Total snowfall across the northern Great Plains and Upper Midwest thiswinter was above normal but not extreme. The problem was that it stayed coldmost of the time, preventing any interim thaws. So the snow just sat there andwhatever else fell just piled on.By the first of March, the snow cover was quite deep and extensive. Moreimportantly, all that built-up snow held great quantities of water which is nowbeing released into rivers and streams. The result is moderate to majorflooding from North Dakota to northern Missouri.
The flood waters are expected to impact the lower Mississippi River Valleyduring the early weeks of spring. The lower Mississippi carries a vast amountof water and can hold its own in most situations. In this case however, majorflow contributions from the Ohio, Missouri and upper Mississippi rivers will betoo much to handle.
Story by AccuWeather.com Weather HeadlinesWed, 17 Mar 2010 14:18:31 ESTIWS0Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:17:35 ESTBEWARE! No Known CureSpring fever is already spreading rampant across the Ohio Valley and Northeastunder bright, sun-filled skies, and during the next three days, it could becomean all-out epidemic. Thursday, 60s will be widespread from the Tennessee Valleyto southern New England, and 70s are reachable by Saturday.If you catch the bug, don't worry. It's a good way to go. Enjoy! Story by AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist John Kocet.
