As the nation grapples with the aftermath of two winter storms in the Midwest and East, a new threat emerges in the form of heavy rain and severe storms targeting the Southeast. The potential for significant flooding looms large as a winter storm moves through the northern parts of the country, while thunderstorms in regions like the Florida Panhandle, southeastern Alabama, and Georgia could bring torrential downpours and strong winds, according to AccuWeather.
Recent severe thunderstorms near the central Gulf Coast have already caused damage, downing trees and possibly spawning tornadoes. Areas in Virginia and West Virginia, which were hit with heavy snowfall earlier, now face the added challenge of rapid snowmelt combined with rain and mixed precipitation.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham warns of the risk of flooding extending into areas such as the Ohio Valley, central Appalachians, and the Mid-Atlantic, where melting snow and ice jams could exacerbate the situation. The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings in parts of Georgia, with heavy rain, flash flooding, and severe thunderstorms expected to impact southern Louisiana through western Georgia.
In California, an atmospheric river system brings heavy rain to various parts of the state, fueling concerns over flooding, especially in regions previously affected by wildfires. Areas in Northern California are already on alert as several rivers remain near flood stage following last week’s heavy rainfall. In Southern California, the risk of mudslides on burned land from recent wildfires remains high.
Looking ahead, forecasters suggest that a third storm may be on the horizon, with a strong Pacific system potentially developing into a major winter weather event across the Plains, Midwest, and Northeast over the weekend. The South could experience further heavy rains and severe thunderstorms in the coming days.
Understanding the difference between dry, powdery snow and wet, heavy snow is crucial for preparing for winter weather events. Factors like air temperature play a key role in determining the type of snowfall a region may experience, with wet snow being more challenging to manage but ideal for activities like building snowmen.
According to an online report by CompuWeather, the temperature near the surface is above freezing, resulting in snowflakes partially melting before reaching the ground. Meteorologist Eric DeRoche from CompuWeather mentioned that this causes the snowflakes to become sticky, easily adhering to and accumulating on almost all outdoor surfaces. The article, originally published on USA TODAY and authored by Doyle Rice with contributions from Susan Miller, highlights the potential for heavy rains and melting snow to create significant issues in various parts of the United States.
