UPDATE: Approximately 72 million Americans are currently under severe wind alerts as powerful storms disrupt holiday travel plans across the nation. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph are forecasted from the High Plains to the Northeast, with the most intense conditions hitting the Appalachian Region, New England, and coastal Maine.
A massive weather system is sweeping eastward, bringing rain and wind from Washington, D.C. to Boston through the evening hours. Travelers should brace for significant disruptions, especially in California, where heavy downpours are expected from this weekend through Christmas week. AccuWeather predicts urban flooding and small-stream overflows as storms pivot southward, bringing inches of rain to lower areas and multiple feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada.
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty warns that a “somewhat larger clipper storm” will impact the Upper Midwest and Northeast from Monday to Tuesday, with Tuesday likely to bring the worst travel conditions. Areas from the Pocono Mountains through upstate New York are expected to experience the brunt of the impact.
In the Sierra Nevada, heavy snow accumulation in higher elevations is anticipated, potentially impeding travel as snow levels dip at various passes. Meanwhile, the weekend forecast looks calmer for most, aside from lingering winds and snow across the Great Lakes.
For states avoiding the wintry weather, a record-breaking warm Christmas is on the horizon. Temperatures could soar into the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit across at least a dozen states, breaking daily records from Texas to Missouri and Georgia on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
New Yorkers eager for a “white Christmas” may face disappointment as the holiday is expected to be dry and comfortable with temperatures in the mid-40s. However, there is a slight chance of light snowfall early this week. AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist John Feerick noted that even if New York receives a small accumulation, it will likely melt by Christmas.
“A white Christmas in New York City is quite rare,” Feerick stated. “The last time there was accumulating snow on Christmas Day in New York City was in 2002 when 5 inches fell in Central Park. Only six times in the last 156 years has New York City had over an inch of snowfall on Christmas Day.”
Travelers are urged to stay updated on weather conditions and make contingency plans as severe weather continues to develop across the country.
Stay informed with the latest updates as this situation evolves, and prepare for significant impacts on holiday travel.
