Janice R. Andrews
A powerful winter storm is wreaking havoc across a 1,500-mile stretch of the eastern United States, bringing snow, ice, and rain to millions. This storm is the first of three back-to-back systems set to impact the nation this week, with the second targeting the Midwest and the third posing a severe flood threat to Southern California.
The relentless chain of storms has caused widespread disruptions, from school closures and power outages to treacherous travel conditions. Here’s the latest on the storms and their impacts:
Storm One: Snow, Ice, and Rain Blanket the East
The first storm is currently battering the eastern US, with snow falling across the Tennessee Valley, Appalachians, and parts of the Mid-Atlantic. Washington, DC, could see up to 6 inches of snow, potentially snarling the afternoon commute.
- State of Emergency Declared: Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency, urging residents to stay off the roads. Schools in Virginia, Maryland, DC, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, and Indiana have closed or announced early dismissals.
- Power Outages and Travel Woes: Significant ice accumulation (over 0.25 inches) is expected in West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina, making roads treacherous and increasing the risk of power outages.
- Heavy Rain and Flooding: To the south, heavy rain is drenching areas from Texas to the Carolinas, with a Level 2 of 4 flood risk in place.
Storm Two: Midwest and Northeast Brace for Major Snowfall
The second storm is set to hit the central US on Wednesday, bringing snow, ice, and rain to the Plains before expanding into the Midwest and Northeast by Thursday.
- Chicago’s Biggest Snowfall Yet: Chicago could see double-digit snowfall, marking the most significant accumulation of the season. Kansas City, Missouri, may also approach double-digit totals.
- Ice and Severe Weather: Ice will again threaten areas from Oklahoma to the Ohio Valley, while severe thunderstorms could develop in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
- Back-to-Back Impacts: Some regions in the East may experience only a brief lull between the first and second storms, prolonging disruptions.
Storm Three: California Faces Severe Flood Threat
The third storm, fueled by an atmospheric river, will slam into California on Thursday, bringing heavy rain and snow. This storm poses the most serious flood threat Southern California has faced since January’s devastating wildfires.
- Flood Risk in Burn Scar Areas: Portions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, including areas affected by recent wildfires, are under a Level 3 of 4 flood risk. Officials have taken precautions, such as cleaning debris basins and placing sandbags, to mitigate damage.
- Heavy Snow in the Sierra Nevada: The storm will also dump heavy snow in California’s mountainous regions before tracking eastward.
- Expanding Impact: By Saturday, the storm will reinvigorate over the central US, bringing snow to the Midwest and Northeast and heavy rain to the South.
What’s Next?
The third storm will continue to pound the East Coast through Sunday, potentially bringing severe thunderstorms to the South. While the current storm pattern may ease by Monday, another system could arrive by mid-next week, prolonging the winter weather chaos.
Key Takeaways
- Travel Disruptions: Snow, ice, and rain are causing hazardous travel conditions across the eastern US, Midwest, and California.
- Flood and Power Outage Risks: Ice accumulation and heavy rain threaten power outages and flooding, particularly in wildfire-affected areas of California.
- Historic Snowfall: Cities like Chicago and Washington, DC, are experiencing some of the heaviest snowfall of the season.
Stay tuned for updates as these storms continue to unfold, and follow local advisories to stay safe during this turbulent weather pattern.
