Eastern U.S. Hit With Heavy Rain, Wind, Wintry Mix

Heavy rain, gusty winds, and a mix of ice and snow will slowly make its way through the eastern U.S. today into early Thursday, with flooding and severe storms possible.

An area of low pressure will rapidly deepen as it moves northeastward from the Mid-Atlantic to the Northeast as it drags a cold front eastward. The results will be widespread moderate to heavy rainfall from the Northeast through the Southeast states. Rainfall totals of a half of an inch to 2 inches will be common from Georgia northward into New York and New England. Localized rain amounts of 3 to 4 inches will be possible across New England. This rain, when combined with melting snow, can result in localized flooding. Flood Watches have already been posted across interior portions of the Northeast.

In addition to the rain, gusty winds will develop throughout the day and will continue into Thursday, especially across portions of southern and eastern New England this afternoon into early Thursday. Storm Warnings, High Wind Warnings, and Wind Advisories have been issued across southeastern Connecticut, Rhode Island, southeastern and eastern Massachusetts, and southeastern New Hampshire. Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph will be common, while gusts of 60 to 75 mph will be possible at the immediate coast.

As this storm system races into eastern Canada tonight and Thursday, another blast of cold, arctic air will move over the Great Lakes and into the Northeast. Depending on the timing of the arrival of this cold air, rain may end as a period of accumulating snow across the mountains of West Virginia into Pennsylvania, New York, and New England. A few inches of snow will be possible, especially over higher elevations.

Regardless if accumulating snow occurs on the backside of this storm, a rapid change to colder weather can result in icy conditions developing as temperatures plummet below freezing. This will especially be true on bridges and overpasses, as well as other elevated surfaces.

The blast of cold air will also set the stage for another round of lake-effect snow for Wednesday and Thursday. Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories are already posted across northern Wisconsin into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, as well as northern and western lower Michigan and portions of southwestern and northern New York.

Remember, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” if you approach a flooded roadway. It’s never too early to have a supply kit packed in case of inclement weather. A simple kit including a weather radio, water, blankets, batteries and non-perishable food items will go a long way in the event of a power outage. It’s always best to avoid travel in rough weather as the roads will be dangerous.