TONIGHT A narrow line of showers and storms moves through early this evening, capable of brief damaging wind gusts and a quick spin up tornado, mainly as it first arrives. A tornado watch has been issued for central and western portions of the state until 9PM. After the line passes, rain ends fast and temperatures fall hard, dropping from the 60s into the 20s overnight. Lows near 20, with a west wind around 20 mph and gusts up to 45 mph. Watch for a quick freeze on bridges and untreated roads late tonight as the water left behind turns to ice.  TOMORROW Much colder and very windy, mostly cloudy with a few flurries at times, mainly late morning into early afternoon. Highs in the upper 20s, with a west wind around 20 to 25 mph and gusts up to 45 mph. Even without much snow, the wind makes it feel closer to the teens for much of the day, and the blowing air can keep a few slick spots around longer than you would expect.  TOMORROW NIGHT Mostly cloudy and cold, lows in the mid to upper teens, with a west northwest wind around 10 to 15 mph and gusts up to 25 mph. Wind chills dip near zero at times, so plan on a winter coat, hat, and gloves if you are out late.  TUESDAY A quiet but cold day with some sunshine breaking through. Highs near 30, with a west wind around 10 mph and gusts up to 20 mph. It is a decent day for travel and outdoor errands as long as you dress for it, and roads should be in good shape.  TUESDAY NIGHT Mostly cloudy and not as harsh as earlier in the week, lows in the mid 20s, with a west southwest wind around 10 mph and gusts up to 20 mph. It is still a freeze, but the wind relaxes compared to Monday.  WEDNESDAY Mostly cloudy and chilly, highs in the mid 30s, with a west wind around 10 mph and gusts up to 20 mph. No major travel issues, just a colder, gray late December feel.  WEDNESDAY NIGHT Clouds hang tough and a few snow showers are possible, mainly before 1 a.m. Lows in the low 20s, with a west northwest wind around 5 to 10 mph. If a snow shower hits, it is more of a quick dusting than a plowable snow, but you can still get a few slick spots in the usual shady areas.  THURSDAY New Year’s Day stays cold with a mix of clouds and limited sun. Highs near 30, with a west northwest wind around 5 to 10 mph. It is a good day to be on the roads, just bundle up if you are outside for any celebrations or games.  THURSDAY NIGHT Partly cloudy and cold, lows in the upper teens, with a light west wind around 5 mph. Quiet conditions finish the run.  7 DAY FORECAST The big story is the flip from near record warmth to true winter. The severe line early this evening is followed by a rapid temperature crash and a risk of a quick freeze tonight, then very strong winds and wind chills near zero at times Monday. After that, the pattern settles into a colder, mostly quiet stretch with highs mainly in the upper 20s to mid 30s and cold nights in the teens and 20s. The one thing to watch is a small chance for snow showers Wednesday night, otherwise it is more about cold and wind than accumulating snow. Confidence is high in the sharp cooldown and wind impacts, and moderate on any brief snow shower timing midweek.   ...read more read less