The intense cold and wind that has gripped the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Ohio River Valley will begin moderating later this afternoon and evening.  Wind chill warnings remain in effect through the afternoon.

Temperatures Friday and into the weekend will rise considerably, giving these regions some relief.  The Northeast and New England will remain cold and breezy through tonight, with temperatures rising tomorrow into the weekend.

More heavy lake effect snow will fall downwind of the Great Lakes today.  Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect.

A system moving into the Northwest and Northern California will bring a new round of rain and mountain snow to the region over the next several days.