A massive winter storm, stretching across nearly 2,000 miles, has caused widespread disruptions and drastic weather conditions this week.
The storm’s effects have created sharp contrasts across the nation, with the Northeast preparing for icy conditions while the South faces the threat of heavy rain and flash flooding.
Travelers are advised to expect major disruptions, while residents should brace for severe thunderstorms, flash floods, strong winds, and heavy snowfall.
Multiday Flash Flood Threat in the South
The Deep South, particularly Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia, is experiencing multiple rounds of heavy rainfall, according to the FOX Forecast Center. Rain totals are expected to range from 2-3 inches, with localized areas possibly receiving more than 5 inches.
Louisiana and southern Alabama are expected to bear the brunt of the heaviest rainfall. Additionally, a low risk of severe weather, including damaging wind gusts and potential tornadoes, will accompany the cold front moving through on Wednesday.
Northeast to Face Days of Rain and Snow
In contrast, the Northeast is bracing for a different type of winter weather, with rounds of rain expected to soak the region, especially along the Interstate 95 corridor, through the early hours of Thursday.
Some areas could see between 3 and 5 inches of rain, with a more significant round of rain expected on Wednesday as a powerful cold front moves through the region.
Wednesday is expected to be a washout, with a heightened risk of flash flooding along the I-95 corridor due to tropical-like moisture streaming from the Southeast.
The heaviest rain is anticipated from New York City to Boston, with some locations possibly receiving over 3 inches of rain from both storm systems.
While this rain won’t completely resolve drought concerns, it will provide a welcome boost to the region as the new year approaches.
As the cold front moves in, temperatures are expected to drop, causing rain to mix with or transition into snow in parts of the interior Northeast and New England by Wednesday night.
However, due to warmer temperatures and wet ground before the storm, predicting snow accumulation and exact snowfall locations remains challenging.
Lake-Effect Snow Expected in the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes region, still recovering from recent snowstorms, is preparing for another round of lake-effect snow from Wednesday through Friday.
A strong snow band is forecast to develop off Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, though its exact path remains uncertain.
If winds shift, the heaviest snow may impact western New York. Otherwise, lakeshore areas from northeastern Ohio to parts of northern Ashtabula County and Erie County in Pennsylvania could experience the most significant snow accumulation.
Snowfall patterns may shift temporarily with a secondary front on Wednesday night, but heavy snow is expected to affect lakeshore communities during this event.
