Later Thursday, an intensifying storm system will emerge from the Rockies and cross the central Plains.  The storm should reach peak intensity Friday night while traversing the Great Lakes region.  A band of wind-driven snow will occur north of the storm’s track, from South Dakota to Michigan’s upper peninsula.  Agricultural implications may include rural travel disruptions and severe livestock stress, especially in areas where lambing and calving operations are underway.  Farther south, a threat of severe weather—including damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes—along the storm’s trailing cold front will peak Friday evening in the Mississippi Valley, possibly as far north as eastern Iowa. 

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