p0698 BC-WeatherpageWeather 1stLd-Writethru 03-01 0319

Calm conditions over Northeast, Northwest

Mostly dry conditions and mostly clear skies dominated the eastern United States Friday, while rain and some thunderstorms hit lower Mississippi Valley states and widespread snow fell over much of the central Plains.

The tranquil conditions in the East were caused by a ridge of high pressure, off the east coast of North Carolina, with some clouds over sections of New England. Temperatures ranged from the 30s in the Northeast and the Middle Atlantic states to the 70s in southern portions of Florida.

Snowfall over the central part of the country was most concentrated over Nebraska, with Hastings and North Platte, Neb., receiving heaviest amounts. Wind speeds over the central Plains ranged up to 30 and 40 mph. Garden City, Kan., reported a wind gust of 44 mph.

Temperatures over the southern Plains states varied widely. Readings near the Kansas and Oklahoma border were in the low 40s, with 50s and 60s over much of Texas.

--AP