National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Erin Strengthens to a Hurricane; Heavy Rainfall Possible in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the Upper Midwest, South Texas

Hurricane Erin may bring isolated flash and urban flooding, landslides or mudslides, and possible tropical storm conditions to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands this weekend. Scattered thunderstorms and heavy rainfall may bring areas of flooding this weekend over the Upper Midwest. A tropical disturbance will bring locally heavy rain and mainly urban flash flooding to far southern Texas. Read More >

Overview

A significant low pressure system approached the northern plains on Friday, April 22. Ahead of this system, warm, moist air was advected into our region. Thunderstorms began to develop early Friday evening, some of which became severe, dropping large hail and producing strong winds. Several places received an inch or two of rain, much needed in our current drought situation. Storms moved eastward and dissipated Friday night. On Saturday morning, precipitation increased again, and rain changed over to snow. Northwesterly winds became strong, gusting to 70+ mph in some locations. The strong winds combined with the falling snow created very poor visibilities and hazardous travel conditions. Some areas received heavy snow, but even in areas that didn't receive heavy snow, the blowing snow caused blizzard conditions. 

Horses
West of Gillette (A. Cope)
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