This animation from the Storm Prediction Center shows how the potential for severe weather increases through May and June across southern New England. | US National Weather Service Boston MA

National Weather Service forecasters say nearly continuous onshore flow will keep California and portions of the Pacific Northwest in a very active, wet pattern this weekend. Rain and mountain snow is forecast for much of the western U.S. as a deep upper-level low and associated surface cold front pushes inland. Heavy rainfall is expected for the coastal areas and the nearby mountains, with some locations getting in excess of 4 inches of rainfall by Saturday morning (2/16). The extent of this on