Winter storms expected across US as thanksgiving week approaches

A new round of wintry weather could disrupt travel across the United States leading up to Thanksgiving, while California and Washington state continue their recovery from storm damage and widespread power outages.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the Sierra Nevada in California through Tuesday, predicting heavy snow at higher elevations and gusty winds that could reach 55 mph (88 kph). Snowfall totals could accumulate to 4 feet (1.2 meters) by Tuesday, with the heaviest snow expected Monday and Tuesday.

In California, authorities are dealing with the aftermath of recent storms that caused floods and landslides. Two people were found dead in Sonoma County, after floodwaters swept through the area.

Santa Rosa reported its wettest three-day period on record, with 12.5 inches (32 cm) of rain. Although another storm is moving into the region, it is not expected to be as severe as last week’s atmospheric river.

The Pacific Northwest also saw devastation after a “bomb cyclone” brought fierce winds and heavy rains to the West Coast. Two deaths were reported in Washington state, where hundreds of thousands lost power. As of Sunday, fewer than 25,000 were still without power in the Seattle area.

Looking ahead to Thanksgiving, the Midwest and East Coast are expected to face rain and potential snow. A low-pressure system will bring rain to the Southeast on Thursday, moving northeastward toward the I-95 corridor. While the system is unlikely to be a major storm, forecasters are warning travellers to prepare for wet conditions.

The weather will affect states from Boston to New York, with the possibility of snowfall in northern New Hampshire, Maine, and the Adirondacks. However, the system is expected to bring more rain than snow.

Despite the challenging conditions, forecasters said the storm is not expected to be as severe as recent storms, and drivers can expect good conditions for the majority of the week. However, temperatures will remain colder in the East and warmer in the West as the system moves eastward.

In other regions, heavy snowfall in northeastern Pennsylvania and West Virginia has eased drought conditions and provided much-needed moisture. Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains saw up to 17 inches (43 cm) of snow, and West Virginia saw significant rain, which helped boost ski resort preparations.

Travelers should remain cautious throughout the week as the wintry conditions continue across much of the country, especially as Thanksgiving approaches.