Record cold expected for western US.

Temps will plummet tonight throughout much of the country but especially in the West where temps will run 25 to 40 degrees below average in many places.  Freeze warnings are in effect for much of central California where record low temps are possible tonight.  This system will bring snow to elevations as low as 1000 ft. in the San Francisco Bay area.  The system will slowly move to the east and strengthen once again bringing heavy snow to the upper midwest and thunderstorms to the central plains with severe weather looking more likely by the end of the weekend.  All modes of severe weather appear possible although damaging wind gusts appear to be the main threat at this time.  Stay tuned for additional updates. Have a great night!