As millions of Americans gear up for the Thanksgiving holiday, forecasters are sounding the alarm about a potent winter storm that threatens to disrupt travel plans from coast to coast. The looming storm comes as parts of California and Washington state continue to grapple with the aftermath of recent atmospheric rivers that unleashed flooding, landslides, and widespread power outages.
Sierra Nevada Braces for Heavy Snow
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the Sierra Nevada region spanning from Saturday through Tuesday. Higher elevations could see up to 4 feet of snow, with wind gusts potentially reaching a blustery 55 mph. The heaviest snowfall is expected to blanket the area on Monday and Tuesday, creating treacherous conditions for those traveling through the mountains.
In California, authorities are on high alert as they prepare for additional precipitation while still dealing with the fallout from the previous storm. Tragically, one person was found dead in a submerged vehicle on Saturday, a stark reminder of the dangers posed by flash flooding.
Thanksgiving Travel Woes Loom
The approaching storm system is poised to impact a wide swath of the country, with the Midwest and Great Lakes regions expecting a mix of rain and snow on Monday. However, it’s the East Coast that’s likely to bear the brunt of the foul weather on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday.
The system doesn’t look like a powerhouse right now. Basically, this is going to bring rain to the I-95 corridor, so travelers should prepare for wet weather.
– Hayden Frank, National Weather Service meteorologist
While the storm isn’t expected to be a “powerhouse,” it could still spell trouble for the millions of Americans hitting the roads and skies for the holiday weekend. Areas from Boston to New York could see rain and blustery conditions, with snowfall possible in parts of northern New England and the Adirondacks.
West Coast Slowly Recovers
As the nation braces for the impending storm, the West Coast is still picking up the pieces from the recent atmospheric river event. In the Seattle area alone, approximately 36,000 people remain without power, a testament to the sheer force of the storm that battered the region.
Meanwhile, the Northeast is dealing with its own weather woes. Another storm system brought rain to New York and New Jersey, where rare wildfires have raged in recent weeks, and dumped heavy snow on northeastern Pennsylvania. Though the precipitation is expected to help ease drought conditions, it’s little comfort to those still without power.
- 35,000 customers in 10 Pennsylvania counties remain without power
- Nearly 10,000 people in New York’s Catskills region still in the dark
- Precipitation helps dent West Virginia’s worst drought in decades
As the nation collectively holds its breath, hoping that the impending storm won’t derail holiday plans, it’s clear that Mother Nature has her own agenda. For those venturing out this Thanksgiving, it’s crucial to stay informed, be prepared, and above all, prioritize safety in the face of potentially hazardous conditions.
With any luck, the storm will prove less disruptive than feared, allowing families and friends to gather and celebrate without incident. However, if the past few weeks have taught us anything, it’s that when it comes to the weather, it’s always wise to expect the unexpected.
