A strong storm system is set to bring chaos to the central US this week, with powerful wind gusts expected to impact the region. The storm, marked by a red L on the map, will sweep coast-to-coast, causing disruptions along its path.
An unusually intense March storm is forecast to bring severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, strong wind gusts, wildfire risks, and blizzard conditions across the country. While similarities to last week’s storm may be noticed, this new powerhouse storm will first hit the West Coast before intensifying as it moves eastward.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect each day:
Wednesday: The storm arrives, bringing drenching rain and debris flow threat to Southern California. An atmospheric river-fueled storm will make landfall on the West Coast, bringing heavy rain to low-lying areas and snow to higher elevations. The Pacific Northwest will see rain early in the day, with Northern California getting hit by the heaviest rain in the afternoon. This rainfall is much needed in California to reduce wildfire risks. Evacuation orders have been issued for vulnerable properties, especially in areas affected by recent fires.
Thursday: The storm continues to push eastward, spreading rain and snow across the West and into the Rockies. Mountainous regions could see significant snow accumulation by the evening, making travel difficult or impossible. Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed and prepared for potential evacuations.
Stay tuned for further updates on this powerful storm and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this turbulent weather.
Currently, there is light snowfall at lower elevations and possibly in some valleys. Later today, strong winds will develop across Nevada, Arizona, and the Rockies, with gusts of 40 to 50 mph likely, particularly in mountainous areas, as the storm strengthens. These winds, coupled with rain and snow, may lead to dangerous traveling conditions.
California and the Pacific Northwest will experience wet weather throughout the day, gradually easing. Snowfall in the highest elevations of California will persist the longest, with significant accumulations expected in the Sierra Nevada mountains as the storm progresses.
The additional snowfall will be beneficial for the Sierra Nevada snowpack, which is currently at 81% of normal levels, according to California’s Department of Natural Resources. Adequate snowmelt is crucial for replenishing reservoirs that supply water during the dry season from May to September. California has seen above-average snowpack levels in the past two years due to stormy winters, and this upcoming storm may help boost levels further.
On Friday, the storm will intensify as it moves into the Plains, bringing the potential for severe thunderstorms, strong winds, and heightened fire risks. Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop in the southern Plains and Mississippi Valley by the late afternoon, with damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes possible.
By Saturday, the storm will impact the eastern US, bringing severe thunderstorms and blizzard conditions. Severe storms may continue in the Ohio Valley in the morning, with another round expected along the Gulf Coast and Southeast later in the day. Blizzard conditions, along with snow, ice, rain, and strong winds, will affect the north-central US, potentially leading to periods of reduced visibility and hazardous conditions.
Last week, a blizzard caused by a storm shut down highways, trapped vehicles, and led to numerous crashes in multiple states. The storm’s strong winds are expected to calm down across the Plains by Saturday and then move eastward. Sunday may bring wet and stormy weather to the East Coast, with the possibility of some severe thunderstorms lingering into the day. However, these storms are likely to be less severe compared to those on Friday and Saturday. CNN meteorologists Allison Chinchar and Robert Shackelford provided information for this report. To stay updated on CNN news and newsletters, sign up for an account at CNN.com.
