TL/DR –
The United States is experiencing a mix of snow, rain, strong winds, flooding, and freezing temperatures. Conditions are improving in some areas but worsening in others, with flood warnings in effect along many rivers on the East Coast. New York is experiencing high winds and possible flooding, Maine is expecting more rain, southern Florida and Alabama are experiencing calmer conditions, though flood warnings remain, and the Midwest and West are seeing snow and decreasing temperatures.
US faces unsettled weather patterns
Across the United States, residents are dealing with a variety of weather conditions including snow, rain, strong winds, flooding, and freezing temperatures. These disparate weather patterns are impacting the daily lives of millions across the country.
Today, several regions in the US are experiencing improved weather conditions, whereas others continue to battle rain, wind, and snow. Flood warnings are in effect along many rivers on the East Coast, with hundreds of rivers and creeks currently at flood stage.
High winds and possible flooding in New York
Heavy rain hit New York State early Wednesday, leaving nearly 130,000 customers without power as of 12 p.m. National Weather Service meteorologists expressed concerns about lingering winds. Over 55,000 customers in New Jersey also faced power outages, as reported by Poweroutage.us.
Forecasters predicted wind gusts up to 50 m.p.h. in southeast New York, southern Connecticut, and northern New Jersey. Gusty winds might knock down tree limbs and scatter trees and power lines.
Meanwhile, the Weather Service issued a flash flood warning in New London County, Conn., due to a partially failed dam on the Yantic River. The city of Norwich issued an evacuation order due to dam conditions.
Rain continues to pour down parts of Maine
Flood warnings and advisories were in effect for parts of New England and the Mid-Atlantic. Coastal flooding in the North Shore of Massachusetts and parts of New Hampshire led to impassable roads on Wednesday, officials said.
Maine’s southern regions face the risk of excessive rainfall, with up to three inches of rain predicted over already saturated ground. Coupled with swollen creeks and streams, the risk of flooding is high. High wind gusts above 50 m.p.h. will also be a concern, particularly near coastal and elevated areas.
Weather conditions in the Midwest and the South
In Atlanta, temperatures will climb to the mid-to-upper 40s with some sunshine. Similar calm weather is expected in the Birmingham area. Weather Service forecasters advised locals to enjoy the calm weather. However, storms could return by Friday.
Calmer conditions will also prevail in the Florida Panhandle. However, flood warnings remain in effect for several rivers, including parts of the Aucilla River affecting Jefferson, Madison, and Taylor Counties.
Lingering snow and gusty winds are expected in the Chicago area on Wednesday night, leading to travel difficulties. In Columbus, Ohio, cold air will turn lingering showers into snow. A wind advisory is in place for parts of Ohio until 4 p.m.
Snow for the West and cold temperatures in the North
The Western US will experience heavy snow in the Cascades and Sierra Nevada. The disturbance will then move southeast across the desert Southwest, bringing valley rain and mountain snow across Arizona and New Mexico into Thursday.
Residents in the Northern Plains will have to prepare for falling temperatures. A strong Arctic front will usher in this season’s coldest temperatures. This precedes the upcoming storm set to deliver blizzard conditions, severe storms, widespread winds, and rain.
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