Additional rainfall is anticipated as a new winter storm targets the southern and eastern regions of the United States.
As Friday begins, a flood watch is in effect across five states: Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, and New York. The flooding affecting the Midwest and Northeast regions is partly caused by recent heavy rains, which have compounded the effects of melting snow and ice jams.
Flood warnings have been issued in several areas, stretching from Texas to Ohio. These are a result of the recent rain, combined with the melting snow and ice jams.
A fresh storm system, originating from the Rocky Mountains on Friday, is expected to merge with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. This convergence is likely to trigger more flash floods, spanning from Texas to Alabama. The areas most at risk of flooding include Lake Charles and New Orleans in Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; and Mobile, Alabama.
By Saturday, this weather system is predicted to shift towards Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, raising the potential for flash floods in these areas. Alabama and the Florida panhandle, including cities such as Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile in Alabama, as well as Pensacola in Florida, might also experience tornadoes and strong winds.
As the storm progresses northward and eastward on Saturday night into Sunday, heavy rainfall is expected along the Interstate 95 corridor, with snowfall anticipated from Michigan to upstate New York and into New England. Rain accumulation along the I-95 corridor could reach 1 to 2 inches, while some areas from upstate New York to New England might see over six inches of snow. Michigan and Ohio could also receive a few inches of snow.
This weekend, the Pacific Northwest is set to experience an atmospheric river, particularly affecting Washington and Oregon. This system is expected to be warm, with snowfall occurring mainly at higher elevations above major interstates and passes. Some areas might see rainfall totals nearing six inches.
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Additionally, dense fog alerts are in place for over two dozen states, ranging from Texas to the Dakotas and extending to New Jersey. Early Friday, visibility in some areas was reduced to less than a quarter of a mile, potentially leading to flight delays at airports. This dense fog is likely to persist in some regions throughout the weekend due to the mild weather conditions.
