Severe Winter Storms Impacting Eastern U.S. with Significant Snow and Flood Threats
A significant winter storm is currently affecting the eastern United States, with snowfall, ice, and rain expected across 1,500 miles. Virginia has declared a state of emergency, leading to widespread school closures. The second and third storms will bring additional snowfall and raise flooding risks in California. Severe thunderstorms may also impact southern states as the storm tracks eastward throughout the week.
A major winter storm is currently affecting over 1,500 miles of the eastern United States, bringing a mix of snow, ice, and rain. This marks the beginning of a series of back-to-back storms, with subsequent storms poised to impact the same regions. The forecast predicts significant snowfall in Chicago, alongside serious flood threats in Southern California, compounding weather disruptions experienced since February began.
As of Tuesday morning, snowfall has already reached 1 to 3 inches in areas across the Tennessee Valley and Appalachians. Washington, D.C. may receive up to 6 inches, complicating the afternoon commute. Virginia’s Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency, leading to numerous school closures and early dismissals in Virginia, D.C., and neighboring states due to anticipated travel disruptions.
With expected ice accumulation exceeding 0.25 inches in parts of West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina, the National Weather Service has warned of treacherous travel conditions. This storm tracks significantly farther south, impacting regions that previously experienced lesser winter weather. The snow accumulation in Washington, D.C. since December is comparable to the total from the previous two winters combined.
Rain and potential flooding risk are anticipated across a broad region of the South, with a level 2 out of 4 risk in effect for states from Texas to the Carolinas. The situation worsens for Kansas, with the Governor declaring a state of disaster due to the winter storm. This second storm will rapidly expand across the Midwest and Northeast by Wednesday evening.
By Thursday morning, the storm will blanket the eastern United States with snow and ice while rain continues farther south. The snow may reach nearly double the average February snowfall in cities like Kansas City and Chicago. Icy conditions are again likely across areas south of the heaviest snowfall, especially affecting travel.
The third storm, anticipated to hit California on Thursday, is expected to bring severe rainfall, especially to areas affected by past wildfires. The National Weather Service has warned of potential life-threatening debris flows in these vulnerable areas. Heavy snow will also impact mountainous regions of California, with significant rain following as the storm moves eastward.
As the storm traverses the central United States, further accumulation of snow, sleet, and rain is expected across the Midwest and Northeast, culminating in severe weather patterns. With thunderstorms and potential severe weather predicted, forecasters are monitoring the situation closely as the storm heads toward the East Coast by Sunday morning.
The region is bracing for an impactful winter weather sequence, with the first storm already causing significant snowfall and ice accumulation. Following storms are expected to intensify these conditions across various states, including critical flooding threats in California. Authorities have proclaimed emergencies and school closures amid these severe winter storm patterns. Continued monitoring of potential severe weather is imperative as the winter season evolves.
Original Source: www.kten.com
