Powerful storms are expected to cause travel chaos with heavy rains on the West Coast and brutal cold and precipitation in the Central and Eastern states, potentially snarling traffic but also providing a white Christmas for many. A low pressure system developing across the Midwest and Great Lakes is forecast to bring freezing rain and snow to some areas. Cold weather advisories are in effect in New York and Pennsylvania, while freeze warnings are issued for parts of southeast Georgia and north Florida. The “Alberta Clipper” system moving across the Great Lakes and into the Northeast will bring snow and blustery winds. Areas from northern Wisconsin to northern Pennsylvania and parts of Maine could see 1-3 inches of snow, while 3-6 inches are forecast for northern Michigan into New England.
Along the South, areas of rain, fog, and thunderstorms are likely from northeastern Texas to the mid-Mississippi Valley. The West Coast is bracing for heavy rains and potential flooding as multiple storms are expected to roll ashore, with up to 2 feet of rain possible in some areas. However, as the planet warms due to climate change, the chances of seeing a white Christmas are decreasing, with more winter precipitation falling as rain rather than snow in many parts of the country. Despite the potential for travel disruptions, many are excited for the possibility of a white Christmas in certain regions.
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