MOTHER NATURE DELIVERS CHRISTMAS SEASON ARCTIC BLAST

The next major winter weathermaker took shape just in time for Christmas, threatening to snarl travel and bring bitterly cold air. However, for those dreaming of a White Christmas, it came just in time, Jake Sojda reported for United Press International (UPI).

"A large dip in the jet stream in the East this coming week will lead to mayhem and mischief just in time for the holiday," AccuWeather Broadcaster and Senior Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said.

A potent storm system took shape as it slid eastward across the Rockies, the last storm in a train that has relentlessly slammed the Pacific Northwest. As it emerges in the Plains during the middle of the week, an Arctic blast of cold will surge south and then east through the end of the week.

The blast of cold air also contributed to snow right before Christmas for some. Wind and rain also picked up, leading to a full bag of weather hazards that will accompany this storm.

"Where snow begins to form in the Plains for the middle of the week will depend on exactly where the center of the storm takes shape," explained AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tyler Roys.

"The leading edge of this Arctic blast will be the boundary along which the main center of low pressure forms, but confidence is still low on just where that center will form."

Forecasters say the rain could be heavy enough to cause some flooding concerns, especially when combined with melting snow in the Northeast. Strong winds and severe thunderstorms could also become a threat with this storm.

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