Weekly Jobless Claims Rise More Than Expected, Blizzard Cited

WASHINGTON, Feb 21 (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose more than expected last week, but still remained at levels consistent with a steady improvement in labor market conditions.

Initial jobless claims increased 20,000 to a seasonally adjusted 362,000, the Labor Department said on Thursday. The prior week's claims figure was revised to show 1,000 more applications received than previously reported.