Although this weekend's big storm may end up being a “late bloomer” in terms of disruptive conditions, it will have impacts across the eastern half of the United States, including an estimated 180 million people, where it will be exposed. Areas of heavy rain, and AccuWeather meteorologists say strong winds, snow and severe thunderstorms are developing.
The storm will intensify, but that process will be delayed until it advances from the Mississippi Valley to the Atlantic Coast, where it could hit hard, AccuWeather Meteorologist Joseph Bauer said.
What areas are most likely to snow?
“The increased delay will limit the amount of wind the Great Lakes region experiences and the amount of rain and snow that falls on most of the central states,” Bauer said.
One big factor against too much snow from a more moderate storm compared to the power system is how warm the air is in front of the storm. Temperatures will rise well above the historical average for early December – and in some cases, temperatures will peak 15-25 degrees above average. A strong or rapidly intensifying storm will be able to produce cold air while a weaker storm will not.
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With that in mind, the overall extent and amount of snowfall in the central states will generally be limited to parts of the northern Plains and upper Midwest.
Between 1 and 3 inches of snow will fall in eastern parts of the Dakotas and western Minnesota, as well as an area extending from western and northern Wisconsin to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. A pocket of 3 to 6 inches of snow is likely within both areas.
The biggest chance for snow accumulation will be in parts of the Appalachians and the interior Northeast, where cold air pushes in behind a strong cold front Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening, AccuWeather Meteorologist La Troy Thornton said.
Parts of western, central and northern New York, northern Vermont and northern and western Pennsylvania, as well as the foothills from western Maryland to West Virginia, may pick up several inches of snow through Sunday night as cold air pushes into the back side of the rain.
One area that has a higher chance of picking up 6 inches of snow overnight Sunday is from northern Vermont to southern Quebec.
Rain is coming for several rare December thunderstorms for some
Most of the rain may be scattered and drizzle over part of the Mississippi Valley.
However, AccuWeather meteorologists remain concerned about severe weather over a wide area from the central Gulf Coast to the Ohio Valley on Saturday and Saturday. Warmer air and less cloud cover may compensate for a less intense storm system, resulting in stronger thunderstorms and possibly a few tornadoes.
As the storm moves toward the northeast, it will gain strength and pull moisture from the Gulf of Mexico later Saturday and then from the Atlantic Ocean by Sunday. Increased moisture will fuel more thunderstorms and rain over the eastern half of the Mississippi Valley to the Appalachian Mountains and Atlantic Coast, while a stronger storm surge and subsequent cold front will generate much stronger winds from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Coast during the latter period. Part of the weekend.
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At the very least, a period of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds, thunder, and occasional lightning will move eastward from the Florida Panhandle into Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and western New York during Saturday night to an area extending from northeastern Florida to eastern New York during Sunday.
Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds will be concentrated across much of New England through Sunday night as strong storms sweep through southern Florida.
Winds howl near the Atlantic coast
Winds will blow 2,000 feet off the ground Monday and Sunday along the Atlantic Coast, AccuWeather Meteorologist Grady Gilman said.
“High winds in the lower part of the atmosphere may be pulled down to ground and sea level as strong 40 to 60 mph wind gusts along the Interstate 95 area from Sunday afternoon into Sunday night,” Gilman added. A narrow area of wind gusts between 60 and 70 mph is likely along the New England coast and in eastern Long Island, New York.
There is an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ wind gust of 85 mph with the storm in coastal New England. At this strength, tree damage can occur, potentially blocking some roads, leading to widespread power outages and causing severe property damage. Strong southerly winds can lead to flooding along exposed, south-facing beach communities as well as locations along inland bays.
Over a period of several hours, rain may fall at a rate of 0.50 inch to 1 inch per hour at times.
“Heavy rain will accompany the front corridor and could cause street and highway flooding along with reduced visibility,” Gilman said, adding: “Significant ground and air travel delays are likely with heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms in the east.” From Sunday to Sunday evening.”
What to expect in some major hubs/cities from the storm
Warmth will push northward ahead of the storm, and cold air will push southward in its wake over the entire eastern half of the United States. After the storm, temperatures will return to near or just below the historical average for early December.
The storm will not be at its peak as it impacts Chicago with periods of rain and breezy conditions Friday night into early Saturday morning with temperatures in the low 40s. Windy conditions are in place with seasonal temperatures on Sunday, with highs in the mid 30s F.
Across Atlanta, Saturday will be breezy and warm, with showers and highs in the 60s before the risk of heavy rain and strong thunderstorms. Airline delays are possible Saturday night into Sunday. Windy and cold conditions are expected to begin late Sunday, with temperatures dropping into the 50s and 40s overnight.
Saturday will be a good day for outdoor activities and travel around New York City, with temperatures in the 50s. However, Sunday will be windy, with heavy rain and strong winds with temperatures peaking near 60. Major travel disruptions are likely Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening. Changing winds will bring cooler air by Monday morning.
Like New York City, weather conditions around Boston on Saturday will be dry and mild, including the NCAA Army-Navy football game in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Temperatures will peak in the lower 50s. The rain will stop on Saturday night, but there will be very windy conditions late Sunday evening and Sunday night, with strong winds and heavy rain that will cause major travel problems. Temperatures will rise into the 50s through Sunday evening before falling by Monday morning.
Both days of the weekend will reach 80 degrees with increasing humidity around Orlando. Most of the time will be rain-free, but thunderstorms Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening could be locally severe. Cooler, less humid air will sweep in by Monday, with highs only in the mid 60s.
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