Wednesday, Nov. 29: Winter Storm pounds the Central States | Severe Threat in Deep South/Mississippi Valley| Still Mild South and East

Frigid temperatures have invaded much of the Rockies and central states, while unseasonably mild readings continue in much of the South and East. Between these contrasting seasons a major storm continues to take shape in the nation’s heartland. A dangerous mix of ice and snow is affecting the south-central states and will spread northeastward later today and tonight. For today some of the worst travel cities include Dallas/Ft. Worth, Oklahoma City and St. Louis. Expect airport delays in these cities and very treacherous road conditions.

Chicago is bracing for their first major winter storm of the season, which will begin in earnest tonight. The city could see close to a foot of snow by Friday morning, slightly less amounts if mixed with sleet.

Farther south and east, severe thunderstorms could break out by this afternoon and tonight near the Mississippi Valley. The area under a slight risk of severe storms includes Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans and Birmingham, Alabama.

Elsewhere, fog was plaguing portions of the Mid-Atlantic states where dense fog alerts were posted through mid-morning. Fog-related airport delays are possible in Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia.

In southern California, strong winds and dry conditions will create an elevated fire danger today, especially this morning in the Los Angeles area. More rain and mountain snow showers are expected today in the Pacific Northwest.

-----------

Editor's Note: Ever wonder how the Weather Plus team keeps ahead of the weather? Early each morning, our team of weather producers writes a summary forecasting the day's weather. These weather summaries help us know what the day's big weather stories will be -- and they can help you have a better idea of what's ahead in your region.