Severe Winter Storm Series Impacts Eastern U.S. and California
A major winter storm is impacting 1,500 miles of the eastern U.S. this week, with snow and ice leading to state emergencies and school closures. Additional storms are expected to follow, with California facing severe flooding risks, and heavy precipitation likely in the Midwest and Northeast. The weather system continues to evolve, raising concerns for further disruptions.
A significant winter storm is currently impacting a 1,500-mile stretch of the eastern United States, introducing snow, ice, and rain. This is the first of three storms in rapid succession, notably bringing substantial snowfall to areas such as Chicago and posing serious flooding risks in Southern California. These storms are part of a continuous wave of weather disruptions that have persisted since February began.
Snow accumulation is underway in regions of the Tennessee Valley and Appalachians, with 1 to 3 inches already recorded. Forecasts predict that Washington, D.C. may receive up to 6 inches of snow on Tuesday, potentially complicating afternoon travel. Various school closures and early dismissals have been announced across affected states including Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, and Indiana due to the impending foul weather.
Power outages and hazardous travel conditions are likely as significant ice accumulations – exceeding 0.25 inches – are anticipated across parts of West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. The National Weather Service has cautioned that these ice levels threaten to make many roads impassable and may lead to widespread power interruptions from downed lines and tree limbs.
The ongoing storm is tracking further south compared to its predecessors last week, bringing winter weather to areas previously unaffected. Snow is expected to accumulate quickly in Washington, D.C., with snow extending into parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and southern New England. Forecasts also indicate heavy rainfall in the South, raising flood risks across states from Texas to the Carolinas.
The second storm is predicted to develop in the central U.S. while the first storm continues eastward. Snow, ice, and rain are expected across the Plains by Wednesday morning, and significant snowfall totals are anticipated, especially in Kansas and Missouri. Some regions may experience travel delays as states such as Kansas have already declared states of emergency in response to the forecasted weather.
By Thursday morning, the second storm will predominantly affect the East Coast, delivering snow and ice in the Northeast while rain will impact southern areas. Regions previously blanketed with snow may see limited breaks between storms as they transition from one severe weather event to another. Additional icy conditions are forecasted in areas already hit hard by the earlier storm.
The third storm will impact California first, bringing heavy rainfall and risks of flooding due to the storm’s strength and atmospheric river conditions. Locations prone to wildfires, especially in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, face a significant threat of mudslides and debris flows, prompting local authorities to enhance storm preparedness measures like debris removal and sandbag placements to mitigate hazards.
Once the storm progresses eastward, it will bring snow and freezing conditions to the Midwest and Northeast. Heavy rain and severe thunderstorms are also expected on the warm side of the storm, particularly affecting the South. The entire system is anticipated to continue impacting the East Coast through Sunday and may lead to another storm system by the following week.
In summary, a series of severe winter storms are currently affecting the eastern United States, bringing substantial snowfall, icy conditions, and flooding risks. With multiple states declaring emergencies, localized disruptions such as power outages and school closures are noted. The storms will impact various regions differently, displaying a continuous cycle of severe weather events that could persist into the coming week.
Original Source: www.kten.com
