Severe winter weather is significantly impacting travel plans across the United States this holiday season. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for hazardous conditions due to powerful wind gusts and heavy snowfall affecting regions from the Northwest to the North-Central U.S.
Widespread Weather Alerts
On Wednesday, approximately 8 million people were placed under flood watches, primarily in areas of the Northwest. Additionally, around 31 million residents are facing strong wind alerts spanning more than half of the country. The NWS warns that these conditions could affect travel and infrastructure.
Impact of Winds and Snow
- Powerful winds coupled with snow on the Northern Plains may lead to whiteout conditions.
- Heavy snow is expected in the Cascades and Northern Rockies, creating extremely hazardous travel conditions.
- Additional power outages and tree damage are anticipated as heavy, wet snow strains power lines.
The wind alerts stretch from the Pacific Northwest through the Rockies into the Plains and parts of the Midwest. This region could experience widespread damaging winds, increasing the chances of power outages and dangerous travel. In Colorado, strong winds combined with low humidity pose a high fire risk along the Interstate 25 corridor.
Forecasted Wind Speeds
Wind gusts are predicted to reach alarming speeds:
- 60 to 80 mph across various regions, with isolated gusts up to 90 mph in mountainous areas.
- Boulder, Colorado, expected peak gusts at 80 mph.
- Denver may experience gusts of 48 mph.
- Bismarck, North Dakota, forecasted for winds up to 61 mph.
- Spokane, Washington, winds expected at 50 mph.
- Reno, Nevada, will see gusts around 43 mph.
Flood Risks in the Northwest
Flood watches remain in effect across parts of western Washington, Oregon, and northern Idaho, continuing through early Saturday. The NWS has noted that rainfall is intensifying, which could escalate flooding conditions for rivers, creeks, and streams.
Recent Flooding Events
This month, Western Washington has faced historic flooding. Approximately 100,000 individuals were evacuated, and numerous rescues were executed due to extensive destruction of roads and infrastructure.
Upcoming Storms
A new storm will drench Northern California starting early Thursday and continuing through Friday. This system is expected to deliver an additional 2 to 8 inches of rain, with potentially higher localized amounts. Given the saturated soil and high rivers, the likelihood of levee breaches remains a pressing concern in the coming days.
