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Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain Across the Southern and Eastern US; Heat and Fire Weather Concerns in the West

Showers and thunderstorms are expected across the southern and eastern US this week, with heavy rain and localized flooding, particularly near the Gulf Coast. Monsoonal moisture will bring rain and potential flooding to parts of the Southwest. Heat and fire weather threats will continue to impact the West. Read More >

Overview

A blizzard struck during the end of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Extending from the central Plains to the Chicago area, it caused the closure of several Interstates in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois during the peak of the storm. A broad area received 8 to 15 inches of snow, and wind gusts over 45 mph resulted in whiteout conditions in open areas due to blowing snow. 

In central Illinois, rain began to change to snow west of the Illinois River by mid to late afternoon, with the change occurring further east later in the evening. The snow was accompanied by thunder at times. As the main low pressure area moved over the middle of the state, locations just south of it also observed thunderstorms with strong winds. A funnel cloud was even reported near the St. Louis area, resulting in the rare occurrence of a Tornado Warning and a Blizzard Warning in very close proximity to each other. 

24-hour snowfall ending Monday, November 25th
24-hour snowfall ending 7 am, 11/25/2018
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