Wind, rain and snow hits the western USA by Rob McElwee
Two separate storm systems are affecting the western USA this weekend, bringing gale force winds, heavy rain and a considerable amount of snow over high ground.
In the northwest, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm watches for many parts of the Rockies, including Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Utah. Up to 51cm (20 inches) of snow is forecast to accumulate over parts the mountains by Sunday night.
Many parts of southern Montana and northern Wyoming have already been blanketed with snow. Road conditions are becoming dangerous and power outages have been reported. Several flights have been delayed or diverted and trees have been downed.
Meanwhile, further south, Hurricane Norbert - a powerful storm in the eastern Pacific - is forecast to hit Mexico later today. The stormy conditions in the northwest will steer Norbert northeast, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and possible flooding to the Plains later this weekend. Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma are most at risk, and in places, this heavy rain is falling on already saturated ground.
Thankfully for the residents of the affected areas, the wintry weather is not set to stick around for long. Some drier and milder weather is forecast for early next week. However, this forecast is not such good news for ski enthusiasts hoping for an early start to the winter ski season.
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