Storm-battered America faces another wave of misery from the Pacific, while the East Coast reels from winter storm Lorraine.
A “humidity surge” is expected to hit western states today, threatening heavy snow and heavy rain for 48 hours.
It comes after a barrage of “atmospheric river” storms left devastation across California, killing at least three people.
On the East Coast, a monster storm called “Winter Storm Lorraine” yesterday caused a “snow emergency” in New England, grounding hundreds of flights and closing schools.
Winter Storm Lorraine has caused a “snow emergency” in New England
Weather channel
The storm is expected to move away from the United States and reach the Atlantic Ocean today as the West Coast prepares for the final attack.
Last night, the National Weather Service (NOAA) issued new severe weather warnings for flooding and snow disturbance.
“A new storm system will also arrive from the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing a new wave of moisture and areas of locally heavy rainfall,” a NOAA spokesperson said.
“This will include heavy rainfall over coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest all the way to Northern California.
“Over the higher terrain in the Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and progressively the northern Rockies, this precipitation will fall as heavy snow.”
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warned that up to two feet of snow could accumulate on higher ground in the hardest-hit areas.
Meanwhile, Winter Storm Lorraine caused a “snow emergency” in Boston, closing dozens of schools and leaving nearly 150,000 homes and businesses without power.
The latest developments:
Last night, the National Weather Service issued new severe weather warnings for flooding and snow disturbance
Weather channel
A ferocious Nor'easter, an unusually large storm blowing from the northeast and characterized by heavy snowfall, struck suddenly, halting major travel routes.
People in New Jersey were urged not to travel yesterday while New York was hit by its biggest snowstorm in two years.
“Some of the heaviest snow moved south, especially across southeastern Massachusetts,” said Dominica Davis, a meteorologist with the Weather Channel.
“This is where we can pick up five to eight inches along Cape Cod and across parts of Rhode Island as well.”
She added that New York was in line for between three and five inches of snow before the storm headed into the Atlantic Ocean last night.
“The major tornado will reach at least five inches, making this the largest snowstorm in more than two years,” a Weather Channel spokesperson said.
“The system has been named Winter Storm Lorraine by the Weather Channel.
“After a warm weekend in the city, this weather will likely catch some people by surprise.”
Experts say the clash between warm and cold air masses during the middle of the month will lead to stormy conditions across the United States.
Florida, Georgia and Louisiana were placed on alert in anticipation of thunderstorms and the threat of hurricanes, as the border between hot and cold leads to volatile weather.
Jim Dale, a US weather correspondent and meteorologist at the British Meteorological Service, said: “There is the potential for more heavy rain and thunder across this region, and along the boundaries of air masses, there could be a risk of tornadoes.
“However, in the immediate forecast, the northwestern United States will see the most precipitation this week.”
A separate but smaller storm will hit the Central Plains, Midwest and Great Lakes with a mix of rain and snow.
