1.   As the low strengthens Monday afternoon, gusty winds will import colder air through the Great Lakes states into the central Mississippi Valley.

2.   Behind a potent cold front, gusty winds will import Autumn chill into the Northeast on Sunday, bringing an abrupt end to the unseasonable warmth.

3.   However, as the gusty winds import cold air south across the unfrozen waters, narrow bands of snow will form south of Lake Erie and Michigan overnight.

4.   Near the coastline, brisk ocean winds will import slightly milder air, allowing a mixture of rain, sleet and snow to fall.

5.   Rain is likely Friday west of the Cascades in Washington and Oregon, where onshore winds import abundant Pacific moisture.

6.   Snow will be common along west-facing slopes from the Northwestern states to the central Rockies as brisk high-level winds import moist air from over the Pacific.

7.   This time, winds will import copious amounts of moisture, setting the stage for heavy rains.