After a historic downpour in California, the South is anticipating potential flooding while Northern states gear up for wintry conditions as winter grips the entire United States.
San Diego declared a state of emergency due to the record-breaking rainfall on Monday, which saw over a month’s worth of rain pouring down within just three hours. The total precipitation surged up to 2.73 inches, exceeding January’s average volume of 1.98 inches and causing numerous rescue operations in San Diego County during this unprecedented event.
Forecasters predict that a component of the current western storm affecting California will combine with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico this coming Tuesday. As a result, regions across the Gulf Coast – including Texas and Georgia – may experience thunderstorms capable of causing significant damage alongside heavy rainfalls which raise flooding concerns. Currently, flood watches have been enacted throughout six southern states situated between Alabama and Texas as early as Tuesday morning to ensure proper preparation takes place among residents in those areas at risk for dangerous conditions.
Between Tuesday and Wednesday, the areas with the highest risk of flooding are predicted to be Houston through Little Rock in Arkansas, as well as New Orleans leading up to Birmingham located in Alabama. Due to increased rainfall levels that may reach over six inches locally, flash flood possibilities have become a growing concern.
On Monday, an ice storm affected several states from Oklahoma to Illinois. The storm caused a quarter-inch of ice accumulation on roads, sidewalks, and trees. Additionally, it is expected that the same storm will move into the Great Lakes region and parts of Northeast by Tuesday.
On Tuesday morning, a total of fourteen states ranging from Kansas to Massachusetts have been issued warnings for snow and ice. The majority of regions can expect a minimal amount of icy coverage accompanied by one or two inches worth of snowy precipitation as forecasted.
On Tuesday morning, the Midwest and southern Great Lakes regions are expected to experience significant ice buildup of about a quarter-inch. Due to inclement weather conditions, Cedar Rapids in Iowa has decided to shut down schools on that day.
On Tuesday, an icy combination is expected to occur in the Northeast alongside snowfall affecting Pennsylvania, upstate New York, northern New Jersey’s Hudson Valley region as well as Connecticut and Massachusetts. During the evening commute period within certain areas of the northeastern region may experience slick roads which could pose risks for commuters.
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In the meantime, a noteworthy upsurge in temperature is on the horizon for countless Americans. As this week progresses, certain regions of both the Midwest and Northeast are predicted to experience temperatures soaring beyond 40, 50 or even 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
