Radar, Image: NWS, Storm Prediction Center (Image is OLD!)

Click for the latest imagery from the Storm Prediction Center.

US Watches and Warnings, Image: NOAA (Image is OLD!)

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A low pressure system spinning in the Gulf of Mexico is about to take aim as a snowmaker for the Carolinas and the Northeast. Forecasters in Asheville, North Carolina are preparing viewers for more than a foot of snow. Any icy mix is possible for the lower elevations of This same storm is expected to leave snow on the ground in Baltimore, D.C., Philadelphia and even New York.

The same storm system is producing tornado watches in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area.

-Dawn Brown

US Watches and Warnings, Image: NOAA

Click for the latest national watches and warnings.

As you can see from the map above, dense fog advisories extend from central Texas to North Carolina. Advisories are posted when the visibility is 1/4 mile or less. That’s about 1300 feet. Dense fog can be a persistent problem along the Gulf South this time of year after a spell of cold weather. A warm, tropical air mass will override that cold air, and create a perfect setup for fog. Fog is a winter hazard. Here’s the link to my previous blog about fog.

Today's Temperature Forecast, Image: NOAA

Heavy rain is expected across portions of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama later today.

Snow is forecast for parts of Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa. And, a winter storm is crossing the Cascades in the West.

-Dawn Brown

Dense Fog, Image: NOAA

Dense fog has developed once again across the Northern and Central Plains. Drivers in Oklahoma City, Lincoln, Nebraska and parts of Wisconsin faced dangerous driving conditions this morning.

Dense fog advisories were issued. Advisories come out when fog reduces visibility to 1/4 mile or less over a widespread area. (Source: NOAA)

Fog is a low cloud. In the wintertime, A moist air mass, light wind, and cooling overnight can lead to dense fog.When an air mass cools to its dew point, the air will condense into clouds. This type of fog is called radiation fog. There are many other types of fog that form all year long. The University of Wisconsin has some easy to understand fog descriptions with pictures!

Today's National Forecast, Image: NOAA

Snow is falling once again across the Rockies. Expect a wintry mix in North Dakota and Minnesota, and more rain across the Mid-Atlantic.

-Dawn Brown