The first (and weaker) of two storm systems will cross the northern Plains and upper Midwest, delivering widespread snow.  With the initial system, the most significant snow should stretch from northern Montana to Wisconsin, with some freezing rain expected along the southern edge of the precipitation shield.  Farther south, a separate weather system will produce late-week rain in the Gulf and Atlantic Coast States, with totals reaching 1 to 3 inches in some locations.  During the weekend and early next week, the second Northern storm will produce wind-driven snow and freezing rain across the northern Plains and upper Midwest. 

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