Heavy rain is headed to major cities on both coasts while another atmospheric river flows toward the Pacific Northwest and a storm triggers flood alerts on the East Coast.
The National Weather Service said many Americans may have difficulty traveling as the weekend storm is expected to bring flooding, rain, thunder and wind from the nation's capital to the Canadian border.
The Weather Service has issued flood watches from Washington, D.C., to Maine, extending Sunday afternoon into late Sunday night. Most of the area could receive 2 to 3 inches of rain.
The weather service says melting snow could increase flood risk in Maine.
Meanwhile, days after two people died from flooding caused by an atmospheric river in early December in the Pacific Northwest, the weather service says another storm is headed toward the region.
Wet weather could affect road and rail travel in the east
Travelers should allow themselves extra time for driving and train travel over the weekend as flooding may affect roads and railway lines. The weather service encourages drivers to turn around if they are unsure of the depth of floodwaters on the road.
Train passengers should check the website of their appropriate agency for the latest information.
The storm will hit Washington, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston
National Weather Service offices for Baltimore; Mount Holly, New Jersey; New York City And Boston All are urging residents to check the weather before heading out as strong thunderstorms are also expected to produce wind gusts of up to 55 mph Sunday evening.
Most flood watches along Interstate 95 are scheduled to end Monday afternoon.
“Trees and power lines are possible, which could lead to scattered power outages, especially near the coast,” Mount Holly said Saturday. “Extra precautions should be taken for any outdoor holiday decorations.”
Another atmospheric river heads into the Pacific Northwest
Another weekend of gray skies and heavy rain awaits the Northwest as Oregon and Washington compete for another atmospheric river.
People can expect to see similar rainfall amounts as the East Coast, with up to three inches of rain, the NWS said. “Flash” flooding is possible along the coast of Washington state and Oregon, which the agency said are most at risk of flooding.
AccuWeather defines an atmospheric river as “a phenomenon in which the flow of moisture from the Pacific Ocean resembles a firehose that delivers near-constant rain and snow at higher elevations to the western United States or British Columbia.”
These bands of water vapor, made visible by clouds, extend thousands of miles from the tropics to the western United States
Last weekend, the US Coast Guard rescued several people stranded in the rainstorm. A landslide suspended rail service between Seattle and Portland, and schools and roads were closed due to flooding.
Winter weather and thunderstorms elsewhere in the United States
Meanwhile, the Tennessee Valley and Michigan are dealing with low pressure systems that are bringing heavy rain and reduced visibility in those areas, the NWS Prediction Center said.
Some storms could become severe, producing isolated tornadoes and possibly large hail.
Cold air is moving into the center of the country, and parts of the northern Rockies are expected to see moderate to heavy snow and temperatures to drop below 0.
Contact reporter Crystal Nurse at knurse@USATODAY.com. Follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @KrystalRNurse.
Contributing: Doyle Rice, USA TODAY
