CLOSTER, New Jersey – A powerful winter storm is set to sweep across the United States, bringing heavy snow, blizzard conditions, strong winds, potential tornadoes, and serious flooding. The storm is expected to move from the Southwest to the Northeast throughout the week.
The previous winter storm has already left its mark, dumping more than a foot of snow on the Northeast and causing rain, snow, ice, and even a tornado from the Gulf Coast to Maine.
As the previous storm system comes to an end, attention is now turning to the next one, which is expected to rapidly strengthen into an exceptionally powerful January storm. Winter weather alerts have been issued for more than 10 million people from California to Illinois, and millions more will be impacted by the storm’s threats on its warm side.
Although the upcoming storm is fast-moving, covering over 1,800 miles in 72 hours, it is still expected to produce significant snowfall across several states. Widespread snowfall accumulations of at least 6 inches are expected from northern New Mexico to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
The storm will also bring blizzard conditions with heavy snow and strong winds as it exits Arizona and heads to the Texas and Oklahoma panhandle region. Blizzard warnings have already been issued in Colorado and New Mexico.
In addition to snow and cold temperatures, the storm will also bring other severe weather threats. Flooding, damaging winds, and even tornadoes are expected. Along the Gulf Coast, warm and moist air will fuel the threat for severe storms, including strong tornadoes and damaging winds.
A significant concern is the potential for flooding, as the storm’s strong winds blow water onshore and its rainmaking storms increase. Widespread river and flash flooding are likely from the central Gulf Coast through much of the Eastern U.S.
Widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected from the Gulf Coast to New England, with isolated locations exceeding 4 inches. The heavy rain, combined with the melting snow, raises the risk of flooding in the Northeast.
The storm’s high winds also pose a danger, as they can cause trees to fall onto power lines or homes. Gusty winds on the warm side of the storm may exceed 50 mph, with coastal areas experiencing the strongest winds. High wind watches and potentially hurricane-force wind watches may be issued for coastal areas.
The storm system is expected to wrap up near the end of the week, but another storm could follow a similar path and impact the same areas later in the week and into the weekend.
In conclusion, a powerful winter storm is set to impact the United States, bringing heavy snow, blizzard conditions, strong winds, and potential severe weather threats. Flooding, damaging winds, and even tornadoes are expected, along with significant snowfall accumulations. The storm will affect millions of people across several states and is expected to persist throughout the week.