Cold plunge for East, West's atmospheric river

Breakfast Brief
N. Cali's flash floods, Appalachian snow

The strong low-pressure system, also known as the bomb cyclone, will guide the channel of deep moisture over northern California on Thursday, producing a high risk for flash floods. The Breakfast Brief is published every Monday through Friday at 5 a.m. ET.

A very strong storm arrives to the Pacific Northwest. Higher up in the atmosphere, a river of moisture, commonly known as an atmospheric river will channel over northern California and all this moisture has only one way to go-- down. Topography won't help much either and there will be heavy rounds of rains over the mountains along with snow over the highest peaks. Flash floods, mudslides, and landslides can be life-threatening.

Snow totals over the northern California mountains could reach 36 inches between late Wednesday and early Friday. Rain totals between the same time frame, but across the coastal region of northern California, and valleys could reach 18 inches. These amounts could be catastrophic and leave many stranded, or if they do not take the right precautions, they can cause deaths.

Across the Central Plains, another beautiful day is in store, with temperatures mild to slightly above average but still nice across Texas. A reinforcing cold front will push a shot of cold air across the Ozarks and Midwest, keeping temperatures below average for this time of the year. Very cold temperatures will move onto the Appalachians and Northeast as the low-pressure system continues to bring strong northwest winds.

Snow showers will extend from the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley to the Appalachians. Up to 16 inches of snow could fall across West Virginia through Saturday, while the Blue Ridge Mountains could receive up to 8 inches through Saturday. Lower elevations across Kentucky through Chicago can receive between 1 and 4 inches. As far as rainfall, the Tristate region could receive up to 3 inches of rain in some spots.

November 20 & 21, 1900 -

An outbreak of at least ten tornadoes impacted Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. Two tornadoes were estimated F4s, striking southeast of Memphis and near Columbia, TN. At least 77 people were killed & >375 were injured.

Tropical update:

With stronger fronts pushing through and increased wind shear over southern latitudes, there is no chance for tropical storm formation within the next 7 days.