Severe Winter Weather Threatens US with Storms and Flooding
A series of winter storms is approaching the United States, bringing potential hazards including dangerous ice, heavy snow, and flooding. The first storm will impact the East Coast with significant freezing rain, followed by a second storm causing further snow and icy conditions, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast. The third storm will primarily affect California, posing a severe flooding threat, especially in wildfire areas, before moving across the country with substantial precipitation.
The United States is facing an intense winter weather pattern, with consecutive storms expected to bring a multitude of hazards. The first of these storms is anticipated to develop in the Plains on Monday night, extending its effects to the East Coast by Tuesday. Snow and freezing rain will particularly affect areas in the Appalachians, mid-Atlantic, and southernmost Northeast, with significant ice accumulation likely, potentially exceeding 0.25 inches in locations like West Virginia and western Virginia. This exacerbates the risk of power outages and makes travel treacherous, with the National Weather Service cautioning that many outages could persist for several days.
From Tuesday into Wednesday, snow will accumulate in Washington, D.C., with totals possibly reaching 6 inches. Parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and southern New England will also experience considerable snow, while areas in the southern region will face heavy rain, raising flooding concerns. The Weather Prediction Center has issued a level 2 risk of flooding rainfall from Texas through the Carolinas as these storms unfold.
The second storm will emerge while the first continues to affect the East. It is expected to bring further snow, ice, and rain to the Midwest before impacting the Northeast by Thursday morning. In this instance, significant snowfall is predicted, particularly in Kansas City and Chicago, with double-digit accumulations possible for both cities. Areas south of the heaviest snow will also struggle with tricky icy conditions, and additional ice is anticipated in the Appalachians where some regions may face a double blow from consecutive storms.
The final storm is forecasted to strike California first, with a high probability of severe flooding, particularly in regions impacted by recent wildfires. Starting early Thursday morning, rain will profoundly affect coastal areas before moving inland. The National Weather Service has warned of potential life-threatening debris flows around burn scars, with heavy snow projected for the Sierra Nevada. This storm will further expand as it moves across the central U.S., bringing significant snow and rain through the Midwest and Northeast over the weekend.
In summary, the upcoming series of storms poses a multi-faceted threat including heavy snow, ice, and flooding, particularly in areas recently affected by wildfires and those traditionally vulnerable to winter weather. Preparations for power outages, difficult travel, and hazardous conditions are essential as this unprecedented weather pattern unfolds.
In conclusion, the imminent trio of storms will deliver various severe weather conditions across substantial portions of the United States. Communities are urged to prepare for dangerous ice accumulation and heavy snow, particularly in areas already prone to winter hazards. Flooding risks in California, especially in regions affected by wildfires, necessitate heightened vigilance. This weather pattern could significantly disrupt travel and daily life, emphasizing the need for public safety measures and preparedness.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
