UPDATE: Approximately 72 million Americans are bracing for severe winter weather as a massive coast-to-coast storm system disrupts holiday travel plans. Wind alerts are in effect from the High Plains and Rocky Mountains to the Northeast, with gusts potentially reaching 60 mph in some areas, creating dangerous conditions for travelers.
The storm, sweeping eastward through the northern Great Lakes and extending down to the Southeast, is expected to batter communities from Washington, D.C. to Boston until evening. The most significant travel disruptions are anticipated on the West Coast, particularly in California, as a series of storms bring heavy rain and flooding risks from this weekend through Christmas week.
AccuWeather forecasts indicate that California, which recently avoided the harsh weather that struck the Northwest, will now face a drastic change. Urban flooding, small stream overflows, and potential river flooding are projected as several inches of rain fall across lower and mid-level areas, particularly on west- and southwest-facing mountain slopes.
In the Northeast, adverse conditions may lead to significant airport delays as lake-effect snow blankets the region. “A somewhat larger clipper storm will affect parts of the Upper Midwest and Northeast from Monday to Tuesday,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty. Travelers should prepare for challenging conditions, especially from northern Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains through upstate New York to central and northern New England.
Travelers in the Sierra Nevada and Cascades may encounter multiple feet of snow in higher elevations, with snow levels dipping to pass levels, complicating travel further. “Tuesday appears to be the most challenging day this week for weather-related travel disruptions in the Northeast,” added AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno.
While the weekend may bring calmer weather to some areas, lingering winds and snow will persist in the Great Lakes. Interestingly, states avoiding the winter blast are on track for one of the warmest Christmases ever recorded, with temperatures soaring into the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit across at least a dozen states, potentially breaking records from Texas to Missouri and Georgia.
New Yorkers hoping for a white Christmas may be disappointed, as the holiday is expected to remain dry and comfortable with temperatures in the mid-40s. A slight chance of light snowfall is predicted early this week, but any accumulation is unlikely to last. “A white Christmas in New York City is quite rare; the last measurable snowfall on Christmas Day was in 2002,” noted AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist John Feerick.
As millions prepare for holiday travel, the combination of severe winter weather and unprecedented warmth in other regions highlights the chaotic nature of this season. Stay tuned for further updates as conditions evolve.
For real-time updates and to ensure your travel plans remain intact, follow local weather advisories and prepare for potential delays.
