This week, a strong two-pronged winter storm that will cover about 2,000 kilometers is expected to cause sharp disparities across the country. The South is at risk of flash flooding and heavy rains, while areas of the Northeast prepare for ice weather.
Residents should brace for possible floods, severe thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy snowfall, while travelers could expect major disruptions.
South Carolina faces a multiday flash flood hazard.
The Deep South, especially Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia, will get soaked by many rounds of intense rain. Rainfall totals will be between two and three inches, with localized totals of more than five inches likely.
Southern Alabama and Louisiana are predicted to experience the worst rainfall. As the threat spreads to towns from Atlanta to Mobile, Alabama, and eventually the whole East Coast, the peak time for flash flooding is expected to occur late Tuesday.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, there is also a slight chance of severe weather. The cold front is expected to sweep through quickly, bringing with it the possibility of damaging wind gusts and even a tornado or two.
Rainy and snowy days to flood the Northeast
The winter weather in the Northeast will be different. Through Thursday morning, the Northeast and the Interstate 95 corridor will likely be soaked by rounds of helpful rain. It may rain three to five inches in places along I-95.
Cities including Charleston, West Virginia, Columbus, Ohio, and Pittsburgh began Monday’s day under umbrellas.
In time for the evening rush hour, the heaviest rain is predicted to hit major cities along Interstate 95 by Monday afternoon. While there is no risk of flash floods, any downpour might make travel challenging.
With a much larger system, the second round of rain is expected to arrive on Wednesday. The eastern portion of the Lower 48 is being soaked by a strong cold front.
There is a high chance of flash flooding in the I-95 corridor on Wednesday, which is forecast to be a washout. Tropical-like moisture flowing out of the Southeast will propel this rain well ahead of the cold front that is moving in.
Boston and New York City are predicted to have the biggest effects. Together, the two storm systems may bring more than 3 inches of rain to certain areas.
Rain may mix with or turn into snow by Wednesday night over portions of the interior Northeast and New England as colder air pushes back into the area behind the cold front that is causing Wednesday’s downpour.
It’s too early to forecast where snow will fall and how much could collect, though, because of the damp ground and warmer temperatures before winter weather arrives.
It’s the Great Lakes’ next lake-effect snow event
The Great Lakes region, which has already been severely damaged by recent snowstorms, is predicted to have another bout of lake-effect snow beginning on Wednesday and lasting until Friday.
Although the precise location of the severe snow band is yet unknown, it is predicted to form off Lakes Erie and Ontario.
If the winds go further to the southwest, western New York can be hit by the most snow. If not, the greatest effects might be felt along lakeshores from Lake County in northeastern Ohio northeastward to portions of northern Ashtabula County in Ohio and Erie County in Pennsylvania.
Heavy snowfall is expected for lakeside communities throughout this event, while snowfall patterns may change momentarily due to a secondary front on Wednesday night.
