The National Weather Service said apowerful winter storm centered over north central Oklahoma was
spreading snow from western and central Kansas across much of
Nebraska to southern and eastern South Dakota.
    Rain was reported across parts of Minnesota, Iowa, eastern
Kansas, Missouri and eastern Oklahoma, with showers and a few
thundershowers extending from Arkansas through the lower
Mississippi Valley to Alabama and northwest Florida.
    Strong winds of 20 to 35 mph with some stronger gusts were
reported across much of the Plains, causing considerable
blowingand drifting snow. A blizzard warning continued this
morning across most of western Kansas. A winter storm warning
was issued this morning over central and northeast Nebraska.
    Weather advisories were posted for this morning over
central Kansas and central and southeast sections of South
Dakota where two to five inches of snow could accumulate.
    Locally heavy rains accompanied the storm over portions of
the central Plains. Flash flood watches were issued for this
morning across the eastern half of Kansas.
    A flood warning continues today for eastern Nebraska.
Widespread lowland and small stream flooding is expected to
continue over most of eastern Nebraska through Wednesday.
    Due to cold, damp and windy conditions, livestock
advisories were posted this morning across central and
southeast portions of South Dakota.
    As the storm moves north across the central Plains, winter
storm watches were issued over south central South Dakota, late
tonight and Wednesday over west central Minnesota.
    Elsewhere, a travelers advisory remains in effect this
morning over northeast New Mexico and the Oklahoma and Tecas
Panhandle for blowing snow and slick roadways and across the
mountains and deserts of southern California for strong gusty
winds of 25 to 40 mph. Gale warnings were issued for today
along the central California Coast.
    Mostly clear skies extended from the Great Lakes and Ohio
Valley through the central Appalachians to the central Atlantic
Coast and New England.
 Reuter
