A new winter storm is moving from the South to the Northeast, bringing with it the threat of floods, tornadoes, and snow. The storm is expected to impact the southern and eastern United States, with some areas already experiencing heavy rain and flooding. As of early Friday, a flood watch remains in effect for five states: Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, and New York[5].
The highest threat of floods is expected to be from Lake Charles, Louisiana, to New Orleans, Jackson, Mississippi, and Mobile, Alabama[5]. On Saturday, the system is expected to move into Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, where flash flooding will be possible[5]. There could also be tornadoes and damaging winds for Alabama and the Florida panhandle, including major cities such as Birmingham, Alabama; Montgomery, Alabama; Mobile, Alabama; and Pensacola, Florida[5].
The storm is forecast to move north and east on Saturday night into Sunday, with heavy rain possible for the Interstate 95 travel corridor and snow from Michigan to upstate New York[5]. Rainfall could accumulate to 1 to 2 inches locally along the I-95 corridor, and more than a half of a foot of snowfall is possible in Michigan and Ohio[5].
The National Weather Service has issued numerous flood warnings from Texas to Ohio due to rainfall over the past few days[5]. The storm system is forecast to move out of the Rocky Mountains on Friday and combine with another system to create the winter storm[5].
The threat of floods, tornadoes, and snow has prompted officials to urge caution and preparedness. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed about the storm’s progress and to take necessary precautions to protect their property and safety.
The winter storm is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and the importance of being prepared for potential hazards. As the storm continues to move across the country, officials and residents alike will need to remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to minimize the impact of the storm.
