Forecasts indicate that a new series of winter storms may disrupt travel plans across the United States as Thanksgiving approaches. Meanwhile, regions in California and Washington continue to grapple with the aftermath of recent storm damage and power outages.
In California, severe weather conditions have resulted in significant damage. Two fatalities were reported due to floodwaters last Saturday. State authorities are on high alert as more rain is expected to compound existing flooding and trigger small landslides. The National Weather Service in Sacramento has issued a winter storm warning for the Sierra Nevada, predicting up to 4 feet of snow in certain areas with strong wind gusts, especially around Monday and Tuesday.
The Midwest and Great Lakes regions are preparing for a mix of rain and snow at the start of Thanksgiving week. The East Coast is expected to face the storm’s impact later, with rain and possibly snow affecting travel through Thanksgiving and Black Friday. A low-pressure system is expected to bring rain to the Southeast early Thursday before heading towards the Northeast, potentially affecting cities from Boston to New York. Meteorologist Hayden Frank noted, ‘This system is prone to bring rain along the I-95 corridor. Unless it becomes markedly colder, we’re likely to see rain instead of snow.’
Last week’s ‘bomb cyclone’ unleashed devastation in the Pacific Northwest, with heavy winds and rain leading to power outages for hundreds of thousands and damaging homes and infrastructure. In Washington, as of Sunday evening, less than 25,000 people remained without power. Further north in Sonoma County, California, two bodies were discovered in storm conditions, highlighting the severe weather’s deadly potential.
In the Northeast, heavy snowfall in northeastern Pennsylvania, notably in the Poconos, was part of the same system. Meteorologist Bryan Greenblatt from New York commented that while the precipitation won’t completely resolve existing drought conditions, it will provide some relief. Parts of West Virginia saw substantial rainfall, offering a break in the severe drought. This precipitation also benefits local ski resorts preparing for the winter sports season.
As Thanksgiving draws near, travelers should remain vigilant and plan for possible disruptions due to the forecasted winter storms. While regions in the West recover from recent storm impacts, those in the Midwest and East should brace for adverse weather conditions that may affect holiday plans.
Source: APNews
