Severe Winter Storms Impact Eastern U.S. and California this Week

A powerful winter storm is affecting a large stretch of the eastern U.S., with significant snowfall, ice, and rain. A state of emergency has been declared in several states, anticipating travel disruptions. Meanwhile, California faces risks of flooding due to a separate storm. Weather patterns indicate ongoing severe conditions in the coming weeks.

A significant winter storm is impacting a 1,500-mile stretch of the eastern United States, causing snow, ice, and rain on Tuesday morning. Following this storm, another one is set to deliver substantial snowfall to Chicago, while Southern California faces serious flooding risks. This pattern of disruptive weather has persisted since the beginning of February, with three storms expected back-to-back.

This week’s storm has already deposited 1 to 3 inches of snow over parts of the Tennessee Valley and Appalachians, with projections of up to 6 inches in Washington, DC. Virginia’s Governor, Glenn Youngkin, has declared a state of emergency, urging residents to avoid travel. School closures and early dismissals have been announced across various states, including Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, and Indiana, due to anticipated disruptions.

The National Weather Service cautioned that icy conditions could hinder travel, particularly in West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. Accumulations of ice, exceeding 0.25 inches, may lead to outages and rendering many roads impassable. This storm is notably tracking further south than previous ones, thus affecting areas that previously experienced milder winters. Washington, DC, has already accumulated significant snowfall this winter season, surpassing totals from the previous two winters combined.

Severe conditions will widen as the next storm develops in the central United States, anticipated to influence the Midwest and Northeast by Thursday. Kansas Governor, Laura Kelly, has declared a disaster emergency due to expected severe winter weather. Residents should prepare for treacherous traveling conditions as snow accumulations could approach near-record levels for February in cities like Kansas City and Chicago.

By Thursday, California will experience a distinctly different storm, fueled by an atmospheric river. Rain will commence early along the California coast, intensifying as it spreads inland. Regions severely impacted by recent wildfires have been given a Level 3 risk of flooding, while over 35 million residents in the state face a Level 2 risk. The National Weather Service has issued warnings about potential debris flows in areas susceptible to wildfire impacts.

The storm will heavily impact California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and is forecasted to move eastward, leading to widespread snowfall and severe thunderstorms in the South. Following this storm, further winter disturbances could emerge by the middle of next week. Officials have implemented precautionary measures to manage and filter debris while bolstering storm preparation efforts throughout affected regions.

In summary, the eastern United States is under significant threat from a series of winter storms, resulting in hazardous weather conditions ranging from snow and ice to flooding. A state of emergency has been declared in various states as travel varies between treacherous and nearly impossible. Meanwhile, California is bracing for heavy rains and potential debris flows due to wildfires. Continuous monitoring of the weather patterns is essential as more severe storms may emerge in the coming weeks.

Original Source: www.kten.com