane Fred, Tropical Storm Grace and Tropical Storm Ida from mid-August through September.
Stronger wind shear tends to appear in parts of the Atlantic Basin in a season in which El Nino has developed. When winds strongly change with height, either in speed and/or direction, convection (rain and thunderstorm activity) can get blown away from the center of a storm. This wind shear can keep tropical cyclones from forming and can rip apart any existing storms.
Hurricane Danny was a perfect example of how wind shear can take a toll on a powerful hurricane. After reaching Category 3 status in the western Atlantic on Aug. 21, Danny dissipated into an elongated area of low pressure as it entered the eastern Caribbean on Aug. 24.

3.) A Category 5 Landfall With No Fatalities

A look at the track history of Hurricane Patricia (2015) in the eastern Pacific.

Hurricane Patricia became the strongest hurricane on record on Oct. 23, 2015. At one point, sustained winds reached 200 mph and the storm's central pressure fell to 879 millibars. Among all tropical cyclones known to modern science, only a few typhoons in the Western Pacific have ever been stronger.
Even with weakening prior to reaching Mexico's Pacific coast, Patricia made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane near Cuixmala, Mexico. Maximum sustained winds were estimated at 165 mph.
A combination of a relatively small core wind field with Patricia, sparse population near the point of landfall and preparedness led to no reported fatalities. Patricia is likely the only Category 5 landfall on record to not cause any deaths.
(MORE: How Did Mexico Escape Patricia with No Deaths?)

4.) Tropical Storm Erika Causes Deadly Flooding in Dominica

Flooding is seen at Douglas-Charles Airport in northeastern Dominica on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015. (Twitter/Alison Kentish/Emerline Anselm)

Tropical Storm Erika provided an example of why you don't need a powerful hurricane like Patricia to cause deadly and devastating impacts.
Erika was just a 45 mph tropical storm as it passed through the Lesser Antilles on Aug. 27, but it was accompanied by torrential rainfall. The small island of Dominica saw more than a foot of rain in 12 hours from Erika, resulting in damaged homes, roads washed out, and a flooded airport. At least 20 people were killed by Erika's flooding in Dominica.
During a televised address, Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said Erika set the nation's developmental progress back 20 years, as hundreds of homes and multiple other structures were destroyed.
Erika will also be remembered for its uncertain forecast, with some projections showing that it could impact Florida as a strong tropical storm or a hurricane. This prompted a State of Emergency to be declared in Florida. However, Erika never made it to the U.S. intact, instead it dissipated near eastern Cuba thanks to a combination of wind shear, dry air and land interaction.

5.) Hurricane Joaquin Batters the Bahamas; South Carolina Moisture Injection

Infrared satellite from the morning of Oct. 3. It shows an intense area of rainfall represented by the dark red and black shadings (colder and therefore higher cloud tops) extending from South Carolina to off the Southeast coast. Also shown is Hurricane Joaquin, which peaked as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph at that time.

Despite an early start to the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season, things remained fairly tame through the climatological peak of the season in September.
That suddenly changed when Joaquin rapidly intensified near the Bahamas to become a Category 4 hurricane on the first day of October. By doing so, it was the latest Category 4 (or stronger) hurricane on record to impact the Bahamas.
Not only was Joaquin an intense hurricane, but it also persistently lashed the Bahamas for two days, resulting in severe impacts there. A total blackout was reported on the three hardest-hit islands of the central Bahamas. About 85 percent of the homes in one settlement on Crooked Island were reportedly destroyed.
Joaquin also contributed to the sinking of a cargo ship known as the El Faro, resulting in the deaths of the 33 crew members that were aboard.
Although Joaquin remained well off the U.S. coast, it helped provide an extra injection of moisture to the catastrophic flooding that South Carolina saw from a separate weather system in early October.
(MORE: Hurricane Joaquin Recap)

6.) 65 Atlantic Hurricanes in a Row Have Not Hit Florida

A record 65 straight hurricanes in the Atlantic have missed Florida.

Florida is often at the center of attention when it comes to hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin, which includes the Gulf of Mexico. Despite that fact, another season has gone by without an Atlantic hurricane hitting the state.
(MORE: 10 Years Later, Still No Hurricanes Have Hit Florida)
With hurricanes Danny, Fred, Joaquin and Kate all missing the U.S. in 2015, there have now been 65 hurricanes in a row across the Atlantic Basin that have not hit Florida, a record according to Dr. Phil Klotzbach, a Colorado State University research scientist specializing in tropical cyclones.
The last hurricane to strike the state was Wilma on Oct. 24, 2005, so the Florida hurricane drought has extended past the 10-year mark.
(MORE: Hurricane Wilma: A Look Back, in Photos)

7.) Bill Spends 83 Percent of Its Life Over Land

A look back at the track of Tropical Storm Bill, including the two days before the storm was named, while the system was not yet an official tropical cyclone (just an "invest" tropical wave, being monitored for further organization).

Tropical cyclones may thrive over water, but that does not mean that they cannot move inland. That said, it is unusual for such a storm to remain tropical for any extended period of time over land.
But after making landfall in Texas as a tropical storm, Bill moved north across the Plains and east into the Mississippi and Ohio valleys before finally becoming post-tropical in eastern Kentucky.
Bill spent three days over land, or 83 percent of its total life span as a tropical cyclone, while it was only over water as a named system for about 14 hours.
The most serious impact from Bill was the rainfall flooding it caused in the already saturated south-central states, particularly Texas and Oklahoma.
(MORE: Tropical Storm Bill Leaves Behind Flooding)

8.) Ana, Second Earliest U.S. Tropical Cyclone Landfall on Record

This May 8, 2015 satellite image shows Ana organizing off of the Southeast coast.
(NASA)

The Atlantic hurricane season does not officially begin until June, but that didn't stop an Atlantic tropical storm from making landfall in May.
Tropical Storm Ana began as a subtropical storm on May 7, but transitioned to a purely tropical storm before making landfall near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on May 10.
(MORE: Tropical Storm Ana Recap)
The only other tropical storm to make landfall earlier in a calendar year in the U.S. was an unnamed tropical storm in February 1952, which struck southern Florida.

9.) A Record Late Category 4 Hurricane

Hurricane Sandra as a Category 4 on Nov. 26, 2015. (RAMMB/CIRA)

From Ana's early landfall as a tropical storm in May, we switch gears to a record late Category 4 hurricane in the eastern Pacific.
On Nov. 26, Hurricane Sandra intensified into a Category 4 well off the Pacific coast of Mexico. This made Sandra the latest Category 4 on record in either the eastern Pacific or Atlantic basins. The previous latest Category 4+ tropical cyclone in either the eastern Pacific or Atlantic basins was Hurricane Kenneth on Nov. 22, 2011.
Sandra never made landfall in Mexico since wind shear weakened it quickly, causing it to degenerate into a remnant low south of Cabo San Lucas on Nov. 28.

10.) Three Central/Eastern Pacific Category 4 Hurricanes at the Same Time

On the morning of Aug. 30, 2015, three Category 4 hurricanes can be seen on this satellite image of the Pacific. Kilo (left), Ignacio (center) and Jimena (right).
(NASA)

In late August not one, not two, but three Category 4 hurricanes were active in the central or eastern Pacific Ocean at the same time: Kilo, Ignacio and Jimena. This was the first time on record that this has happened.
(MORE: Three Category 4 Hurricanes in the Pacific Ocean)
The instance of two simultaneous major hurricanes (Kilo and Ignacio) in the central Pacific by itself was also a first for the basin that has seen record tropical cyclone activity this year.
At the time, this was only the third occurrence on record of three major hurricanes or equivalent typhoons (Category 3 or stronger) in the entire north Pacific simultaneously. However, less than two months later, this happened again when Olaf and Patricia were ongoing as major hurricanes in the central and eastern Pacific, while Champi was a Category 3 equivalent typhoon in the western Pacific.

11.) Odd Storm Tracks in the Central and Eastern Pacific

Hurricanes Oho and Olaf took interesting tracks in the central and eastern Pacific in October 2015.

Tropical Storm Olaf became the first tropical cyclone on record to start in the eastern Pacific, move westward into the central Pacific and turn back east into the eastern Pacific in October 2015. By doing so, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) handed off responsibility for tracking the system to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Olaf wasn't the first oddly-tracking system of the season in the central Pacific. Oho developed south of Hawaii and moved northeast earlier in October, most likely joining only 1982's Ema for such a track.
(MORE: Hurricane Oho Recap)
An unnamed hurricane in 1975 also moved northeast in the central Pacific, but to the north of Hawaii. Although the 1975 storm and Ema both crossed the 140 degrees West back into the eastern Pacific before dissipating, Olaf was "almost certainly" the first system handed off between the basins from CPHC to NHC, according to NHC hurricane specialist Eric Blake.

MORE: Hurricanes by the Numbers

10 Things the National Weather Service Wants You to Know about Winter Weather Forecasts

Sean Breslin
Published: November 30,2015

With the return of winter weather, the National Weather Service wants Americans to brush up on their winter forecasting terminology before a huge snowstorm hits.
The State College, Pennsylvania, office of the NWS tweeted 10 pieces of advice for all people to consider when winter weather forecasts are issued, and it's information everyone should know with more frequent snow and ice on the way. Below, we'll discuss each of NWS tips. Meteorologists from The Weather Channel added a few bonus points of advice to the list below.
(MORE: The 10 Worst Ice Storms in U.S. History)

1. "Not everyone in a winter storm warning is going to get a lot of snow/ice. Some will get nothing at all."

Forecasters err on the side of caution to ensure nobody is caught off-guard by a crippling storm, and some winter storm warnings will be too large instead of too small. This allows everyone to be properly warned inside an area that may get hit by the storm, but not everyone will always feel the full effects of the system.

2. "It's very unlikely that any snow amount forecast – especially days in advance – will be exactly right."

Wondering why your area is forecast to receive 8 to 12 inches of snow? The science still isn't precise enough to give your town an exact snow total before the storm starts. If you're seeing forecasts that say your town will get exactly 8.6 inches of snow from an event, take it with a grain of salt. Also, the NWS adds that the snow/sleet line isn't as exact as you'll see on some maps.

3. "Don't focus so much on the exact numbers."

In many cases, the NWS said, forecasters can give you an exact location of where the heaviest snow will fall as opposed to exact snow totals, as mentioned above. Focus on that aspect of the forecast, and if you're in one of those areas predicted to get crushed by snow, take appropriate precautions.

4. "The first forecast numbers won't usually be as good as the ones closer to the event. That's just the way it is."

This one is very important, and it's a complaint forecasters frequently hear. Just because the forecast five days ago said you'd get 12 inches of snow doesn't mean you should stop following the forecast. As meteorologists refine the data, those forecasts may change. If you tuned out five days before the event, you can't complain when the actual event is accurately predicted. It's critical that you follow the forecast, because it may evolve.

5. "Often there will be a small area – maybe a county wide – of heavy snow embedded within the main snow band. It is very difficult to pinpoint exactly where this will set up in advance."

When your forecast says "isolated higher amounts," that's what this means. There's a chance you'll get hit by the heaviest snow from a band, but it's not guaranteed.

6. "Forecasts are updated constantly from days before the event until it actually begins."

This goes back to No. 4. Forecasts could change several times a day when new data comes in, so you should check back frequently. If you don't do that, you'll have old information.

7. "People tend to focus on and remember the highest number, even if it's from a forecast they heard days ago."

"The forecast said 12 inches, why didn't we get 12 inches of snow?" is the type of response sent frequently to your favorite meteorologist all winter long. Chances are, he or she said "8 to 12 inches," but snow-lovers always lock in on the highest number they hear. You should expect to see accumulations in a range give by the forecaster in his or her most recent forecast.

8. "Forecasts ... often get lumped together, and attributed to the generic 'they.'"

We're not responsible for the snow forecast given to you by the person who bags your groceries. Secondhand forecasting is often bad forecasting.

9. "It seems like the more people are talking about it, the worse it's going to be, but that's not always the case."

Social media tends to blow weather events out of proportion, and it seems the further out we can forecast a big event, the crazier the chatter gets. If the forecast for a snow event in your area seems too good to be true, it probably is. That's a good sign to check in with a trusted forecaster and see what's the latest.

10. "Having too much snow forecast information can be confusing."

Yes, there can be too much of a good thing. Social media-rologists can post forecast model data with gaudy forecasts that probably won't pan out because they get a lot of shares due to their eye-popping information. Again, trusted sources are the way to go when you're looking for the best forecast.

BONUS: "Timing can mean everything."

From Tom Niziol, winter weather expert at The Weather Channel: "Often it is not the amount of snow or ice that may occur, but the time of the day and the day of the week that can determine the impacts on the public. If you are expecting winter weather during the high volume traffic times of the day or week and can at all avoid getting out on the road, you will save yourself a lot of grief."

BONUS: "Not all precipitation is created equally."

With regards to model data, allow meteorologists to give you that; don't try to read it on your own. If a model shows 8 inches of precipitation, that could mean 8 inches of rain. But when converted to snow, that could mean a whole lot more.
From Mark Elliot, meteorologist at The Weather Channel: "One inch of rain can turn into anywhere from 5 to 50ish inches of snow, so small errors in the precipitation forecast can have huge repercussions in the world of snow forecasting."
MORE: Best Images of Winter 2014-15

Winter Storm Cara State-by-State: 17 Killed in Southern Plains; Thousands Still Without Power in Oklahoma

November 30,2015

Over the holiday weekend, Winter Storm Cara triggered icy conditions in the Southern Plains, knocked out power to more than 110,000 Oklahoma customers, and dumped more than a foot of snow in some areas. Although Cara is winding down, power outages persist and have even worsened in some areas since the storm waned.
At least 17 people were killed by the storm system. Several of those deaths occurred on icy roadways, while others stemmed from flooding on the system's rainy side.
(MORE: Winter Storm Delphi Has Been Named)
Here are the latest impacts from Cara in both the central and western United States.

Kansas

Authorities have blamed icy conditions for six deaths statewide, including four traffic deaths in the Wichita area Saturday.

According to Harvey County Sheriff T. Walton, icy roads caused a crash Friday afternoon that left two dead southeast of Newton. The Kansas Turnpike Authority reports that two more people were killed just hours later after a tractor trailer was jack-knifed and struck an SUV on an icy stretch of Interstate 35.

Two other traffic-related deaths caused by icy road conditions occurred in western Kansas. Friday in Hodgeman County, a car ran off an icy road, hit a ditch and rolled, killing the driver. On Thursday, another motorist died near Holcomb when he was ejected from a pickup that hit ice, rolled and struck a car.

In Reno County, an ice storm caused downed tree limbs and power lines across the area, leaving more than 600 homes without power, according to the National Weather Service.

Icy conditions in Sedgewick County also caused downed power lines, leaving 100 homes powerless. In Butler County, an ice storm left 820 homes without power.

Westar Energy reported that about 4,500 customers were affected by power outages in the Wichita area Friday.

The ice storm caused a widespread power outage in the city of Anthony, according to the NWS.

Texas

Three people were killed Thursday evening due to an ice-related car crash on I-40 near Vega, according to the NWS.
(MORE: 5 Killed by Southern Plains Flooding)
In Amarillo, a semi truck crashed into an Outback Steakhouse off I-40 near South Coulter Street. In a release, Amarillo police said the semi was hit by a pickup truck, sending it flying into several trees and the restaurant parking lot where it would hit roughly six cars before slamming into the west side of the building. ABC 7 reports that the entire front cab of the truck was inside the restaurant. Patrons inside the restaurant were evacuated and all staff were accounted for.
"We are in the middle of Winter Storm Cara and as you can see ... there is ice all over the road," said Adria Iraheta, a reporter for KVII-TV in Amarillo in a Periscope video shot at the scene of the crash.

Oklahoma

Winds, freezing rain and sleet affected power lines northwest of Oklahoma City, leaving more than 100,000 customers without power. Days after Cara arrived, nearly 65,000 homes and businesses were still without power as a new week began.
According to the OG&E website, more than 58,000 customers remained without power Monday morning, mainly in the Oklahoma City area.
Cara's legacy in the Sooner State will certainly be the thick ice it left behind. That ice coated everything, from trees to power lines, cars and roadways. Ice accretion surpassed an inch in thickness in some areas – enough to yield widespread tree and power line damage.

North of Oklahoma City, officials in Enid have asked residents to conserve water until power can be restored to the water wells, EnidNews.com reported.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol tweeted Saturday that several roads were closed due to downed power lines. Additionally, downed power lines caused the closure of the Kilpatrick Turnpike. All have since been reopened.
A state of emergency was declared by Gov. Mary Fallin due to the crippling ice storm.
Oklahoma City firefighters responded to at least 11 house fires during the storm, many of which were started by falling power lines, NewsOK.com reported.
"Many lines involved trees and leaves on fire and what have you," Oklahoma City Fire Chief Benny Fulkerson told NewsOK.com. "Two house fires started due to the weight of icy power lines. A firefighter sustained a leg injury on one of those fires and was transported."
Residents, trapped indoors as large limbs fell and roads were impassible, tried to stay upbeat despite a holiday storm that left so many powerless.
"That's nature," Oklahoma City resident Karen Cowan told KFOR.com. "That's what happens."

Minnesota

Snow covered roads caused multiple crashes and spinouts, including a jack-knifed semi, along I-90 between Adrian and Jackson Thursday morning the Minnesota Department of Transportation reported. Roads are completely or partially covered with snow over a large swath of the southern part of the state.
The Minnesota State Patrol reported there were 139 crashes, including 64 vehicles going off road and 21 rollovers, as of 9 p.m. Thursday, reported WCCO-TV.

Missouri

Three traffic deaths were reported due to icy or wet roads in Missouri. The Kansas City Star reports that all of the accidents took place in the 13 counties in west-central Missouri patrolled by Missouri Highway Patrol’s Troop A.
One man was killed on the Missouri side of Kansas City after losing control of his truck and overturning it on an icy patch of 210 Highway near Eldon Road. According to Fox 4, the truck went over a curb, through a median, and hit a guardrail before landing on the other side of the highway.
In St. Joseph, local police responded to 18 vehicular accidents between 5 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday. None of those accidents were fatal, according to St. Joseph News-Press.

Utah

A man was killed on icy roads Friday near Cedar City, officials confirmed to Deseret News.
The driver, whose identity has not been released, lost control of his 2002 Toyota Tacoma while traveling north on I-15. The car hit a patch of black ice, officials told Deseret News, and was not wearing a seat belt. He was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene, the report added.

Wyoming

Thursday the Wyoming Highway Patrol looked into 52 crashes through 1 p.m., reports KGWN. Seventeen crashes involved injuries, 33 were identified as property damage only and two were listed as hit and run with property damage only. Troopers also assisted 107 motorists whose vehicles were stranded or broken down.
US 191 was closed due to winter conditions between the Utah state line and I-80 Thursday morning.

Idaho

The National Weather Service in Pocatello reported multiple vehicles slid off the road on Interstate 15 Wednesday afternoon in the Fort Hall area, where KPVI reported traffic on the highway was at a standstill.

California

After some motorists became trapped in the snow, roadways had to be shut down, reports the Los Angeles Times.
Officials were forced to shut down two roadways due to snowfall near Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Thursday. On Highway 189, the area stretching from Lake Gregory to Strawberry Lodge were closed due to snow, as well.
Road conditions on Interstate 80 led to spin-outs Tuesday, and the California Department of Transportation reported that chains were required on all vehicles except those equipped with snow tires on all four wheels in several stretches of road throughout the states. Check the latest travel conditions here.

Montana

Inclement conditions prompted the Missoula County Sheriff's Office to advise motorists against traveling, unless for an emergency, Tuesday night, NBC Montana reported. Poor conditions also caused Mountain Line buses to experience delays, and in one case, cancel route operations.
North of Missoula, ice forced the closure of U.S. Highway 93 for several hours on Tuesday, according to the Missoulian. The highway reopened at 7 p.m. local time Tuesday night, the report added.
"Vehicles aren't able to gain enough speed to get up the hill." the Missoula County Sheriff's Department posted on Facebook during the closure. "At this time, there is one lane of traffic moving SLOWLY! Deputies are out and advising that people only drive if it's absolutely necessary. Be safe out there!"

Multiple accidents, including jackknifed semis and bus incidents, were reported in the Flathead and Missoula areas, some of which resulted in injuries, NBC Montana added.

Nevada

With winds up to 60 miles per hour in Lake Tahoe, residents in northern Nevada faced upwards of 3,000 power outages before noon Tuesday. High winds also accompanied a reported dust storm in Pershing County and Churchill County, with reduced visibility threatening road conditions in both locations.  
"Dry southwesterly winds gusted as high as 46 mph along Interstate 80 near Lovelock around midday Tuesday," Wiltgen said. "Those winds were blowing across the Humboldt Sink, an intermittent dry lake bed in that area, and kicking up blowing dust as a result."
Heavy snow along I-80 caused multiple crashes but no major accidents from Reno across state lines to Truckee, California. "Lots of wrecks, lots of snow," California Highway Patrol Trooper Jeff Billings told the Reno Gazette-Journal. "The best thing to do is to not even go [on I-80]."

Oregon

Heavy snowfall along Interstate 5 caused multiple car accidents and delays, according to TripCheck.

Washington

Strong winds gusting 25 to 40 miles per hour caused downed trees and power lines in Kitsap County, west of Seattle, KIRO-TV reported, affecting more than 40,000 Puget Sound Energy customers and causing several closures. Crews worked overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday morning to restore power to those residents.

Several Kitsap County roads were closed due to downed trees or power lines, KIRO-TV also reported.
Snow on the ground has schools delayed and closing in the Yakima Valley; see the latest here. The Spokesman-Review reports Spokane Public Schools also canceled classes Tuesday, the fifth day of closures for the district, starting their Thanksgiving vacation a day early.
Meanwhile, thousands of customers in Spokane remained without power during Winter Storm Cara, one week after wind storms hit the state and caused what the utility company called the worst natural disaster Avista has experienced in its 126-year history.
“We are keenly aware of the hardship, stress and frustration people are experiencing, particularly with today’s weather and the holiday approaching,” said Avista CEO Scott Morris. “Our crews and support staff will be working through the Thanksgiving holiday, and we will do what it takes to restore power to every last customer.”
In a press release Friday, Avista said the final customers were returned to service at 3:45 a.m. Friday, some 10 days after the wind event.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Locally Heavy Rain Spreads Through South and East Ahead of Winter Storm Delphi

November 30,2015

No severe thunderstorms are forecast as we head into December, as instability is expected to be too weak for thunderstorm activity.
The combination of subtropical moisture and a slow moving low pressure system will set the stage for locally heavy rain, which will move through the South and East through Wednesday, potentially creating some travel impacts. This rain is ahead of Winter Storm Delphi, which is dumping snow on the Midwest to start this week.
(MORE: Winter Storm Delphi Forecast)

Flood Alerts

Some localized flooding is possible in the southern Appalachians, and the National Weather Service has posted flood watches for parts of eastern Tennessee, southwest Virginia, western North Carolina, far northwestern South Carolina, northern Georgia and northeastern Alabama through Wednesday.
The soaked southern Plains will see much drier conditions this upcoming week after the flooding that was observed over Thanksgiving weekend.

Thunderstorm Forecast

Tuesday - Wednesday

• No organized severe thunderstorm activity is expected as a relatively stable environment is forecast across the country.
• Rain will spread from the South into parts of the Midwest and Northeast through Wednesday night. The rain may be locally heavy at times which may cause some localized flash flooding, as well as river flooding.
• A swath stretching from the Tennessee Valley to the southern Appalachians and mid-Atlantic has the potential for 1 to 3 additional inches of rainfall through Wednesday, with locally higher amounts possible.
• An isolated thunderstorm may develop from the Mid-Atlantic to northern Florida on Wednesday, as a cold front approaches. Severe thunderstorms, however, remain unlikely.

​

Rainfall Forecast

Thursday - Sunday

• A few thunderstorms may develop ahead of a cold front in central and southern Florida on Thursday and into early Friday, but severe thunderstorms are not expected.
• Thunderstorms are not likely this weekend. A few showers are possible in portions of the central and southern Plains Saturday night and Sunday. 
• Otherwise, rain is expected along the Pacific Northwest coast through the weekend.

For specific tornado threat forecasts, check out the latest TOR:CON forecasts from severe weather expert, Dr. Greg Forbes.

Current Radar with Watches and Warnings

The radar map(s) above focus on the most likely areas for severe weather and/or flash flooding, if any. Maps update every five minutes; refresh this page for the latest image.
For radar and watch/warning information in other areas of the country, click on the links below.
(MORE: View National Interactive Radar Map | Difference Between a Watch and a Warning)

Snapped an Awesome Shot? Share Your Photo!

If you crave pictures of severe weather, you've found your home here. Upload your photos or video (taking care to only take photos and videos from a safe location) and share your experience!
(PHOTO/VIDEO GALLERIES: Severe | Storms)
MORE: Fall Tornado Outbreak of Nov. 21-23, 1992

Winter Storm Delphi Bringing More Snow to Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, Including Minneapolis

Jon Erdman
Published: November 30,2015

Winter Storm Delphi continues to dump snow, heavy at times, along with some sleet and freezing rain on the northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Snowfall rates of one to locally more than two inches per hour have been reported from Delphi at times on Monday.
(LATEST NEWS: Delphi's Impacts in the Midwest)
The snow will create potentially dangerous travel conditions in those regions, impacting metro areas such as Minneapolis/St. Paul, Sioux City, Iowa, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Locally up to a foot of snow is possible in some areas by the time the heaviest snow winds down later Tuesday.
(MORE: Science Behind Naming Winter Storms)

Current Radar

As of Monday evening, the National Weather Service had posted winter storm warnings in parts of four states, including northeastern Nebraska, eastern South Dakota, southwest/south-central Minnesota and the northwestern half of Iowa. Winter weather advisories are in effect across a larger area from central Nebraska to northern Wisconsin and northeast Minnesota, where somewhat lower snowfall totals are anticipated.

Current Alerts

Winter Storm Delphi Snow Forecast

Snowfall Forecast

With some uncertainty remaining in the forecast depending on how the storm system evolves, here is the general snow total outlook through Tuesday night:

• At least 5 inches of snow possible (locally up to 12 inches): parts of northeast Nebraska, eastern/central South Dakota, extreme southeast North Dakota, the northwest half of Iowa, southern/central/northeast Minnesota, and northwestern Wisconsin. This includes Sioux City, Iowa, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Watertown, South Dakota, Mankato, Minnesota, Duluth, Minnesota, and Minneapolis/St. Paul.
• Lighter snowfall possible: Northern Minnesota, eastern Colorado, northern Kansas, western/central/southern Nebraska, western South Dakota, southern North Dakota, northeast Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This includes Fargo, North Dakota, Omaha, Nebraska, La Crosse, Wisconsin, Bismarck, North Dakota, and North Platte, Nebraska.
• Ice: Light ice accumulations are possible from central and northeast Kansas to central Iowa, extreme southeast Minnesota, west-central/northern Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

(FORECASTS: Omaha | Sioux Falls | Minneapolis/St. Paul)
Parts of southeast South Dakota, northeast Nebraska and northern Iowa just finished digging out from Winter Storm Bella, which dumped up to 18 inches of snow near Sioux Falls Nov. 20.
At the same time, Minneapolis/St. Paul finally picked up its first measurable snowfall of the season on Thanksgiving Day, their seventh latest "first snow" of the season on record.
The last snowstorm of 6 inches or more in the Twin Cities (airport) was April 3-4, 2014. The last official 10 inch snowstorm at the airport was Dec. 9, 2012 when 10.5 inches accumulated.

Winter Storm Delphi Snow Timing

Into Early Tuesday Morning

Snow, possibly heavy, continues in parts of the northern and central Plains, including South Dakota, North Dakota, northern Nebraska, parts of northwest Iowa, as well as Minnesota. Mixed wintry precipitation is expected from central Iowa into far southeastern Minnesota and into northeastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Some blowing and drifting snow is also possible in the Dakotas and Nebraska Monday night.
Travel should be avoided in the areas mentioned above, including I-35, I-94, I-90 and I-29.

Dark blue shading indicates areas where snow is most likely. Pink areas indicate either rain or snow may fall. Purple-shaded areas indicate sleet or freezing rain is possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

Leftover snow is possible in the northern Great Lakes and Upper Midwest, from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to northern/western Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, northeast Nebraska and parts of the Dakotas.
This has the potential to disrupt both the morning and afternoon commutes in Minneapolis/St. Paul, and leftover snow and wind in the morning could also pose problems in Sioux Falls.
Snow lingering snow or a rain/snow mixture may pivot through the Great Lakes on Wednesday, however any accumulations will be minor.

Tuesday's Forecast

Snow and Ice Reports

Late Monday morning and into Monday afternoon, heavy snow was reported in parts of northeast Nebraska, southeast South Dakota, southwest Minnesota, and northwest Iowa. In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 4.7 inches of snow had fallen as of 1 p.m. CST Monday, with 3.7 inches of that falling in just two hours and as of 9 p.m. 8 inches had piled up just south-southeast of Sioux Falls.
Farther south, 8 inches of snow has accumulated in Sioux City, Iowa, as of just before 4 p.m. CST. Nebraska has also measured some decent snowfall totals with 7.5 inches near Grant and 7 inches south of Valentine as of 1 p.m. CST. South Sioux City, Nebraska reported 6.5 inches of snow through 4 p.m. CST. In southwestern Minnesota, Luverne reported just over 7 inches of snow through 6:30 p.m. CST.
A burst of moderate to heavy snow moved into the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area early Monday morning, dumping 1-3 inches on parts of the Twin Cities and another band of snow moved through the area Monday evening. St. Paul measured 4 inches of snow through 9 p.m. CST.
Sunday night into early Monday, Denver saw some light snow accumulations from Delphi, with 1.5 inches officially measured at the airport northeast of the city.

Snowfall Totals

Freezing rain has also been observed with 0.25" of ice reported in Carroll, Iowa through 12 p.m. Monday. Roads and sidewalks iced over in Fort Dodge, Iowa early Monday morning.

Winter Storm Delphi Setup

Forecast location of the upper-level low pressure system on Tuesday in the Great Lakes. This system stalled in the Great Basin over much of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Low pressure in the upper atmosphere had been stuck swirling over the Great Basin during the Thanksgiving holiday, trapped to the south of a corresponding area of high pressure aloft in an atmospheric logjam known to meteorologists as a "Rex block".
As a result, the weather had been rather stagnant and unchangeable, with periods of freezing rain, sleet and snow in the Plains and West from Winter Storm Cara in recent days.
Now, that blocked-up jet stream pattern has finally given way.
The upper-level low mentioned above is now pivoting east into the Midwest. As it does so, moisture in the atmosphere will be lifted, and cold air in place will yield a swath of snow into Tuesday night from the High Plains to the Corn Belt, Upper Mississippi Valley and northern Great Lakes.

MORE: Winter Storm Delphi (PHOTOS)

This Date in Weather History for November 30,2015 from weatherforyou.com

Weather History
For Monday,November 30,2015

 

 

 

 

1875 - A severe early season cold wave set November records in the northeastern U.S. The temperature dipped to 5 above zero at New York City, 2 below at Boston MA, and 13 below at Eastport ME. (David Ludlum)

1957 - Lee slope winds enhanced by Hurricane Nina gusted to 82 mph at Honolulu, Hawaii, a record wind gust for that location. Wainiha, on the island of Kauai, was deluged with 20.42 inches of rain, and 35 foot waves pounded some Kauai beaches, even though the eye of the hurricane was never within 120 miles of the islands. (30th-1st) (The Weather Channel)

1967 - A record November snowstorm struck the Washington D.C. area. It produced up to a foot of snow in a 12 hour period. (David Ludlum)

1976 - MacLeod Harbor, AK, reported a precipitation total for November of 70.99 inches, which established a state record for any month of the year. (The National Weather Summary)

1987 - Showers produced heavy rain in the northeastern U.S. Up to three inches of rain drenched the Brandywine Creek Basin of Pennsylvania, and rainfall totals in Vermont ranged up to two inches at Dorsett. Snow fell heavily across Upper Michigan as gale force winds prevailed over Lake Superior. A storm moving into the northwestern U.S. produced gale force winds along the northern and central Pacific coast. (The National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)

1988 - Snow in the Upper Great Lakes Region pushed the precipitation total for the month at Marquette, MI, past their previous November record of 7.67 inches. Santa Anna winds in southern California gusted to 75 mph at Laguna Peak. (The National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)

1989 - Squalls produced heavy snow in the Lower Great Lakes Region, with 15 inches reported at Chaffee, NY, and at Barnes Corners NY. Tropical Storm Karen drenched parts of Cuba with heavy rain. Punta Del Este reported fourteen inches of rain in 24 hours. (The National Weather Summary) (Storm Data)

Early-Week Snowstorm to Create Messy Travel Across Upper Midwestern US

By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist

November 30,2015; 11:39PM,EST

 

 

Snow and spotty ice will swing across parts of the central and northern Plains to the Upper Midwest as November ends and December begins.
The latest round of winterlike precipitation could hinder back-to-work and school activities for millions in part of the north-central United States.
The storm will bring another round of slippery travel in portions of the interstate 29, 35, 80, 90 and 94 corridors. In some areas the slippery conditions will be the result of powdery snow and in others slush.

"The storm will bring heavy snow on its northwest flank, rain to the southeast and mainly a rain/snow mix in between," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said.
There will also be a period of icy mix, but according to Anderson, "This will not be a setup for a long-lasting widespread ice storm with temperatures forecast to be too warm near the ground along much of the storm track."
As the storm rolls northeastward, it will grab lingering moisture over the Plains produce a swath of moderate to heavy snow. Where rain and sleet do not mix in, several inches of snow will accumulate.

The heaviest snow totals, 6-10 inches, are expected to focus around Minneapolis, Sioux City, Iowa, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Snow from the storm early this week will overlap snow that fell around Thanksgiving Day in some areas and the previous weekend in other areas.
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El Nino-Driven Weather Pattern to Shape White Christmas Likelihood Across US
The snow and icy mix swing across parts of eastern Nebraska, Iowa and southern Minnesota through Monday night.
The storm brought slippery travel from Denver to Omaha, Nebraska, with a pocket of heavy snow in eastern Minnesota spanning Sunday night into Monday.
The worst of the storm will stretch from Sioux City, Iowa, to Huron, South Dakota, Fargo, North Dakota and Minneapolis during Monday night into Tuesday.

Ice Storm in Oklahoma Causes Widespread Power Outages

Most of the small amount of freezing rain and sleet associated with the storm will be north and west of the areas hardest hit by the Thanksgiving weekend ice storm.
Before moving into northwestern Ontario, the final stop for the snow in the United States will be northern Minnesota, northern and central Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on Tuesday.

Intermittent snow and flurries will linger over parts of the central and northern Plains to the Upper Midwest on Tuesday.
While the storm will bring mostly rain to Chicago and Detroit, a brief push of cold air in the wake of the storm can deliver snow showers to these cities and other areas around the Great Lakes region during the middle of this week.
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski contributed to the content of this story.

 

Warmth to Kick Off December in the Northeast US

By Brian Thompson, Meteorologist

November 30,2015; 11:37PM,EST

After the brief shot of chilly air this past weekend, the month of December will start out mild across the Northeast.
Unlike the warmth around Thanksgiving, this warmup will be accompanied by clouds and rain.

Rain to Spread Across Northeast Through Tuesday

The rain is not expected to be heavy, but umbrellas will come in handy on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"[As the rain arrives], there is an outside possibility that some interior places could briefly start with some freezing rain," stated AccuWeather Meteorologist Dave Samuhel, "such as the highest elevations of the Poconos, Adirondacks, and mountains of New England."
"But any major problems are highly unlikely."
Highs in the middle and upper 50s Fahrenheit are expected on Tuesday from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia with the warmth expanding to New York City and Boston on Wednesday. Some spots may even hit 60 F in the mid-Atlantic.

While not record-breaking warmth, the mild air will allow December to pick up where November left off. For many cities across the Northeast, this November will be one of the warmest on record.
The mild conditions will be most noticeable at night for many. Low temperatures will not drop below 50 in many spots on Tuesday night due to the clouds and showers.
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Check AccuWeather MinuteCast® for Your Location
Temperatures will get a boost from upstate New York into northern New England, but will come up well short of the warmth around Thanksgiving.
Syracuse, New York, will see temperatures bounce back to near 50 F by Wednesday, coming up well short of the 66-degree reading on Black Friday.
A cold front will begin to swing through on Wednesday and should begin to introduce cooler and drier air by Thursday.
AccuWeather long-range meteorologists are anticipating above-average temperatures in Washington, D.C., Baltimore and throughout the Northeast states during much of December.
According to AccuWeather Meteorologists Ben Noll, "Opportunities for snow much of this month will be slim along the mid-Atlantic and southern New England coasts."
Noll stated that there are some signs the weather may turn colder toward the tail end of the month, but how cold and whether or not snow will be involved is uncertain this far out.

Content contributed by AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.

Rain, Mild Air to Greet Spectators at 2015 NYC Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting

By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist

November 30,2015; 11:30PM,EST

 

 

Tens of thousands will gather in rainy and mild conditions at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015, for the 83rd annual Christmas tree lighting.
A slow-moving storm system will affect the city and much of the Northeast on Wednesday with wet weather and travel delays.

"Intermittent rain, drizzle and fog will affect New York City during the day Wednesday and into the evening hours, so people will want to wear a raincoat and waterproof shoes," AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams said.
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New York Interactive Weather Radar
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Enough rain will fall to cause large puddles to form on city streets. Pedestrians will want to walk with caution due to the potential for poor visibility at times and the threat of being sprayed by passing cars.
People attending the festivities from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. EST can leave their heavy coats and scarves at home.
"With temperatures hovering in the 50s through Wednesday evening, people will not have to brave frigid conditions, nor bundle up for dear life," Abrams said.
The 78-foot-tall Norway Spruce will be adorned with approximately 30,000 LED lights and a Swarovski Star, according to NYC Insider Guide.
In a Friday, Nov. 6, 2015, file photo, a Norway Spruce at least 75 feet high, from Gardiner, N.Y., draws attention after being placed in its new location as the 2015 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, in New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)
When lit, the tree should be a bright spot at the end of a rainy day in Manhattan.
AccuWeather long-range meteorologists are anticipating above-average temperatures in New York City and throughout the Northeast states during much of December.
According to AccuWeather Meteorologists Ben Noll, "Opportunities for snow much of this month will be slim along the mid-Atlantic and southern New England coasts."
Noll stated that there are some signs the weather may turn colder toward the tail end of the month, but how cold and whether or not snow will be involved is uncertain this far out.

Rain to Depart DC in Time for 2015 National Christmas Tree Lighting

By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist

November 30,2015; 11:26PM,EST

 

 

Dry and seasonable weather conditions are in the offing for the annual lighting of the National Christmas Tree, in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015.
The tree will be set up on the Ellipse at President's Park. Concert activities will begin at 5:00 p.m. EST.
The slow-moving storm responsible for rainy weather in the local area since this past weekend will have departed the scene by early Thursday morning.

Soggy for the Northeast, Midweek

The storm will expand across the Northeast Tuesday and Wednesday and will bring a thorough soaking to many locations.
According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Carl Erickson, people spending the day and the evening on Thursday in Washington, D.C., will not have to worry about getting wet.
RELATED:
Detailed Washington, D.C., Forecast
Maryland/Virginia Interactive Weather Radar
AccuWeather MinuteCast® for Washington, D.C.
"Some sunshine is in store with early afternoon temperatures in the lower 50s F, which will slip back into the upper 40s during the tree lighting ceremony early in the evening," Erickson said.

People who mind cool weather may want to wear a warm jacket.
A breeze will average 10-20 mph and will make for AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures in the lower 40s during much of the day.
"The breeze will diminish toward evening," Erickson said.
People staying in town will have a stretch of dry and sunny weather from Friday through at least Sunday with highs in the 50s.
AccuWeather long-range meteorologists are anticipating above-average temperatures in Washington, D.C., Baltimore and throughout the Northeast states during much of December.
According to AccuWeather Meteorologists Ben Noll, "Opportunities for snow much of this month will be slim along the mid-Atlantic and southern New England coasts."
Noll stated that there are some signs the weather may turn colder toward the tail end of the month, but how cold and whether or not snow will be involved is uncertain this far out.

 

Germany: Damp Tuesday, Mild and Dry Wednesday

By Eric Leister, Meteorologist

November 30,2015; 11:22PM,EST

 

 

A slow-moving frontal boundary will bring periods of rain to Germany Tuesday.
Following the passage of this front, dry and milder weather is expected on Wednesday country-wide.
Rainfall will advance from southwest to northeast across Germany, soaking southern and central parts of the country on Tuesday before advancing into northeast and eastern Germany Tuesday night.

Rainfall will generally average less than 12 mm (0.50 of an inch) with the heaviest rainfall expected in central Germany including Cologne, Frankfurt and Nuremberg.
In Berlin, the rain will hold off until Tuesday night when off and on rainfall is expected. Rainfall will total less than 6 mm (0.25 of an inch) before departing during the predawn hours on Wednesday.
RELATED:
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MinuteCast® for Your Location
Interactive Germany Weather Radar
A southwest flow will usher dry and milder air into all of Germany on Wednesday. High temperatures will range from 8-11 C (46-52 F) across the entire country.
Dry weather is expected on Friday with continued mild air across the country.
A weak cold front will then bring the return of some showers on Friday, though temperatures will remain mild into the weekend.

 

UK: Rainy Spells to Spread Across North Into Wednesday; South to Remain Mild

By Eric Leister, Meteorologist

November 30,2015; 11:20PM,EST

 

 

On the heels of a mild November, December will start with well above-normal temperatures across all of the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Temperatures on Tuesday will range from 10-14 C (50-57 F) across Wales, England and Northern Ireland. Temperatures in Scotland will range from 8-12 C (46-54 F).

While it will be mild, rain will fall across Northern Ireland in the morning and last throughout the day in Scotland.
Largely dry weather is expected in Wales and England with a gusty southwest wind.
On Wednesday, showers will be widespread across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland, with some rainfall reaching Wales and northern England in the afternoon.
RELATED:
Europe Weather Center
MinuteCast® for Your Location
Interactive United Kingdom Weather Radar
Central and southern England will remain dry with continued unseasonable warmth.
Spells of rain will shift in Wales and England on Thursday, with drier weather expected across areas farther north.
On Friday, rain will return to Northern Ireland and Scotland as a potent storm system brings the return of strong winds to the United Kingdom.

World Weather Hot Spot for November 30-December 1,2015 from accuweather.com

The Netherlands: A storm brought wind gusts up to 78-mph on Monday (November 30,2015)

WeatherWhys for November 30,2015 from accuweather.com

The Atlantic and eastern Pacific hurricane season officially comes to a close today. The 2016 season will begin in early June.

National Temperature and Rainfall Extremes for November 30,2015 from weatherforyou.com

As of 12:30AM,EST/9:30PM,PST

Daily U.S. Extremes

past 24 hours

	Extreme	Location
High	85°	Punta Gorda, FL
Low	-20°	Wisdom, MT
Precip	1.77"	Andrews, NC

At Least 11 Dead As Winter Storm Cara Slams Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas

Anna Norris
Published: November 29,2015

Winter Storm Cara has proven a wintry menace across much of the country, creating icy conditions that contributed to at least 11 deaths, knocking out power to more than 110,000 Oklahoma customers, and dumping more than a foot of snow in some areas. Although the storm is winding down, lingering freezing rain and freezing drizzle will continue to impact parts of the Plains into Sunday afternoon.
(MORE: Winter Storm Cara Forecast)
Here are the latest impacts as Cara in the in both the central and western United States.

Kansas

Authorities have blamed icy conditions for six deaths statewide, including four traffic deaths in the Wichita area Saturday.

According to Harvey County Sheriff T. Walton, icy roads caused a crash Friday afternoon that left two dead southeast of Newton. The Kansas Turnpike Authority reports that two more people were killed just hours later after a tractor trailer was jack-knifed and struck an SUV on an icy stretch of Interstate 35.

Two other traffic-related deaths caused by icy road conditions occurred in western Kansas. Friday in Hodgeman County, a car ran off an icy road, hit a ditch and rolled, killing the driver. Thursday another motorist died near Holcomb when he was ejected from a pickup that hit some ice, rolled and hit a car.

In Reno County, an ice storm caused downed tree limbs and power lines across the area, leaving more than 600 homes without power, according to NWS.

An ice storm in Sedgewick County also caused downed power lines, leaving 100 homes powerless. In Butler County, an ice storm left 820 homes without power, 

Westar Energy reported that about 4,500 customers were affected by power outages in the Wichita area Friday.

The ice storm caused a widespread power outage in the city of Anthony, according to the National Weather Service. 

Texas

Three people were killed Thursday evening due to an ice-related car crash on Interstate 40 near Vega, according to NWS.
In Amarillo, a semi truck crashed into an Outback Steakhouse off Interstate 40 near South Coulter Street. In a release, Amarillo police said the semi was struck by a pickup truck  sending it flying into several trees, and the restaurant parking lot where it would hit roughly six cars before slamming into the west side of the building. ABC 7 reports that the entire front cab of the truck was inside the restaurant. Patrons inside the restaurant were evacuated and all staff were accounted for.
"We are in the middle of Winter Storm Cara and as you can see ... there is ice all over the road," said Adria Iraheta, a reporter for KVII-TV in Amarillo in a Periscope video shot at the scene of the crash.

Oklahoma

Winds, freezing rain and sleet affected power lines northwest of Oklahoma City, leaving more than 100,000 customers without power.
According to the OG&E website, 56,403 customers were without power around midday Saturday, mainly in the Oklahoma City area. Caddo Electric Company reported that about 14,000 of their 18,000 customers were powerless Wednesday afternoon in areas just southwest of Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma's other large power utility, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, reported nearly 10,000 customers in the dark around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, mostly in southwest Oklahoma.
Multiple smaller electric cooperatives also reported power loss for their customers. As of 2:30 p.m. Wednesday those included Oklahoma Electric Cooperative with about 2,000 (down from 6,000 in the morning); Cimmaron Electric Cooperative with 2,355; and Alfalfa Electric Cooperative with 2,271 people without power. Around midday, 38 percent of Alfalfa's 8,453 customers had been without power.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol tweeted Saturday that several roads were closed due to downed power lines. Additionally, downed power lines caused the closure of the Kilpatrick Turnpike. All have been re-opened.

Minnesota

Snow covered roads caused multiple crashes and spinouts, including a jacknifed semi, along I-90 between Adrian and Jackson Thursday morning the Minnesota Department of Transportation reported. Roads are completely or partially covered with snow over a large swath of the southern part of the state.
The Minnesota State Patrol reported there were 139 crashes, including 64 vehicles going off road and 21 rollovers, as of 9 p.m. Thursday, reported WCCO-TV.

Missouri

Four traffic deaths were reported due to icy roads in Missouri. The Kansas City Star reports that all of the accidents took place in the 13 counties in west-central Missouri patrolled by Missouri Highway Patrol’s Troop A.
One man was killed on the Missouri side of Kansas City after losing control of his truck and overturning it on an icy patch of 210 Highway near Eldon Road. According to Fox 4, the truck went over a curb, through a median, and hit a guardrail before landing on the other side of the highway.
In St. Joseph, local police responded to 18 vehicular accidents between 5 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday. None of those accidents were fatal, according to St. Joseph News-Press.

Wyoming

Thursday the Wyoming Highway Patrol looked into 52 crashes through 1 p.m., reports KGWN. Seventeen crashes involved injuries, 33 were identified as property damage only and two were listed as hit and run with property damage only. Troopers also assisted 107 motorists whose vehicles were stranded or broken down.
US 191 was closed due to winter conditions between the Utah state line and I-80 Thursday morning.

Idaho

The National Weather Service in Pocatello reported multiple vehicles slid off the road on Interstate 15 Wednesday afternoon in the Fort Hall area, where KPVI reported traffic on the highway was at a standstill.

California

After some motorists became trapped in the snow, roadways had to be shut down, reports the Los Angeles Times.
Officials were forced to shut down two roadways due to snowfall near Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Thursday. On Highway 189, the area stretching from Lake Gregory to Strawberry Lodge were closed due to snow, as well.
Road conditions on Interstate 80 led to spin-outs Tuesday, and the California Department of Transportation reported that chains were required on all vehicles except those equipped with snow tires on all four wheels in several stretches of road throughout the states. Check the latest travel conditions here.

Montana

Inclement conditions prompted the Missoula County Sheriff's Office to advise motorists against traveling, unless for an emergency, Tuesday night, NBC Montana reported. Poor conditions also caused Mountain Line buses to experience delays, and in one case, cancel route operations.
North of Missoula, ice forced the closure of U.S. Highway 93 for several hours on Tuesday, according to the Missoulian. The highway reopened at 7 p.m. local time Tuesday night, the report added.
"Vehicles aren't able to gain enough speed to get up the hill." the Missoula County Sheriff's Department posted on Facebook during the closure. "At this time, there is one lane of traffic moving SLOWLY! Deputies are out and advising that people only drive if it's absolutely necessary. Be safe out there!"

Multiple accidents, including jackknifed semis and bus incidents, were reported in the Flathead and Missoula areas, some of which resulted in injuries, NBC Montana added.

Nevada

With winds up to 60 miles per hour in Lake Tahoe, residents in northern Nevada faced upwards of 3,000 power outages before noon Tuesday. High winds also accompanied a reported dust storm in Pershing County and Churchill County, with reduced visibility threatening road conditions in both locations.  
"Dry southwesterly winds gusted as high as 46 mph along Interstate 80 near Lovelock around midday Tuesday," Wiltgen said. "Those winds were blowing across the Humboldt Sink, an intermittent dry lake bed in that area, and kicking up blowing dust as a result."
Heavy snow along I-80 caused multiple crashes but no major accidents from Reno across state lines to Truckee, California. "Lots of wrecks, lots of snow," California Highway Patrol Trooper Jeff Billings told the Reno Gazette-Journal. "The best thing to do is to not even go [on I-80]."

Oregon

Heavy snowfall along Interstate 5 caused multiple car accidents and delays, according to TripCheck.

Washington

Strong winds gusting 25 to 40 miles per hour caused downed trees and power lines in Kitsap County, west of Seattle, KIRO-TV reported, affecting more than 40,000 Puget Sound Energy customers and causing several closures. Crews worked overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday morning to restore power to those residents.

Several Kitsap County roads were closed due to downed trees or power lines, KIRO-TV also reported.
Snow on the ground has schools delayed and closing in the Yakima Valley; see the latest here. The Spokesman-Review reports Spokane Public Schools also canceled classes Tuesday, the fifth day of closures for the district, starting their Thanksgiving vacation a day early.
Meanwhile, thousands of customers in Spokane remained without power during Winter Storm Cara, one week after wind storms hit the state and caused what the utility company called the worst natural disaster Avista has experienced in its 126-year history.
“We are keenly aware of the hardship, stress and frustration people are experiencing, particularly with today’s weather and the holiday approaching,” said Avista CEO Scott Morris. “Our crews and support staff will be working through the Thanksgiving holiday, and we will do what it takes to restore power to every last customer.”
In a press release Friday, Avista said the final customers were returned to service at 3:45 a.m. Friday, some 10 days after the wind event.
This is a developing story; please check back frequently for updates. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Winter Storm Cara

Heavy Snow Will End November, Kick Off December in Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, Including Minneapolis

Jon Erdman
Published: November 29,2015

Yet another winter storm is targeting parts of the Plains and Upper Midwest with potentially heavy snow early this week. This system could become our next named winter storm "Delphi" if it meets the winter storm warning population and/or area coverage requirments needed for naming.

Forecast location of the upper-level low pressure system on Tuesday in the Great Lakes. This system stalled in the Great Basin over much of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Low pressure in the upper atmosphere has been stuck swirling over the Great Basin during the Thanksgiving holiday, trapped to the south of a corresponding area of high pressure aloft in an atmospheric logjam known to meteorologists as a "Rex block".
As a result, the weather had been rather stagnant and unchangeable, with periods of freezing rain, sleet and snow persisting in the Plains, and locally heavy rain soaking the warm side of Winter Storm Cara.
Now, that blocked-up jet stream pattern is finally giving way.
The upper-level low mentioned above will finally pivot east into the Midwest early in the week ahead. As it does so, moisture in the atmosphere will be lifted, and cold air in place will yield a swath of snow from late Sunday into Tuesday night from the High Plains to the Corn Belt, Upper Mississippi Valley and northern Great Lakes.
Winter storm watches have already been posted for portions of eastern Nebraska, southeast/south-central South Dakota, southern Minnesota and northwest Iowa, meaning the possibility exists for snowfall amounts greater than 6 inches within the next 48 hours. Those watches include the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Sioux City, Iowa, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, metro areas. Winter weather advisories are in effect farther south, across southern Nebraska and northwestern Kansas, where somewhat lower snowfall totals are anticipated.

Current Alerts

(MAPS: Weekly Planner)

Timing

Sunday Night

Snow spreads from the Colorado High Country into eastern Colorado, western Kansas, western/central/northeast Nebraska, southeast South Dakota, northwest Iowa and far southwest Minnesota.
In addition, some sleet or freezing rain is possible to the east of that snow area from northwest Oklahoma to central Kansas, southeast Nebraska and central Iowa.

Monday-Monday Night

Snow, possibly heavy, continues in parts of the northern and central Plains, including South Dakota, southeast North Dakota, Nebraska, parts of northwest Iowa, central and southern Minnesota and far northwestern Kansas. Mixed wintry precipitation is expected from southeast Nebraska to central Iowa and far southeast Minnesota.
This may lead to a challenging morning commute in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska. Monday afternoon's commute may be tricky in Sioux Falls, Omaha, and Minneapolis/St. Paul.
Snow continues Monday night across northern Nebraska, South Dakota, southeast North Dakota, Minnesota, northwest/western Iowa and northern Wisconsin. Some blowing and drifting snow is possible in the Dakotas and Nebraska Monday night.
Travel should be avoided in the areas mentioned above Monday night, including I-35, I-94, I-90 and I-29.

Monday's Forecast

Tuesday

Leftover snow is possible in the northern Great Lakes and Upper Midwest, from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to northern Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and parts of the Dakotas.
This has the potential to disrupt both the morning and afternoon commutes in Minneapolis/St. Paul, and leftover snow and wind in the morning could also pose problems in Sioux Falls.

Tuesday's Forecast

How Much Snow?

Snowfall Forecast

With some uncertainty remaining in the forecast depending on how the storm system evolves, here is the general snow total outlook through Tuesday night:

• At least 6 inches of snow possible: parts of northeast Nebraska, eastern South Dakota, extreme southeast North Dakota, northern Iowa, southern and central Minnesota, and northwestern Wisconsin.
• Lighter snowfall possible: Northern Minnesota, Colorado, northern New Mexico, western/northern Kansas, western/central/southern Nebraska, western South Dakota, south-central North Dakota, central/southwest Iowa, northeast Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

(FORECASTS: Omaha | Sioux Falls | Minneapolis/St. Paul)
Parts of southeast South Dakota, northeast Nebraska and northern Iowa just finished digging out from Winter Storm Bella, which dumped up to 18 inches of snow near Sioux Falls last weekend.
At the same time, Minneapolis/St. Paul finally picked up its first measurable snowfall of the season on Thanksgiving Day, their seventh latest "first snow" of the season on record.
Interestingly, according to the National Weather Service, the period from September 1 through November 26 was the second warmest such period on record in the Twin Cities.
The last snowstorm of 6 inches or more in the Twin Cities (airport) was April 3-4, 2014. The last official 10 inch snowstorm at the airport was Dec. 9, 2012 when 10.5 inches accumulated.
MORE: Winter Storm Bella (PHOTOS)