Severe Winter Storms Forecast to Impact the U.S. with High Hazards
The United States is currently experiencing severe winter weather as multiple storms approach, with significant snow, ice, and heavy rain anticipated. The first two storms will impact overlapping regions, raising concerns about hazardous travel and power outages. California is also facing a serious flood threat from an incoming storm, which may lead to life-threatening debris flows.
The winter weather in the United States has intensified with multiple storms expected to impact various regions. Last week, back-to-back storms brought severe snow and ice to the northern and eastern U.S., while California experienced heavy rainfall. This week, three more storms are anticipated, with the first two affecting the same areas in rapid succession.
The initial storm will develop in the Plains on Monday night and extend toward the East Coast by Tuesday. This storm will track further south than its predecessors, bringing snow and freezing rain to regions such as the Appalachians, mid-Atlantic, and parts of the Northeast. Key hazards include significant ice accumulation, with warnings issued for West Virginia and western Virginia, potentially causing numerous power outages and hazardous travel conditions.
In Washington, D.C., up to six inches of snow could accumulate, significantly contributing to the city’s seasonal total. Other areas such as Pennsylvania and southern New England are also forecasted to receive snowfall, while New York City may see one to two inches. Additionally, heavy rainfall poses a flooding risk to regions in the South, given the existing flood risk from recent hurricanes.
The following storm will emerge in the central U.S. as the first storm is still affecting the East Coast. This system is expected to spread snow, ice, and rain across the Plains and Midwest, intensifying on Wednesday. Areas in the Northeast should prepare for significant snowfall, with predictions of double-digit totals in cities like Kansas City and Chicago.
The third storm, emerging Thursday, will primarily impact California first, presenting severe flood risks in areas recently affected by wildfires. An atmospheric river-related storm will result in substantial rainfall across the state, leading to dangerous debris flows beneath burn scars. Heavy snowfall is also predicted for California’s mountainous regions.
As this storm progresses eastward, it is expected to unleash more snow and rain across the Midwest and Northeast throughout the weekend. Severe thunderstorms could develop, particularly over the South, marking a continuation of an active winter storm pattern that may persist into the following week.
In summary, the United States is bracing for a series of winter storms that will bring varied weather hazards, including heavy snowfall, ice, and flooding risks. The first two storms will predominantly affect similar regions with substantial impacts expected, particularly from ice accumulations and rainfall. Lastly, California faces a critical threat from the impending storm that could exacerbate flood risks in wildfire-affected areas.
Original Source: www.kten.com
