Snow forecast for the U.S. midwestern states and Great Lakes

Satellite image of the United States taken at 6:02 a.m. EST

(AP) -- Brisk air blowing across the Great Lakes was expected to bring snows of up to 4 inches Wednesday, while states in the southern Plains braced for rain.

The forecast called for lake-effect snow in Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, with accumulations of 1 to 4 inches. The heaviest snow was predicted near the Great Lakes.

To the south, precipitation was coming in the form of rain. Light showers were forecast in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana.

The Upper Midwest also prepared for blustery weather, as a storm created the potential for 6 inches of snow in Nebraska and South Dakota. Flurries were expected in North Dakota and Minnesota.

The disturbance hitting the northern Plains was affecting the West as well, with up to 4 inches of snow expected in Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.

Rain was on tap in other western states, including New Mexico and California.

High temperatures Wednesday were expected to be in the 10s and 20s in the northern and central Rockies; 20s and 30s in the northern Plains; 30s and 40s in the Northeast, Great Lakes, New England, central Plains and Pacific Northwest; and 50s and 60s in the southern Plains and Southeast.

Temperatures in the lower 48 states Tuesday ranged from 84 degrees in Miami and Hollywood, Florida, to 10 below zero in Grey Bull, Wyoming. The wind chill hit 31 below in Alliance, Nebraska.

Copyright 2000 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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