More normal winter predicted this year for eastern U.S.

NOAA says repeat of cold, snowy winter unlikely east of Rockies.    Freight and passenger transportation this winter should be more manageable than last year if the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s weather outlook proves correct.
   The agency on Thursday predicted below-average temperatures in parts of the south-central and southeastern United States, with above-average temperatures likely in the western United States and New England.
   Last year’s brutal cold and snow east of the Rocky Mountains is not likely, NOAA said.
   The weather was so severe last year that ports, airports, railroads and motor carriers had to frequently curtail operations, causing a huge backlog in deliveries. Consumers ventured out to shop less. The weather was blamed for the economy actually shrinking during the first quarter of the year.