US Weather Spotlight: 12-18-18

The majority of the eastern part of the country will be quiet today, while it stays active in the Pacific Northwest.

More rain, snow, and wind for WA, OR, northern CA, ID, and western MT. The heaviest rains -- up to an inch or two possible -- will affect coastal areas in OR and far northwest CA, and a foot or more of snow is possible by Wednesday morning in the mountain regions. The highest winds will be found in western MT, where gusts could get into the 40-50mph range with others seeing gusts in the 30-35mph range.

A trough of low pressure moves into the Northern Plains, and another into the Southern Plains, with light rains showers possible in TX by this evening and heavier showers possible near Houston during the overnight hours. Showers also develop in eastern MT overnight and build into the western Dakotas. Drizzle and freezing drizzle become possible late in the overnight into early Wednesday morning ahead of this system as well in parts of southeast MN, northeast IA and southwest WI.