A powerful storm is set to move from the south-central United States to southeastern Canada in the first week of March, bringing heavy rain and warmer temperatures. As the snow melts rapidly, there is a heightened risk of major flooding, particularly in areas where significant snow accumulation from recent winter storms is present, according to AccuWeather meteorologists. The combination of melting snow and potential rainfall poses a threat of flooding in regions such as northern New England, upstate New York, and parts of Quebec and Ontario.
Following a storm this weekend that will deposit additional snow, the subsequent warm air from the approaching system next week is expected to accelerate the snowmelt process. The increase in temperatures could lead to rapid melting of the deep snowpack in various areas of the Northeast, potentially releasing a significant amount of water into streams and rivers. This situation may result in urban flooding in cities like Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, Ottawa, Burlington, Plattsburgh, and Caribou.
Moreover, the warmer air and rain from the upcoming storm could trigger flooding incidents in New England, the mid-Atlantic, the central Appalachians, and the Great Lakes region. Major metropolitan areas like Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Pittsburgh are also at risk of experiencing urban flooding due to the combination of rain and melting snow. Stay informed and prepared for potential flooding events by utilizing the free AccuWeather app and monitoring weather alerts in your area.
Streams further southwest are at risk of receiving enough rainfall to potentially cause renewed flooding in parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia. The concern arises from the persistently high levels of some streams and rivers after a deadly deluge in mid-February. Travelers should brace for increasing delays from Tuesday to Wednesday as the rain sets in and patches of fog materialize. River flooding, particularly along the secondary rivers in the St. Lawrence Valley, may take several days to a week to subside. Possible factors that could mitigate the storm runoff include a southward track of the storm, which could lessen the warming effect on the critical deep snowpack zone. Additionally, lighter or sporadic rainfall might help lessen the risk of flooding. Furthermore, the persistence of a wedge of cold air throughout the storm could keep the temperature of the snowpack lower for an extended period. As March progresses, more storms, some accompanied by heavy rain, are anticipated, potentially leading to periodic surges in stream and river levels in the weeks to come. For next-level safety and an ad-free experience, consider unlocking advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts by subscribing to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are issued by expert meteorologists who vigilantly monitor and analyze hazardous weather conditions around the clock to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.
