A major storm brewing on Christmas Eve could disrupt travel across the central United States
From heavy rain in the Southern Plains to snow and freezing rain in the upper Midwest, the forecast is tough and chaotic for those trying to get through the Christmas holidays.
Millions of people expected to travel over the Christmas long weekend will face a difficult journey if their route takes them across the central United States.
A powerful storm that has already caused problems for Southern California and the desert Southwest this week and is fueled by an El Niño-charged southerly jet stream will team up with another storm originating from the Pacific Northwest to create a variety of impactful weather.
Here's a closer look at the long-range storm.
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Possibility of heavy snowfall from the west to the northern plains
Heavy snow is expected as the storm reaches the central United States this weekend.
Snow is already falling in the Rocky Mountains from Montana to Colorado, where up to 2 feet of snow could come by Christmas Eve at the highest elevations.
“Denver will probably get some rain, maybe 1-3 inches,” said FOX Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen.
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The northern Plains could also see snow in two different batches during Christmas Day as the storm moves east. Up to 5 to 8 inches of snow is possible along the Nebraska-South Dakota border, with more than 8 to 12 inches of snow seen in some areas. Minneapolis, Minnesota could see some chips fly before it's all said and done.
For those traveling by car, Interstates 76, 80 and 90 can see the worst of the winter weather with periods of heavy snow and gusty winds. Wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph over the plains could cause snow to blow and drift in some areas, further slowing down drivers.
Icy weather can make roads slippery
As warm air and cold air collide in this storm, some people could see an icy mix of wintry weather.
The best chances for ice accumulation appear to be concentrated along Interstate 29 in eastern Dakota and western Minnesota, where freezing rain is possible after Christmas lunch.
The threat of freezing rain spreads north and east Monday night. By Tuesday, a band of freezing rain with damaging amounts of ice accumulation could develop across northern Minnesota into far northern Wisconsin. For now, it looks like the freezing rain will stay north of Minneapolis but will likely impact Duluth.
“Unfortunately for a lot of people who will be driving in parts of the upper Midwest from Duluth to Fargo to Watertown (South Dakota), up and down (Interstate) 29 and 94 toward Bismarck, you can see a few nice spots on the road,” said meteorologist Michael Estime. FOX Weather, “These Roads.”
Heavy rains increase the risk of flooding in the south
On the warm side of this storm as heavy rain poses a risk of flash flooding over the Christmas holiday.
“A lot of the moisture is being fed from the Gulf (of Mexico) and that's going to feed some of those storms and heavy rain into Texas,” FOX Weather meteorologist Craig Herrera said. “That's coupled with an area of low pressure coming through the Pacific moisture — so you have two sources of moisture coming together, but it's the moisture coming from the Gulf that's going to boost precipitation rates.”
Rain begins Saturday night across the Southern Plains in an area stretching from Kansas to Texas. Coverage increases on Christmas Eve, with rain extending from the Canadian border to the Gulf Coast.
Most people in the United States will see a snowless Christmas this year
There is a risk of flash flooding in nearly a dozen Southern states over the Christmas holiday. Parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas face a level two out of four flood risk on Christmas Eve.
Widespread rainfall totals of up to 1-2 inches are likely across the region, with many locations receiving up to 3 inches in heavy rain. There is a chance of up to 5 inches of rain in some isolated areas.
On Christmas Day, the Level 2 threat moves east and includes parts of Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.
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Long-range forecasts show the storm front will eventually sweep east later in the week, bringing cold rain to the Northeast with some snow showers in the Great Lakes region.
