Severe Weather: High Winds, Heavy Rain, Snow, and Flood Threat Loom Across US Coastlines

This week, opposite ends of the country are expected to experience severe weather, with a powerful low pressure system followed by an atmospheric river poised to unleash damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and  snow in the Pacific Northwest

Pacific Northwest braces for damaging wind

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a 3 a.m. ET update, warning that a rapidly strengthening and extremely powerful weather system could bring winds of up to 70 mph across northern California, as well as portions of Washington and Oregon starting Tuesday. The NWS' forecast suggested that these winds could cause widespread power outages and significant tree damage in the most impacted regions

From Tuesday morning until Saturday, flood watches were also put in place in the northern and central Sacramento Valley, Shasta County, and western Colusa County. The meteorological conditions were relentless, as parts of California had already experienced freezing temperatures, with a low of 25 degrees Fahrenheit recorded in Paso Robles on Monday

Atmospheric River

The impending threat escalated with a forecasted atmospheric river, characterized as a flowing narrow corridor of moisture capable of inducing severe weather. This weather phenomenon was anticipated to hit California's Redwood Coast and northern mountain ranges on Wednesday, presenting the potential for 5 to more than 10 inches of rain, coupled with the risk of floods and mudslides, with the threat peaking on Thursday. Satellite images captured the approaching weather system targeting the Pacific Northwest on Tuesday morning

The NWS urged individuals in affected areas to stay informed by following local news and  weather alerts, and strongly advised against traveling through hazardous conditions. NBC meteorologist Angie Lassman emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, "This is going to be a big one." Meanwhile, further south, the eastern and central Gulf Coast is bracing itself for heavy rain and potential flash floods, with eastern Louisiana to the western Florida Panhandle identified as the area most at risk.

Impact on the Plains Region

In addition to the Pacific Northwest and Gulf Coast regions, a deep low pressure system is expected to  bring moderate to heavy rain across the Plains, coupled with a marginal risk of severe thunderstorms. As the weather  system unfolds, affected communities are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure safety