Winter Weather Warnings Issued Ahead of Thanksgiving
Forecasters through the U.S. issued warnings that another round of winter weather could complicate travel leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday, while California and Washington state continue to recover from storm damage and power outages.
California and Washington States
In California, where a person was found dead in a vehicle submerged in floodwaters on Saturday, authorities braced for more precipitation while grappling with flooding and small landslides from a previous storm.
The National Weather Service office in Sacramento, California, issued a winter storm warning for the state’s Sierra Nevada for Saturday through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at higher elevations and wind gusts potentially reaching 55 mph (88 kph). Total snowfall of roughly 4 feet (1.2 meters) was forecast, with the heaviest accumulations expected Monday and Tuesday.
Midwest and Great Lakes Regions
The Midwest and Great Lakes regions will see rain and snow on Monday, while the East Coast will be the most impacted on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, forecasters said.
East Coast Outlook
A low-pressure system is forecast to bring rain to the Southeast early Thursday before heading to the Northeast. Areas from Boston to New York could see rain and breezy conditions, with snowfall possible in parts of northern New Hampshire, northern Maine, and the Adirondacks. If the system tracks further inland, there could be less snow and more rain in the mountains, forecasters said.
Deadly ‘Bomb Cyclone’ on West Coast
Earlier this week, two people died when the storm arrived in the Pacific Northwest. Hundreds of thousands lost power, mostly in the Seattle area, before strong winds moved through Northern California. A rapidly intensifying "bomb cyclone" that hit the West Coast on Tuesday brought fierce winds that resulted in home and vehicle damage.
Rescue Efforts
Rescue crews in Guerneville, California, recovered a body inside a vehicle bobbing in floodwaters around 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sonoma County Sheriff’s Deputy Rob Dillion said, noting the deceased was presumed to be a victim of the storm but an autopsy had not yet been conducted.
Northeast Gets Needed Precipitation
Another storm brought rain to New York and New Jersey, where rare wildfires have raged in recent weeks, and heavy snow to northeastern Pennsylvania. The precipitation was expected to help ease drought conditions after an exceptionally dry fall.
Conclusion
As the winter weather season begins, it’s essential to stay informed about potential weather advisories and to plan ahead for safe travel. With millions of Americans expected to hit the roads over the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s crucial to be prepared for any situation.
FAQs
Q: What are the weather forecasts saying about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday?
A: Forecasters are warning of another round of winter weather, with potential rain and snow affecting the Midwest and Great Lakes regions, and the East Coast.
Q: What’s the situation like in California and Washington state?
A: California is bracing for more precipitation while recovering from storm damage and power outages, while Washington state is still dealing with the aftermath of a storm that left hundreds of thousands without power.
Q: What’s the outlook for the East Coast?
A: A low-pressure system is expected to bring rain to the Southeast early Thursday before heading to the Northeast, with potential snowfall in parts of northern New Hampshire, northern Maine, and the Adirondacks.
