Moderate

Strong southwest winds gusting up to 30 MPH will combine with warm temperatures and low humidity to produce an Elevated Fire Danger today. If a fire were to start under these conditions, there would be an increased threat of fire spread and be difficult to control. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Use extra caution while operating outdoor equipment and do not carelessly discard cigarettes.

* WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * WHERE...Western Mojave Desert. * WHEN...Until 11 PM PDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to 3 to 7 inches mainly above 5500 ft in elevation. Lower totals are expected at lower elevations. * WHERE...Central Laramie Range and Southwest Platte County. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 9 AM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes. Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 9 inches. Areas on the western side of the Laramie Valley will be favored for heavier snow totals. * WHERE...Shirley Basin and Laramie Valley. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 9 AM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes. The heavy, wet snow could lead to broken tree branches. Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 8 inches. * WHERE...North Laramie Range. * WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 9 AM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Outdoor recreation could become dangerous to those caught unprepared for hazardous winter conditions. Hunters, hikers, and snowmobilers may become disoriented and lost due to low visibility in falling and blowing snow. Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by

Strong southwest winds, gusting well over 30 mph at times late this morning into this afternoon will result in patchy blowing dust, particularly in open agricultural areas. Blowing dust could lead to locally reduced visibility. In addition, the gusty southwest winds will combine with warm temperatures and low afternoon relative humidity to result in a heightened fire danger as well.

At 349 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Linton, or 28 miles northeast of Vincennes, moving east at 40 mph. HAZARD...Penny size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. Locations impacted include... Linton, Bloomfield, Dugger, Lyons, Switz City, Newberry, and Pleasantville. If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

..ELEVATED FIRE WEATHER POTENTIAL TODAY IN BERKSHIRE AND LITCHFIELD COUNTIES... The combination of southwest winds gusting to 25 to 35 mph, relative humidity values as low as 35 to 40 percent, and a lack of significant rainfall over the past few days will lead to an elevated fire weather potential today.

The combination of drying fine fuels, southwest wind gusts as high as 25 to 35 mph, and relative humidity values as low as 35 percent will lead to an elevated risk of fire spread today for the Mid-Hudson Valley, eastern Catskills, Taconics, and Greater Capital District, mainly during the afternoon hours. As a reminder, the annual statewide burn ban remains in effect until May 14. No burn permits are issued. Use extra caution if handling any potential ignition sources such as machinery or

* WHAT...Visibility as low as a quarter mile in blowing dust, particularly in open agricultural areas. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, and northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana. * WHEN...From 11 AM CDT this morning to 6 PM CDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Hazardous driving conditions due to reduced visibility. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Visibility could vary rapidly over short distances, slow down and exercise caution driving in open areas this afternoon.