Thursday's forecast: Stormy in the Central U.S.

Some of the worst weather Thursday will be in the Plains, where heavy rain and a wintry mix is likely. Snow will also fly in the Northeast and Rockies.

Central U.S.: Heavy rain and some thunderstorms are forecast to pelt the southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley. A wintry mix of snow and rain will lead to travel troubles in the central Plains and Tennessee Valley. The northern Plains will be dry but very chilly.

Northeast: Light snow and some rain will fall across the interior Northeast and New England.

Rockies: Snow will fly in the high peaks of the Rockies Thursday while lower elevations will see some rain.

West: Coastal and valley rain and mountain snow is expected in the Northwest.

Weather history for Dec. 18: In 1957, an F-4 tornado killed 11 people in southern Illinois, the deadliest December tornado in Illinois history. In 1983, the temperature dropped to -35 degrees in Havre, Mont., a record low.

In 1989, a record high temperature of 87 degrees was set in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.