Relentless storms are predicted to hit the Northwest this weekend, while the East Coast prepares for severe weather that may cause flight delays and traffic disruptions during a busy travel period. Following tornadoes in Texas and Louisiana, parts of the Southeast, including Texas, northern Florida, and the Carolinas, are at risk for flooding rain, hail, and tornadoes from Friday through the weekend, as per the National Weather Service. Although Thursday’s storms caused flooding, flight cancellations, and the activation of state emergency resources in Texas, no injuries or significant damage were reported. Flight cancellations continued on Friday, affecting over 5,700 flights, with a new storm system expected to bring dangerous weather across the eastern U.S., including the Gulf Coast states and Ohio to New York by Sunday. Ice and snow may pose travel hazards in the Northeast, while heavy precipitation is forecasted for the Pacific Northwest. Parts of Mississippi and Alabama are under tornado warnings, with abnormally warm temperatures expected across much of the country. The Weather Prediction Center anticipates heavy rain and snow in the Northwest and several southern and southeastern states on December 27, 2024. A severe weather pattern is expected to persist in the southeastern U.S. before a new system moves northward over the weekend, bringing rain to the Mississippi and Tennessee Valley and thunderstorms to the Great Lakes and Northeast regions. Up to 8 inches of rainfall could occur in some areas, with major cities like Atlanta, Charleston, Richmond, and Jacksonville facing severe weather on Sunday as a cold front approaches.
Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City are anticipated to steer clear of the most severe weather conditions, although there are concerns about heavy downpours and strong winds potentially impacting visibility and causing travel disruptions, as reported by AccuWeather. While these major cities may avoid the worst of the weather, adverse conditions remain a possibility.
In contrast, the Northwest region is facing a relentless onslaught of storms that have unleashed significant amounts of rain and snow, with no signs of abating. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service are warning that squalls expected on Friday and Saturday could bring about 3 to 5 inches of rainfall to Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. Furthermore, elevated areas are forecasted to receive up to 3 feet of snow.
As the storms progress eastward, snowfall and winds reaching speeds of up to 45 mph are projected to impact the Rockies. A large expanse of the Northwest, spanning from California to Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah, is presently under winter storm advisories and warnings, advising those residing in mountainous regions to curtail their travel plans. The inclement weather conditions also raise the risk of river flooding, as well as rock and mudslides.
In light of these developments, an alert issued by the weather service office in Denver strongly recommends adjustments to travel plans during the storm period. The forecast indicates that travel conditions are likely to deteriorate significantly, potentially leading to near-impossible travel circumstances.
The situation in the Northwest remains dynamic, with the potential for snow, rain, and even tornadoes looming on the horizon for the upcoming weekend. The evolving weather patterns underscore the importance of remaining vigilant and staying informed about changing conditions.
