Daily briefing: Record heat, powerful west coast storm

A strong storm system will impact the West today, while lake-effect snow continues for the eastern Great Lakes. This, along with our tropical update, is available at 5 a.m. ET in our daily briefing.

The WeatherRadar shows our Pacific storm continuing to bring heavy rain, gusty winds and mountain snow to the West Coast. Rain and mountain snow will also extend into the Great Basin and the northern Rockies today.

Some flash flooding will be possible, especially in burn-scar areas, as an additional 3-4 inches of rain falls across parts of central and southern California. Flash flooding will be possible in cities like Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Fresno, Calif. Travel along mountain passes will continue to be an issue as heavy snow continues in parts of the Sierra.

The rest of the country will be dry, with the exception of the Northeast, where scattered showers and high-elevation snow continue.

Temperatures will vary widely across the country. The western two-thirds of the U.S. will enjoy mild weather. The Northeast stays chilly today, with highs in the 30s and 40s. Southern California, the central Plains, and the Southeast will see highs into the 60s and 70s, while the Desert Southwest and southern Plains will see highs in the 80s. Record highs will be possible today in cities like Rapid City, S.D., Lincoln, Neb., Tulsa, Okla. and Amarillo, Texas.

Tropical activity is not expected over the next several days. We continue to monitor the tropics as the Atlantic Hurricane Season lasts until November 30.

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