Major Storm System Forecast to Bring Widespread Rain and Snow Across U.S.
A major storm system is forecast to bring extensive rain and snow from the Southwestern U.S. to the Northeast, spanning about 2,600 miles. This storm will precipitate severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms and possible flooding. AccuWeather’s meteorologists predict travel disruptions and mixed precipitation regarding snow, rain, and ice, particularly impacting the Eastern states and addressing drought concerns in the South.
A major storm system is projected to bring significant precipitation, including snow and rain, spanning nearly 2,600 miles from the Southwestern United States to the Northeast. Starting this week, the storm will deliver the first round of severe weather in weeks to some areas in the South. Meteorologists at AccuWeather report that the storm has already provided much-needed moisture to California, with over an inch of rain and substantial snow in the mountains, setting the stage for widespread weather impacts across the country.
As midweek approaches, the storm will deliver rain and snow from Southern California to regions including Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. Wintry conditions are expected along major highways, particularly Interstate 15 in Utah and Interstate 40 in Arizona. Notably, Phoenix will experience its first substantial rainfall since August, while Flagstaff braces for several inches of snowfall, and Albuquerque can anticipate rain by the end of the week.
Upon reaching the central United States, the storm will intensify and begin to gain moisture. Accumulating snow is anticipated in areas from northern Arizona to southeastern Colorado and parts of Nebraska, beginning Wednesday. Travel may become hazardous in cities such as Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Pueblo, Colorado, due to snow accumulation and wintry mixed precipitation in regions of the Rockies and High Plains.
The southern regions of the storm will experience heavy rainfall, providing much-needed moisture to areas suffering from drought, such as San Antonio and Austin. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Courtney Travis noted that localized flooding and slick road conditions could arise from the anticipated rainfall, which could amount to several inches, with some areas potentially receiving up to 7 inches.
As the storm’s power increases, the risk of severe thunderstorms will also heighten, with the last notable storm occurring on January 5, resulting in tornadoes across Southern states. The threat for thunderstorms capable of producing hail and high winds will transition from central to southeastern Texas midweek, with potential for heavy thunderstorms affecting the southern Appalachians to parts of the Atlantic Coast as the week concludes.
The storm will continue northeastward, influencing weather patterns across the Eastern states. Depending on its path, significant snow or a wintry mix may affect cities including Chicago and Detroit on Friday. AccuWeather’s meteorologists warn that a combination of warm air and rainfall in certain regions could lead to ice jams on streams and rivers, exacerbating flood risks.
In the lead-up to the storm, warmer temperatures are anticipated for Southern and Southeastern states, temporarily resembling spring weather. However, as the system influences travel, delays are likely on airline operations in major hubs like Atlanta and Charlotte based on anticipated severe weather.
Northeastern cities, notably New York, could see a mix of precipitation types, impacting traffic conditions in major metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., by the weekend. Overall, the storm is posed to provoke a mix of conditions problematic for travel while addressing drought concerns in the South.
The article discusses an impending major storm that will affect a broad swath of the United States, bringing significant weather changes. The system threatens to deliver a mixture of rain, snow, and potential severe weather, emphasizing its scope from California to the Northeast. With meteorological input from AccuWeather, the article outlines anticipated impacts on travel and drought-stricken areas, highlighting the dual nature of this storm as a harbinger of both relief and potential danger.
In summary, a significant storm system will traverse the United States from the Southwest to the Northeast, introducing precipitation and severe weather risks. The storm promises to alleviate drought conditions in certain regions while posing threats to travel due to hazardous weather conditions. The collective impacts of rain and snow will likely cause logistical challenges and flooding risks, necessitating caution over the coming days.
Original Source: www.accuweather.com
