Tracking Late December Winter Storm Expected to Impact the Northern Plains through the Northeast U.S.

A winter storm system will rapidly intensify over the Midwest on Sunday and track through the Great Lakes on Monday. Periods of heavy snow are anticipated across the Upper Great Lakes late Sunday and continuing into Monday. At least 1/10 inch of ice accumulation is expected from a wintry mix across much of the interior Northeast U.S. starting Sunday afternoon. Read More >

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Extended Forecast for Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center

Detailed Forecast

Period	Forecast

LightningCast

An AI model that predicts the probability of lightning in the next 60 minutes using GOES-R ABI data.

If you absolutely cannot get to safety, you can slightly lessen the threat of being struck with the following tips. But don’t kid yourself—you are NOT safe outside. Know the weather patterns of the area you plan to visit. For example, in mountainous areas, thunderstorms typically develop in the early afternoon, so plan to hike early in the day and be down the mountain by noon. Listen to the weather forecast for the outdoor area you plan to visit. The forecast may be very different from the one near your home. If there is a high chance of thunderstorms, stay inside.

Avoid open fields, the top of a hill or a ridge top.
Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects.
If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees.
If you are in a group, spread out to avoid the current traveling between group members.
If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine or other low area.
Remember, a tent offers NO protection from lightning.
Stay away from water, wet items, such as ropes, and metal objects, such as fences and poles.
Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are excellent conductors of electricity.
The current from a lightning flash will easily travel for long distances.