Snowfall Expected in Northeastern United States
The Storm Prediction Center in the United States has issued a forecast predicting the arrival of snow in the northeastern region at the beginning of this week. Meteorologists have identified a storm system moving across the country that poses a severe risk in certain areas.
On Monday, the severe risk is expected to slide eastward from Alabama into Georgia and the Carolinas. In these regions, there is a potential for 70 mph wind gusts, large hail, and a few tornadoes. Additionally, heavy rains are expected, which could result in localized flooding. As Monday progresses, the storm will continue to move eastward and then northward into the Carolinas.
By late Monday and into Tuesday, the storm system will encounter cold air in parts of the northeast, specifically in New England. This collision of warm and cold air masses is likely to result in significant snowfall across central Pennsylvania, Upstate New York, and parts of New England. The snow will be accompanied by strong winds, potentially causing reduced visibility from late Monday onwards.
Snowfall accumulations are expected to reach significant levels, with snowfall rates ranging from 1 to 3 inches per hour. The highest snow totals are projected to be between 6 and 8 inches, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 12 inches. The combination of heavy snowfall and gusty winds up to 40 mph will create challenging conditions, impacting travel and potentially causing power outages.
Interestingly, this winter has been characterized by a lack of snowfall in the eastern part of the United States. The snow depth has been predominantly concentrated in the western regions, particularly the Sierra Nevadas and the Intermountain West, due to an atmospheric river event that occurred recently. Consequently, the snow cover for the lower 48 states is relatively low, currently at only 25%.
The unseasonably warm winter has been observed in many cities in the Great Lakes region and the northeast, where record-breaking temperatures have been experienced. In fact, this winter is being identified as the warmest on record for several areas. Climate data since 1970 reveals that winter is the fastest-warming season in these regions, with temperature departures ranging from four to five degrees Fahrenheit.
As the winter season progresses, it is clear that the warming trend across the lower 48 states is impacting traditional winter weather patterns. Despite the limited snowfall thus far, the upcoming snow event in the eastern United States will offer some respite to those seeking a more wintry experience. However, the possibility of treacherous conditions necessitates caution and preparedness from residents and travelers in the affected areas.
