Blizzard warning issued as tornadoes, 60mph winds and flash floods batter US
A heavy snowfall blast is threatening parts of the US with the National Weather Service issuing a blizzard warning today as wintery weather conditions are battering the nation.
Matanuska Valley residents are urged to brace themselves for a severe winter onslaught as a Blizzard Warning takes effect from noon today until 6am local time Monday. The NWS warns of blizzard conditions fueled by blowing snow, with winds expected to gust as high as 60 mph. The extreme weather will significantly reduce visibility to as low as one-quarter mile, creating perilous travel conditions throughout the region.
READ MORE: Terrifying tornado footage shows massive explosion as twister 'hits power plant'
Ronald Harris searches the office of Sabbath Day Church of God in Christ in the aftermath of a tornado on December 10, 2023 in Madison, Tennessee (Getty Images)The Blizzard Warning specifically targets Matanuska Valley, and residents are advised to exercise caution and limit unnecessary travel during this period. The NWS predicts that the hazardous conditions could wreak havoc on the Monday morning commute, with areas of blowing snow posing a considerable threat to visibility.
Beyond travel concerns, the blizzard is expected to bring additional challenges. Strong winds accompanying the blowing snow could potentially lead to tree damage and power outages. Moreover, the gusty winds may cause substantial drifting of snow on local roadways, making travel even more treacherous.
Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts
A tornado destroyed dozens of buildings in Tennessee (Getty Images)For all the latest news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US
Gusty northeast winds are also forecasted to develop by midday today, intensifying into the evening and overnight hours before gradually diminishing early Monday morning. These strong winds are expected to lift easily transportable snow already on the ground, creating ground blizzard conditions in the area.
A low-pressure system is currently sweeping heavy rain across the Washington and Oregon coasts (noaa.gov)Storm and tornado warnings mount as calamity strikes
As severe weather conditions persist, the National Weather Service has issued tornado watches for several counties in Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia. A Tornado Watch valid until 5 pm EST this afternoon, covers the following counties in Florida's Big Bend region: Dixie and Lafayette. Another Tornado Watch which is in effect until 8 pm EST, covers multiple counties in North Carolina and Virginia.
It comes after a devastating tornado that struck Tennessee Saturday claimed the lives of six people, including children, and sent more than 60 people to local hospitals with injuries. More than 20 buildings collapsed and severe damage to infrastructure was caused by the severe weather, while over 45,000 people in the state were left in a total blackout due to widespread power outages.
Dolls and other belongings are strewn about in a yard in the aftermath of a tornado (Getty Images)Meanwhile, residents in the northern Cascades and Rockies are advised to prepare for moderate to heavy snowfall throughout the day. A low-pressure system is currently sweeping heavy rain across the Washington and Oregon coasts, simultaneously bringing snow to the northern Cascades and Northern Rockies. While excessive rainfall concerns in Oregon are expected to diminish by morning, temperatures in the western regions are predicted to moderate over the next few days.
Residents in the northern Cascades and Rockies are advised to prepare for moderate to heavy snowfall (noaa.gov)Traversing cyclone to bring thunderstorms and flash flooding
An amplified upper-level trough is supporting a deep mid-latitude cyclone, traversing the Midwest and East Coast over the next couple of days. The East Coast will experience wind showers and thunderstorms today, with winter weather anticipated from the Central Appalachians to the interior Northeast starting tonight. Heavy to excessive rainfall is forecasted for the Mid-Atlantic to the Northeast Coast, accompanied by severe weather concerns from the Mid-Atlantic down to the Southeast Coast. A slight risk of excessive rainfall leading to flash flooding exists for parts of the Northeast Coast and southern New England.
A destroyed home is seen in the aftermath of a tornado on December 10, 2023 in Madison, Tennessee (Getty Images)A secondary cold front will introduce snow showers to the Upper Great Lakes today. The lower 48 states are expected to experience a considerable lull in weather activity after the East Coast storm system departs Monday night. Temperatures across the East will drop on the backside of the primary cold front, while the rest of the country can anticipate seasonable conditions. Southern California is cautioned about elevated fire weather conditions today due to dry and gusty winds.
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